The Lionesses took a strong Sweden side down to the wire in Zürich, eventually winning on penalties to progress to the EURO 2025 semi-finals.
A brilliant opening half from Sweden saw Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius put Peter Gerhardsson’s side comfortably in front. The Lionesses looked overrun by Blågult, but that all changed late in the day.
Two sublime crosses from Chloe Kelly set up Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang to draw England level. A dramatic penalty shootout eventually saw England book their ticket to the semi-final, breaking Swedish hearts.
The Lineups
SWE: Falk; Lundkvist, Björn, Eriksson, Andersson; Angeldahl, Olme; Rytting-Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfö; Blackstenius
ENG: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood; Toone, Walsh, Stanway; James, Hemp; Russo
The Action
It was a disastrous start for the reigning champions. A poor turnover from Keira Walsh was picked up by Stina Blackstenius, who played it to Asllani for the captain to slot home a composed finish.
Sweden could have doubled their advantage when goalkeeper Hannah Hampton gifted the ball to Blackstenius. Captain Leah Williamson was there with a colossal challenge to prevent further calamity.
The Lionesses looked to respond when Georgia Stanway found Lauren Hemp, whose promising attempt could only find the crossbar.
Another break down the left from Blackstenius culimnated in Sweden extending their lead. The striker fired beyond Hampton, leaving Sarina Wiegman’s back four bewildered. Just before the break, Fridolina Rolfo looked to make it three, but Hampton sent it wide.
England started to apply some pressure in the second half. Ella Toone’s shot was saved by Jennifer Falk, and moments later Lauren James’ brilliant ball was headed off target by Hemp.
Alessia Russo found Hemp not long after, but the winger’s attempt was sent wide. Toone then wasted a huge England opportunity, cutting back to no-one instead of challenging Falk. Sweden countered, but Filippa Angeldahl’s shot was over the top of the woodwork.
Substitute Kelly’s pinpoint cross found the head of Bronze in the 79th minute to put England back in the game. Less than two minutes later, another excellent assist from Kelly saw fellow substitute Agyemang put away the pivotal equaliser.
Extra time was punctuated by injuries to Wiegman’s squad. The deadlock could not be broken, despite close calls especially in the England box, where Lina Hurtig had a header go over the bar.
Penalties ensued, and Russo slotted her spot kick home before Hampton saved Angeldahl’s. Falk saved James’, before Julia Zigiotti fired into the back of the net and Beth Mead’s was also saved. Magdalena Eriksson hit the post, before Alex Greenwood had hers denied. Nathalie Björn and Kelly both got over the line, before Falk sent hers over the bar. Grace Clinton’s kick was saved, and then Jakobsson was denied by Hampton. Bronze stepped up next, sending a rocket into the top of the net and sealing the Lionesses’ victory when Smilla Homberg failed to convert.
Sweden Player Ratings
Jennifer Falk – 7/10 – Did not have too much asked of her until the shootout, but did well when called upon during the 120.
Hanna Lundkvist – 7/10 – A change to the lineup that had a really positive impact for Sweden.
Nathalie Björn – 8/10 – A really strong performance by the centreback.
Magdalena Eriksson – 7/10 – A no-nonsense performance.
Jonna Andersson – 7/10 – Looked less confident that her teammates, but did her job.
Filippa Angeldahl – 8/10 – An innovative showing, her passing game is a cut above.
Julia Zigiotti Olme – 8/10 – Stunning pass set up the second goal.
Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd – 8/10 – A key player for Sweden, doing really well especially in one-on-one battles.
Kosovare Asllani – 9/10 – A phenomenal captain’s performance, the whole package.
Fridolina Rolfö – 8/10 – An experienced head causing problems for England.
Stina Blackstenius – 9/10 – Could have gotten on the scoresheet another time or two. A tough striker to contain.
Substitutes
Smilla Holmberg – 5/ 10 – Struggled to contain Chloe Kelly.
Lina Hurtig – 7/10 – Slots in seamlessly despite having not played many minutes over the last season.
Madelen Janogy – 7/10 – Put pressure on England after the equaliser, forcing Hampton into a save.
Sofia Jakobsson – 6/10 – Helped Sweden to stay consistent.
Amanda Nildén – 6/10 – Helped Sweden to stay consistent.
England Player Ratings
Hannah Hampton – 8/10 – It was a mistake-riddled first half for the goalkeeper but a much better second and a strong penalty shootout.
Lucy Bronze – 7/10 – Pushed up high but made little impact. Poor decision making in general but made up for with a great positioning to score England’s first goal.
Leah Williamson – 5/10 – Makes up for the shortfalls of her fellow defenders often.
Jess Carter – 3/10 – Desperately struggled from the offset. Pace an issue.
Alex Greenwood – 4/10 – Looked rattled and frankly, understandably so.
Ella Toone – 4/10 – Really struggled to get into the game. Poor decision making in the final third.
Keira Walsh – 3/10 – Lost possession for the early opening goal.
Georgia Stanway – 5/10 – The midfield as a whole was almost non-existent.
Lauren James – 6/10 – Received no service to make anything happen.
Lauren Hemp – 6/10 – Provided England some of their more positive moments in the first half.
Alessia Russo – 5/10 – Huge work rate but little quality service.
Substitutes
Beth Mead – 8/10 – Great contribution heading down the cross for Agyemang to finish.
Esme Morgan – 7/10 – Slotted into the backline really well.
Michelle Agyemang – 9/10 – Definitely makes a difference and stretches defences, so much promise, and an invaluable equaliser.
Chloe Kelly – 9/10 – Instant impact with two outstanding assists.
Grace Clinton – 7/10 – Defensively disciplined and eager to make a difference.
Niamh Charles – 7/10 – Made some crucial interventions.
The Halfway Line Player of the Match: Chloe Kelly
The definition of an impact sub. Completely turned the game on its head for England.
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