England have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Euros after knocking out Sweden.
The Lionesses won 3-2 on penalties at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Switzerland, after clawing their way back into the game. The defending champions had been 2-0 down at half-time.
It was Lucy Bronze who delivered the first England goal, assisted by substitute Chloe Kelly. Moments later, Michelle Agyemang followed suit, bringing the score level before going into extra-time in the quarter-final match.
Bronze’s penalty kept England’s hopes alive. Pic: Reuters
After a goalless extra-time, it all came down to penalties. Alessia Russo kicked things off, finding the back of the net for England, before Lauren James and Alex Greenwood had their attempts saved by Sweden’s Jennifer Falk.
The game was sent into sudden death after Falk went face-to-face with England’s Hannah Hampton but sent the ball flying over the crossbar.
Pic: Reuters
A devastated Sweden. Pic: Reuters
It all came down to Sweden’s seventh penalty after Bronze sensationally scored, with18-year-old Smilla Holmberg missing the chance to send her team through.
England will next face Italy in the semi-finals in Geneva on Tuesday.
Michelle Agyemang reacts after levelling the game for the Lionesses. Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
Pressure was on the Lionesses after they won the tournament in 2022.
Their journey in the group stage started with a defeat to France, but hopes were lifted after England sailed past the Netherlands and Wales to reach the knockout stages.
Sweden on the other hand went into Thursday’s game unbeaten in the tournament so far, having already defeated Germany, Poland and Denmark in the group stages.