💪 How England masterminded their comeback win vs Sweden at Women's EURO

In a pulsating quarter‑final at the Women’s EURO, England pulled off a comeback for the ages, overturning a 2‑0 deficit to defeat Sweden via penalties and book a semi‑final clash with Italy.

Trailing with barely 12 minutes of regular time remaining, Sarina Wiegman’s side rallied with two quickfire goals and weathered a dramatic penalty shootout, showcasing resilience and unshakeable nerve in the face of a potential shock exit.

First-Half Collapse

Sweden stunned England early, capitalizing on shaky back‑line play to open the scoring through Kosovare Asllani, who pounced on a loose pass from Jess Carter and slotted home.

England’s frailties were on full display, handing Stina Blackstenius a chance to double Sweden’s lead in the 25th minute when she outpaced Carter and finished comfortably to double the advantage on the night.

By half‑time, England were 2–0 down; a disaster by their high standards.

Tactical Overhaul & Substitutions

Criticism rained in from all sections during the break, with the Lionesses branded from some quarters as “hopeless” and “embarrassing."

Yet Wiegman resisted early changes and held firm in her belief in her team selection. It was only in the 70th minute that she introduced youngster Michelle Agyemang, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, and Esme Morgan, and all three would ultimately prove decisive as full-time edged closer.

With the tactical shift now on, England’s shape, higher press, and wider play were reinforced, particularly from Mead’s ability to link midfield and attack.

Finding Revival

Chloe Kelly made an immediate impact after her introduction in the 78th minute, whipping in a pinpoint cross that was met by Lucy Bronze at the far post to cut the deficit in half.

Two minutes later, Kelly would turn deliverer again, but this time, indirectly after her initial ball was nodded on by Mead before Agyemang bagged the equaliser with less than ten minutes left in normal time.

With that, England became the first team to ever overturn a 2‑goal deficit in the knockout stages of the Women’s EURO, and it seemed that maybe destiny had other ideas in the end.

When It Mattered Most

In a match where England had displayed incredible nerve to battle back against a quality Swedish outfit, the dreaded penalty shootout beckoned, with both goalkeepers (Hannah Hampton and Sweden’s Jennifer Falk) standing tall to keep their respective nations in with a chance of progression, with nine spot-kicks missed or saved.

And as one of the faces of Women's football, Lucy Bronze answered the call when it mattered most when she blasted England’s winning penalty just before Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg blazed her effort high in wide in the aftermath.

It was the type of performance befitting a defending champion, and one that could ultimately define their entire summer campaign, as they prepare to lock horns with Italy next week.

📸 SEBASTIEN BOZON - AFP or licensors