Late Chloe Kelly-inspired comeback sees Lionesses squeeze through after penalty drama (2-2 aet, 2-3 pens)

England’s hopes of defending their European crown were hanging by a thread with just ten minutes remaining in a pulsating UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 quarter-final against Sweden — but a late rally in Zurich and a chaotic penalty shootout saw the Lionesses prevail.

Sweden stunned the defending champions early, taking the lead inside two minutes. A loose ball from Jess Carter put Keira Walsh under pressure, and when Filippa Angeldal intercepted her pass, the ball broke kindly to Stina Blackstenius. Her weighted layoff set up Kosovare Asllani, who swept home coolly to make it 1–0.

It got worse for England in the 25th minute. A long through ball from Olme was collected by Blackstenius 30 yards from goal. The Arsenal forward surged past Carter and buried a low strike into the bottom corner from inside the box — her 50th international goal.

England looked more assured after the break but struggled to create clear chances – until Sarina Wiegman turned to her bench. Michelle Agyemang, Beth Mead and Esme Morgan were introduced on 70 minutes, but it was the arrival of Chloe Kelly in the 78th that truly sparked the comeback.

Just a minute later, Kelly whipped in a sumptuous cross from the left. Lucy Bronze met it at the back post to pull one back. Game on. Two minutes later, Kelly again provided the delivery — Beth Mead nodded down and Agyemang, just 19 and earning her third cap, rifled home the equaliser.

Neither side could find a winner in extra time, both physically spent by the end. Bronze strapped her own leg while Hampton played on with a bloody nose — not quite Terry Butcher, but a snapshot of the grit on display.

Then came one of the most chaotic shootouts we’ve ever seen. Sweden’s Jennifer Falk saved four spot-kicks but missed her own attempt. Hannah Hampton saved three. Sweden had two chances to seal it but fluffed both. England edged it 3–2 on penalties.

Penalties

*Sweden qualify if scored