England have reached the semi-finals of this summer’s Women's Euro 2025, thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout win over Sweden.
The Lionesses, who won the tournament for the first time in 2022, finished runners-up to France in Group D but sealed a quarter-final berth with ease thanks to a 6-1 thumping of Wales on matchday three.
This is after Sarina Wiegman saw her side begin the defence of their title in the worst possible fashion, losing comprehensively to Les Bleues.
However, they bounced back immediately to record a statement 4-0 win against Netherlands as Lauren James hit a brace and then finished the job against a fellow home nation.
Attentions turned to the knockout phase on Thursday and England were close to elimination in their quarter-final tie against Sweden.
The Swedes, who won all three games in the group phase and topped the table thanks to 4-1 win over 2022 finalists Germany, lead 2-0 from minute 25 to 79 before the Lionesses roared back with two quick-fire goals.
As the two nations couldn’t be separated in extra-time, the tie went to penalties and England came out on top thanks to a stunning performance from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
Overcoming Sweden means the Lionesses will face Italy in the semi-final after they secured a late win over Norway on Wednesday night.
There are intriguing permutations as to who could await England in a potential final. On the opposite half of the draw are tournament favourites Spain - in what would be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final.
The other potential finalist in Basel on July 27 are Germany after they beat France in a penalty shoot-out despite playing the majority of the quarter-final with a player less. Of course, this would be a repeat of the 2022 final.
