Hampton, penalty hero: England survives Sweden and advances in the European Championship

In a match full of emotions and unexpected twists, England managed to secure their place in the semi-finals of the Euro 2025, overcoming Sweden in a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton became the heroine of the day, guiding the Lionesses to victory after a match where luck was on their side. The culminating moment arrived when Smilla Holmberg missed her penalty, unleashing euphoria in the English team. Coach Sarina Wiegman and her players celebrated an agonizing triumph, marked by resilience and fighting spirit. It was difficult. One of the toughest matches I’ve seen. Very emotional. We could have been out four or five times during the match.

For a large part of the match, England was outplayed by a dominant Sweden. Defensive errors and a lack of connection in midfield allowed the Swedes to take a 2-0 lead in the first 25 minutes, thanks to goals from Kosovore Asllani and Stina Blackstenius. The English defense looked porous and the team, disorganized.

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Hampton’s intervention, with a crucial save before halftime, kept England in the fight. Wiegman, with her strategic substitutions in the second half, managed to revitalize the team. The entries of Beth Mead, Michelle Agyemang and Esme Morgan, and subsequently Chloe Kelly, changed the course of the match. Kelly assisted Lucy Bronze, who scored in the 79th minute. Agyemang, with her goal in the 81st minute, tied the score, unleashing English hope. Despite attempts to achieve victory in regulation time, the match went to extra time. The penalty shootout, marked by tension and errors, was a reflection of the intensity of the match. With nine misses, the definition from the penalty spot kept the fans on the edge of their seats. Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk missed her shot and Sofia Jakobsson hit her shot against the post, giving England an opportunity. Lucy Bronze, with an accurate shot, put England in the lead. Holmberg’s subsequent miss sealed the pass to the next round.

The triumph, though bittersweet, highlights England’s ability to overcome adversity. Hampton’s performance, with her crucial saves and bravery in goal, was fundamental. The goalkeeper, who played with a bandage on her nose due to a collision, demonstrated her commitment to the team.

England, which will face Italy in the next phase, will have to analyze and correct the errors shown against Sweden. Despite the victory, the team will have to improve its performance to aspire to the title. England’s hope in the Euro Cup 2025 is still alive, thanks to the determination, luck, and fighting spirit of a team that has shown its ability to overcome adversity.