England: Wiegman Thrilled After Epic Penalty Shootout Victory Over Sweden

ZÜRICH – England coach Sarina Wiegman revealed that she thought at least three times that the Lionesses’ path in the Euro 2025 had ended, before beating Sweden in the penalty shootout. The coach added that she does not remember a match like this one, in the quarterfinals. England came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Sweden in regulation time, and then prevailed in a chaotic penalty shootout 3-2. The victory was secured thanks to the outstanding performance of Hannah Hampton. Wiegman expressed feeling “very excited” and with “a lot of adrenaline” after a “crazy match”. She added that she didn’t remember “anything like it” in her coaching career.

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However, above all, he felt relief after seeing Sweden take a 2-0 lead in the first half.

We wanted to start the match much better than we did. That was not a good start. Then, they quickly scored the second goal and it was difficult for us to get into the match. Then we thought about how we could help the team. We started to play a little better, but we didn’t create much. In the second half we had more possession of the ball.

Sarina Wiegman

Wiegman made a series of substitutions in the 70th minute and then brought on Chloe Kelly in the 78th minute. Lucy Bronze scored England’s first goal in the 79th minute, after a cross from Kelly, and 103 seconds later, substitute Michelle Agyemang scored from close range. With the match tied, it went to penalties, where Hampton stopped two shots, and Bronze converted the decisive shot. “Today I thought three times we were out,” commented Wiegman. Wiegman was delighted with Hampton’s performance.

I had no doubts in our environment. I think she had a very impressive performance. She made very good saves in the second half. She had a penalty on the right side that was an incredible save. Great contribution today.

Sarina Wiegman

He also praised Bronze.

Lucy Bronze is unique and I have never seen anyone like her in my life. There are many incredible players, but what she does and her mentality… the goal, the penalty at the far post. That’s what defines her: her resilience and fight.

Sarina Wiegman

Leah Williamson was forced to leave the field injured at the start of the second half of extra time after twisting her ankle. England now waits nervously to find out if she will be fit for the semi-final against Italy on Tuesday. It will be assessed tomorrow. I don’t know [how she is, but] she couldn’t stay on the field anymore.