England through to semi-final of Women's Euros after dramatic win over Sweden on penalties
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.
2:00
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 scored England's first penalty, before Lauren James, Beth Mead, Alex Greenwood 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 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.
0:28
"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!"
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
England to host next three World Test Championship finals
England will stage the next three World Test Championship finals, the International Cricket Council has announced. All of the first three showpieces have been held in England, most recently last month with Lord's the venue as South Africa were crowned champions for the first time by defeating holders Australia. Nearly 110,000 people went through the gates of the so-called home of cricket over the course of a Test that lasted four days, although India were reportedly keen to stage the next edition in two years' time. The influence the country wields in global cricket affairs led to the assumption India would get their wish but England have instead been awarded the finals of the 2027, 2029 and 2031 editions by the ICC. At its annual conference in Singapore, the ICC noted England's "successful track record in hosting recent finals", even though Ben Stokes' side are yet to reach the one-off, winner-takes-all showdown. England finished fifth in the 2023-25 cycle although they were deducted 22 points - by far the most of the nine teams involved - for slow over-rates. Without those punishments, they would have placed third. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive Richard Gould said: "We are absolutely delighted that England and Wales has been chosen to host the next three ICC World Test Championship finals. "It's a testament to the passion that fans in this country have for this treasured format of the game and the willingness of supporters from around the world to travel here for these games. "Hosting these finals is a privilege, and we look forward to working with the ICC to build on the success of the previous editions." Also on the agenda for the ICC in southeast Asia was an update on the support for the displaced women's cricketers of Afghanistan, many of whom were forced into exile when the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and effectively outlawed female sport. Amid increasing political pressure for the global game to act, the ICC formed a task force in April also involving the ECB, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia (CA). The ICC confirmed the programme "aims to deliver structured support through high-performance initiatives, domestic playing opportunities, and engagement at key ICC global events". It is understood Afghanistan women's cricketers, many of whom are now living in Australia, could attend this year's 50-over World Cup in India and the 2026 T20 World Cup in England and engage with the teams there, although details are still to be ironed out.
Powys County Times
2 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Randall backing England to blossom further after summer tour triumph
Harry Randall believes England are 'building something really special' after they rounded off their summer tour with an eventful 40-5 win over the USA. The Bristol Bears scrum-half, 27, was one of six try-scorers in Washington DC as Steve Borthwick's side completed a transatlantic clean sweep of victories after an impressive 2-0 win in Argentina. Fellow Bear Gabriel Oghre also capped a memorable international debut when he dotted down for England's final try after coming on in the second half. The match in the American capital kicked off an hour later than planned due to a lightning strike in the area, with the game then halted by a further half an hour on 29 minutes when another struck within 10 miles of the ground when England were 14-0 up. But Borthwick's side, missing several key players on the British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia, kept their composure to extend their resurgent run that has now seen them rack up seven wins on the spin – their longest streak since back in 2020. Randall has loved life in the camp over the last few weeks and is relishing the prospect of returning ahead of crunch autumn internationals against the likes of Australia and New Zealand. 'It's really satisfying – I think we're building something really special here over last few campaigns,' he said. 'There are a few boys away with the Lions – that strength in depth comes through really nicely. 'I think we've showed that over the last few weeks. 'It's one of the tightest groups I've been a part of – generally everyone gets on with everyone and ultimately that's what makes a great team at the end of the day. 'Having that camaraderie – we're definitely building that really nicely.' Randall, Oghre, Curtis Langdon, Luke Northmore, Cadan Murley and Jack van Poortvliet all scored in a commanding albeit imperfect display at DC's Audi Field. USA grabbed a late consolation through Shilo Klein to give the home fans who remained something to cheer about but England's work was done as they ended their triumphant tour in style. Replacement Randall admits he has never experienced anything like the delays that led to the game finishing 90 minutes later than planned but hailed the group for dealing with it in the best way possible. 'It was a bit of a disruptive game but you've got to adapt to these things, which I think we did pretty well,' he said. 'It was tough conditions – the ball got greasy and slippery but we got what we wanted in the end. 'It's the first time in that situation – it's a weird one. 'It was just a case of when that delay came, switching off, relaxing and keep sipping away fluids as it's so hot. 'When the time comes to get back out there again, it's about getting switched, warming back up and ready to come on when needed.'
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
David Beckham attempts to fix unmissable bald patch on his head after DIY buzz-cut goes horribly wrong
attempted to fix his bald patch on his head after doing his own DIY buzz-cut on Sunday. The football legend, 50, who is famous for changing up his hairstyles, was visibly fuming after almost scalping himself while using a pair of clippers to cut his own hair. David decided to ditch his conventional short-beck-and-sides in favour of the shaved look he famously debuted at the height of his footballing glory in 2000. And as he chopped his own locks, the head fell from his clippers mid-shave - leaving him with a glaring bald patch on the top of his head. Now, David has shared a new selfie showing off an even shorter buzz cut as he tried to cover up the blunder. He wrote: 'UPDATE The best I can do with the situation. @victoriabeckham still awful???' Earlier in the day, the father-of-four was given little sympathy from wife Victoria, who appeared to revel in her husband's misfortune by sharing a video of his uneven buzz-cut with Instagram followers. 'It does not look good,' she admits as a crestfallen Beckham reluctantly shows her the bald patch. 'I'm going to always be honest with you - it looks terrible.' However after David showed off his new look, Victoria added: 'I'm into it!!!' Beckham has opted for the buzz-cut on numerous occasions since debuting the look during a Premier League match against Leicester City more than 20-years ago. During a recent interview with former teammate and best friend Gary Neville for the Overlap podcast, the retired footballer even admitted it was his favourite hairstyle. 'I always like the skinhead,' he said. 'I always loved the skinhead, because it was easy and you didn't have to do anything with it.' Ahead of his milestone 50th birthday in May, Beckham launched a new fundraising appeal for UNICEF's work to support vulnerable children. The former footballer has worked with UNICEF for 20 years as a Goodwill Ambassador – a role that has seen him raise awareness on issues such as education, health, immunization, and protection. The new appeal will help to improve the lives of girls and adolescent girls globally who are impacted by child marriage, female genital mutilation, violence and abuse. In a video posted to his Instagram as the appeal launched, Beckham said: 'We are witnessing a global funding crisis where the most vulnerable children are suffering the most and urgently need our help. Please support my birthday fundraiser. 'Next month, I turn 50. It's a major milestone that has made me think about the opportunities I've had and the experiences that have shaped me. In a video posted to his Instagram as the appeal launched, Beckham said: 'We are witnessing a global funding crisis where the most vulnerable children are suffering the most and urgently need our help. Please support my birthday fundraiser. 'As I look back, some of the moments that have had the most impact on me have come through my work with @UNICEF. As a father of four amazing children, I know how lucky my family is to be safe and have access to education and healthcare. 'I've met children living in the toughest situations all over the world and I've seen what can happen when they are given the support they need to take control of their lives. 'Today, 25 years since my first visit to a women's centre in Thailand, the world is a very difficult place for children - especially girls. 'That's why I'm launching a fundraising appeal for my birthday. I want the children who need us to believe that their voice will be heard. 'So if you, like me, believe that every child should have the chance to achieve their full potential, please click the link in my bio to donate. Whatever you can give will make a difference to children's lives. 'Every child deserves the chance to dream. Together, we can help to make those dreams a reality. Thank you @UNICEF. #ForEveryChild.'
