England Sweden goes the distance at EURO 2025

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – JULY 17: Players of England celebrate winning the penalty shootout during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Quarter-Final match between Sweden and England at Stadion Letzigrund on July 17, 2025 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

The Epic UEFA EURO 2025 Quarter-Final That Had It All

There was so much noise before this UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 game. Talk of England’s world-class players. Of history beckoning. Of title defences and greatness.

But someone forgot to tell the Lionesses.

A Nightmare Start for England

Within three minutes, Sweden took the lead. A calamitous pass from Jess Carter put Keira Walsh under pressure, the ball ricocheted off a Swedish shirt, and Kosovare Asllani pounced, finishing with the clinical precision of an Ikea flat-pack diagram. England were rattled.

Moments later, Hannah Hampton’s hesitation almost gifted Sweden another, only saved by Leah Williamson’s sharp interception. Sweden smelt blood. England looked… lost.

Lauren Hemp responded with a lofted attempt that struck the crossbar, Falk tipping it brilliantly. But England weren’t convincing. And the Swedes? They weren’t here to admire their opponents. They were here to rewrite history.

Back in Euro 2022, England demolished Sweden 4-0 in the semi-final. Tonight, Sweden played like a team with long memories and fresh fire.

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Sweden Make It Two

Twenty minutes in, Stina Blackstenius left Carter for dust and slotted home after more shambolic defending and weak goalkeeping. Sweden 2, England 0. Deserved, no question.

The team in blue looked like undercooked meatballs. Unseasoned, flat, lacking bite. Lauren James was invisible. England were staring at the mirror of their own triumph three years ago but from the wrong side.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – JULY 17: Stina Blackstenius of Sweden scores her team’s second goal under pressure from Jessica Carter of England, past Hannah Hampton of England during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Quarter-Final match between Sweden and England at Stadion Letzigrund on July 17, 2025 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Maja Hitij – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Then, controversy.

Just before half-time, Georgia Stanway was tripped… by the referee. Sweden played on, and were nearly in for a third if not for a sharp Hampton save. The half ended in chaos. Surely Sarina Wiegman would ring the changes?

She didn’t.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – JULY 17: Leah Williamson of England reacts towards her teammates Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Quarter-Final match between Sweden and England at Stadion Letzigrund on July 17, 2025 in Zurich, Switzerland. (Photo by Molly Darlington – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

The Lionesses Wake Up

No substitutions. No tactical reshuffle. Just trust. Or stubbornness.

But England flickered to life.

Ella Toone found herself one-on-one but couldn’t convert. Then Hemp missed a glorious headed chance. England had the ball. But did they have belief?

Lauren James looked a shadow of herself. Frustrated and shut down. Still, no changes. It wasn’t until the 70th minute that Wiegman made her move: Beth Mead, Esme Morgan, and the teenage sensation Michelle Agyemang came on.

Lauren Hemp made way for Chloe Kelly. And that changed everything.

A Comeback for the Ages

First, Kelly whipped in a brilliant cross. Lucy Bronze rose, powered a header. 2-1.

Less than two minutes later, Kelly again the architect. This time for Agyemang. The 18-year-old slotted home with confidence. 2-2.

Sweden were stunned. But England couldn’t quite kill it off. Extra time beckoned.

Chaos, Carnage, and Courage in Extra Time

Bodies tired. Tackles flew in. Williamson injured her ankle and was replaced by Niamh Charles. Lauren James limped but stayed on. Hampton took a knock to the nose in a brutal collision. Lucy Bronze strapped her own leg while medics tended others. It was gladiatorial.

No goals in extra time. So, to penalties. Just like in 1984, when Sweden beat England in the first Women’s Euros final.

Penalties: History Rewritten

But this time, fate had other plans.

Alessia Russo: Buried it, lower left.
Filippa Angeldahl: Saved by Hampton
Lauren James: Saved by Falk
Julia Ziggiotti: Scored, top corner,. 1-1
Beth Mead: Missed, Falk saves again.
Magdalena Eriksson: Hit the post
Alex Greenwood: Saved. Falk on fire. Three saves from four
Nathalie Bjorn: Scored. Advantage Sweden
Chloe Kelly: Ice in her veins. 2-2
Jennifer Falk (yes, the keeper): Blasted over
Grace Clinton: Saved. Falk’s fourth
Sofia Jakobsson: Hampton tips onto the post.

And then… Bronze.

Lucy Bronze. Veteran. Warrior. Smashed hers home. 3-2. England in front.

Sweden’s final taker stepped up, Smila Holmberg, needing to score. She missed.

England are through.

Unbelievable. Unrelenting. Unfinished.

Final Thoughts

This was the kind of match that doesn’t just entertain. It converts. A night of grit, guts, and glorious drama. England go on to face Italy in the semi-finals with their dreams of defending the crown still alive.

Sweden, magnificent throughout, bow out with pride. But for the Lionesses, this is the stuff of legend.

And breathe.

Swede. Carrot. Lime. And a twist of drama that only football can deliver.