England through to semi-final of Women's Euros after dramatic win over Sweden on penalties

England beat Sweden in a dramatic penalty shootout to keep hopes alive of defending their UEFA Women's Euros title.

Nine of the 14 penalties in Zurich were missed - with England edging through after the shootout went to sudden death.

The Lionesses looked to be going out in regular time until Lucy Bronze's header kickstarted the comeback in the 79th minute to make it 2-1.

Michelle Agyemang pulled them level two minutes later - both goals assisted by sub Chloe Kelly.

The defending champions had gone behind early - Kosovare Asllani scoring after just two minutes and Stina Blackstenius adding another mid-way through the first half.

England's late comeback took it to extra time, but after a deadlocked 30 minutes it was time for a nail-biting finale.

Alessia Russo opened the scoring for England, before Lauren James, Alex Greenwood, Beth Mead and Grace Clinton all had their attempts saved

Sweden missed several chances to win the match, including keeper Jennifer Falk putting her own kick over the crossbar.

Hannah Hampton grabbed the glory with a game-winning save from Smilla Holmberg after Lucy Bronze's successful penalty meant she needed to score.

England's other successful spot kick came from Chloe Kelly.

The Lionesses now face Italy on Tuesday in the semis.

'That was crazy'

England boss Sarina Wiegman described it as "one of the hardest games I've ever watched".

"We could have been out of the game three or four times, when you're 2-0 at half-time it's not good," she said.

"Although we started really bad, at the end it got better, but we didn't create anything so we had to change shape, and we score two goals - that was crazy," she added.

"We miss a lot [of penalties], and they miss even more. I need to decompress, I think."

Goalkeeper Hampton said it was "stressful watching" and "stressful playing".

The 24-year-old, who was left with a bloodied nose in extra-time, said: "Every time I saved one, I was just thinking 'please put it in, so we have a bit of a cushion!'

"To be honest, I think I was better in the game when I had one nostril than when I was completely fine!"

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Pressure had been on the Lionesses after they won the tournament in 2022.

The group stages started with a 2-1 defeat to France, but hopes were lifted after they sailed past the Netherlands and Wales to reach the knockout stages.

Sweden went into Thursday's game unbeaten, having already defeated Germany, Poland and Denmark.

(c) Sky News 2025: England through to semi-final of Women's Euros after dramatic win over Sweden on penalties