European reigning champions England are through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Women’s European Championship after a dramatic 3–2 penalty shootout win over Sweden. The result ended Sweden’s 15-match unbeaten run in Zurich.
Sweden took an early lead just two minutes into the match after a defensive mistake by England. Keira Walsh’s attempted clearance bounced off Filippa Angeldahl and landed at the feet of Stina Blackstenius, who set up captain Kosovare Asllani to score past Hannah Hampton.
The Lionesses continued to look shaky at the back and nearly conceded again after an error from Hampton. However, Leah Williamson made a crucial sliding tackle to stop Blackstenius from scoring a second.
Lauren Hemp came close to equalising in a frantic opening 10 minutes when her long-range shot was pushed onto the crossbar by Jennifer Falk.
It was a far cry from the confident displays against the Netherlands and Wales. Sweden soon added a second goal when a simple pass from Julia Zigiotti Olme split the defence and allowed Blackstenius to finish past Hampton with ease.
Before the break, Hampton kept England in the game with a brilliant save from Fridolina Rolfo’s effort.
After half-time, England improved. Ella Toone was almost through on goal from a Hemp pass but Falk saved her shot. Moments later, Hemp had a real chance to score after a good cross from Lauren James, but she headed wide at the far post.
Sweden continued to threaten. Asllani’s pass set up another chance for Blackstenius, but Hampton reacted quickly to block it. Blackstenius remained a constant threat and set up Johanna Rytting Kaneryd for a powerful shot that flew just over the bar.
Despite the pressure, it was England who scored next. Chloe Kelly delivered a perfect cross to the far post where Lucy Bronze headed the ball into the net. Just two minutes later, Kelly caused more trouble with another cross into the box. The Swedish defence failed to clear it and Michelle Agyemang calmly scored to complete an unlikely comeback.
Sweden almost replied through Madelen Janogy after more poor defending, but Hampton made another important save.
England pushed for a winner. Agyemang set up Alessia Russo whose shot was deflected wide in stoppage time. Sweden had one last chance as Nathalie Bjorn headed wide from a set piece.
Extra time was tough for England. Williamson went off injured, but her replacement Niamh Charles made a brilliant headed clearance to deny Lina Hurtig from scoring. Russo had another late opportunity to win the game but missed the target and the match went to penalties.
The shootout was tense and error-filled. Falk missed a chance to win it for Sweden by firing her penalty over the bar. Lucy Bronze then scored for England and Smilla Holmberg failed to score her penalty.
It was a hard-fought win, but England are through to the semi-finals. They will face Italy in Geneva on Tuesday.
