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Defending Champions England Survive Scare, Advance to Euro 2025 Semis
17 Jul
Summary
- England trailed 2-0 at halftime but rallied to draw 2-2 in regulation
- Dramatic penalty shootout saw both teams struggle, but England prevailed
- England will face Italy in the semi-finals on July 22, 2025

The defending European champions, England, survived a scare in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament. Trailing 2-0 at halftime against Sweden, the Lionesses mounted a remarkable comeback in the second half to force extra time and eventually prevail in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Sweden had taken control of the match early, with goals from Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius putting them in a commanding position. However, England head coach Sarina Wiegman made a series of substitutions in the 69th minute, and the changes paid off. Chloe Kelly's crosses led to goals from Lucy Bronze and 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang, drawing England level at 2-2 by the end of regulation.
The subsequent penalty shootout was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to convert their spot kicks. But England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made a crucial save, and Lucy Bronze's powerful strike proved to be the decisive moment, sending the defending champions through to the semi-finals.
England will now face Italy on July 22, 2025, in Geneva, as they continue their quest to retain the European title.