England Secures Semifinal Berth Against Italy in Geneva

England clinched a spot in the Euro 2025 semifinals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Sweden, following a comeback from a 2-2 draw at Letzigrund on Thursday.

Sweden’s goalkeeper, Jennifer Falk, set a Women’s Euro shootout record with four saves during the penalty kicks. Despite her efforts, England prevailed with a 3-2 win.

Smilla Holmberg, the 18-year-old from Sweden, missed the decisive penalty after Lucy Bronze confidently converted hers for the Lionesses.

Stina Blackstenius delivered a precise assist to Sweden’s captain, Kosovare Asllani, who scored the opening goal early in the match.

Blackstenius extended Sweden’s lead in the 25th minute, outpacing Jess Carter to make it 2-0.

England initiated a comeback with Bronze scoring with just 12 minutes left on the clock, and substitute Michelle Agyemang, a teenager, leveled the score two minutes later, pushing the game into extra time.

England’s goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton, emerged as a key player. Despite playing with a bloodied nose from an earlier collision, the 24-year-old made two crucial saves in the shootout. However, the Swedish team’s missed attempts, including two shots that went far over the goal, also aided her.

Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly successfully scored for the Lionesses, while Sweden’s goalkeeper, Jennifer Falk, managed to save attempts from Lauren James, Beth Mead, Alex Greenwood, and Grace Clinton.

After witnessing several weak penalties being saved, Bronze removed her bandage before confidently striking her penalty with significant force.

Bronze’s Statement

“I felt a bit restricted towards the end, and I needed to ensure I could continue. The bandage was hindering my penalty,” Bronze commented.

“I didn’t anticipate it going to the sixth penalty, so I kept it on. When it was my turn, I knew I had to remove it to hit the ball properly.”

England is now set to play against Italy in the semifinals in Geneva on Tuesday.