Penalty shootout star Hannah Hampton praises backing from England supporters
Despite three consecutive England failures from the spot, Lucy Bronze's smashed effort put the pressure on Sweden youngster Smilla Holmberg, who skied her attempt to give the Lionesses the win.
HANNAH HAMPTON. ENGLAND HERO.#WEURO2025. pic.twitter.com/K333MEIwvl
— (C)helsea FC Women 🏆🏆🏆 (@ChelseaFCW) July 17, 2025
'It all went so quick, we are all so happy and the fans were behind us and knew not to write us off,' Chelsea's Hampton, who saved from Filippa Angeldal and Sofia Jakobsson in the shootout, told the BBC.
'It was stressful watching and playing, I thought every single time when I saved one, 'Please score and give us a cushion'. I feel so happy and relieved.'
On the backing she received from fans during the shootout, she added: 'It helps you get the edge, push on and stretch extra for each save and I appreciated the support.'
After Kosovare Asllani's early strike, Stina Blackstenius doubled Sweden's lead and it looked like England's hopes of retaining their trophy were fading.
Sarina Wiegman's side left it late as Bronze's header in the 79th minute and substitute Michelle Agyemang's tap-in moments later sent the tie into extra-time.
Hampton, who suffered a bloodied nose during the match, added: 'It's fine, me and nose bleeds never go well, so as soon as the doctor looked at my nose bleed I thought, 'Oh no not again'.
THE moment.
Try and watch this without smiling ☺️ pic.twitter.com/vCBS7QfF3E
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 17, 2025
One sour note for England was skipper Leah Williamson limping off with a possible ankle injury.
'It wasn't about me and a game like that requires you to be at 100 per cent, but I don't know,' Williamson said about the severity of her injury.
'I feel really proud, it was awful to watch at the end, but I love that we never give up, we're never done, the fightback and to stay in it mentally was incredible.'
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The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Lionesses' Beatlemania-like homecoming shows women footballers are FINALLY getting the honour and respect they deserve
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South Wales Argus
3 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
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South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
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