England came from behind in normal time to earn a 2-2 draw with Sweden before winning a tense penalty shootout 3-2 to reach the Euro 2025 semi-finals.

Jennifer Falk had looked set to be Sweden’s hero with four penalty saves, but after missing her own spot-kick, it was eventually Lucy Bronze who had the deciding say.

Sweden opened the scoring just two minutes in; Keira Walsh’s pass was charged down before Stina Blackstenius squared it to the unmarked Kosovare Asllani, who picked out the bottom-left corner.

A frenetic opening six minutes also saw Hannah Hampton caught out on the edge of the box, prompting Leah Williamson to brilliantly block Blackstenius’ effort in front of an empty net, before Lauren Hemp’s floated effort was tipped onto the crossbar by Falk.

And with England struggling to find their rhythm, Sweden took advantage, with Blackstenius racing in behind the defence to drive a low shot under Hampton into the left side of the net.

However, Sarina Wiegman’s substitutes turned the tide, with Chloe Kelly taking just 63 seconds to make an impact. She clipped a cross into the far post in the 79th minute, and Bronze was on hand to head home.

Two minutes later, England found their equaliser, with Kelly’s cross knocked down for Michelle Agyemang to turn in from close range.

There was nothing to split the sides in extra time, and England started the shootout strongly thanks to Alessia Russo before Hampton denied Filippa Angeldahl, but the Lionesses then saw three consecutive spot-kicks saved.

Falk’s miss forced sudden death, with both goalkeepers making another save apiece before Bronze rifled into the roof of the net. Smilla Holmberg then skied the next penalty, meaning England will meet Italy in the last four.

WE NEVER QUIT.

ENGLAND ARE IN THE #WEURO2025 SEMI-FINALS pic.twitter.com/Gu8o4Vxc3Z

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 17, 2025

Data Debrief: Leaving it late

More than once, England looked down and out in this match, but they showed a true fighting spirit to ensure their title defence stayed alive.

It is just the second time England have avoided defeat at the Euros when trailing by two or more goals, beating Russia 3-2 in the 2009 group stage.

And this was just the second time this fixture has gone to penalties at the Euros, after the 1984 final, though Sweden could not replicate their heroics from that match (a 4-3 shootout win).