Perfect blend of youth and experience rescues England’s title defence at EURO 2025

England are through to the semi-finals of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, beating Sweden on penalties after a tense 120 minutes of football.

The game ended 2-2, the Lionesses coming back from behind late on before going on to win 3-2 on penalties.

It was a lightening quick start in Zurich, with Kosovare Asllani opening the scoring for Sweden with just two minutes on the clock. Continuing to pile on the pressure, they doubled their advantage after Stina Blackstenius poked the ball beyond Hannah Hampton.

Left with a mountain to climb at half-time, England fought their way back into the game getting their first goal with 79 minutes gone, the experienced Lucy Bronze heading home Chloe Kelly’s teasing cross.

In the immediate aftermath, the Lionesses maximised on the momentum to net their second through teenager Michelle Agyemang, pulling off a composed, instinctive finish in front of goal.

With nothing to separate the two come full-time, fans braced themselves for another 30-minutes of breathless action. Ultimately, there proved very little to separate the two nations, prompting the tie to be settled on penalties.

It was a shootout for the ages, finishing 3-2 despite each team taking seven apiece, a tale of tired legs and excellent goalkeeping.

England will now face Italy in the semi-final on Tuesday (22 July).

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