From France loss to nailbiting knockout wins – England's path to Euro 2025 final
The Lionesses' title defence got off to a poor start as goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore in quick succession in the latter stages of the first half put France on course for a deserved win. Keira Walsh's superb late strike did not alter the outcome.
Four goals and three big points at #WEURO2025! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/55sb1qo5hF
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 9, 2025
Lauren James scored twice as a much-improved England got their campaign up and running. Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone also got on the scoresheet in a commanding display that revived hope of reaching the last eight.
🦁 England turn on the style in St.Gallen 💫#WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/kz64MWzeTM
— UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 13, 2025
Sarina Wiegman's side powered into the knockout stages with an emphatic victory that confirmed Wales' elimination. Stanway put them on course with a penalty before Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo made it 4-0 at half-time. Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones added to the tally either side of a Hannah Cain consolation.
England survived a nail-biting penalty shoot-out after hauling themselves back from the brink of defeat. Late goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang forced extra time before the drama of an extraordinary spot-kick battle. Just five penalties were scored from 14 taken and Sweden were twice one kick away from victory, but luck was with the Lionesses.
Again England started slowly and were behind at half-time to Barbara Bonansea's thumping finish after a defensive lapse. Agyemang equalised to force extra time and then hit the bar with a superb lob before fellow substitute Chloe Kelly had a penalty saved but followed up to score.
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