England’s concerning penalty prowess ahead of Euros final | OneFootball

England’s narrow escape in the penalty shootout against Sweden still echoes in the background of their semi-final victory against Italy.

Despite Chloe Kelly scoring a rebounded penalty kick in the 119th minute against Italy, her initial miss gives Sarina Wiegman something to worry about for the final against Spain on Sunday. The substitute’s goal ultimately sent the Lionesses to the final in extra time, courtesy of Michelle Agyemang’s heroic injury-time equaliser.

England were previously at Sweden’s mercy in the quarter-final five days before, when goalkeeper Jennifer Falk stepped to the spot in the penalty shootout. Her miss meant the Lionesses scrambled across the finish line, scoring only three of their seven penalties.

England haunted by close call against Sweden

32-year-old Falk’s effort could have sent Sweden through to the semi-finals in the penalty shootout, but her strike blazed over the crossbar, bringing England back into play.

The Lionesses could only convert three of their seven penalty kicks, with Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, and Lucy Bronze proving to be England’s saviours. Sweden could only manage two, with conversions from Julia Zigiotti Olme and Nathalie Björn not enough to ensure progression.

After the game, Bronze said: “Sweden were unbelievable. I think both teams deserved to go through if I’m being honest.”

She added: “To finish the way we did and a penalty-shootout, going to sudden death, what a way to win a game.”

Bronze “felt ecstatic” after the game after scoring a couple of minutes before Agyemang, while converting her penalty in the shoot-out. She brought the Lionesses back into the game and ultimately won the game for England.

“That’s something I know I can bring to this team. I can always bring energy when we’re maybe lacking.

“I’ve never taken a penalty for England, but I know I’m confident in my ability and in Hannah as our goalkeeper.”

Kelly’s penalty miss against Italy was another in a series of mistakes made by players throughout the tournament.

Spain missed two penalties in their quarter-final against home heroes Switzerland, with Mariona Caldentey and Alexia Putellas squandering their respective chances from the spot.

Wiegman on England’s late opportunities

England were fortunate once again to profit from a late opportunity, with Kelly’s winner against Italy in the semi-final the latest example.

Ella Toone could have poached Kelly’s special moment with the pair both darting for the deflected penalty, saved by AC Milan’s Laura Giuliani, but the 27-year-old beat her to it.

It has become a common theme in the knockouts for Wiegman’s side to score with limited time left on the clock. Agyemang scored in the 81st minute against Sweden, sending the Lionesses to extra time and ultimately a gut-wrenching penalty shootout.

She struck again late on for England against Italy, who led the majority of the match after Barbara Bonansea’s goal just past the half-hour mark. The 19-year-old sensation slotted the ball through the legs of Giuliani, giving her a moment she will never forget.

On England’s late chances, Wiegman said: “We know with the players we have in the squad that we can always score a goal.”

She added: “We got that penalty. We were a bit lucky, of course, that we could score it in the second stage, but we are through.”

“There’s just so much energy, we never give up,” “until the referee’s final whistle, you know you’ve got an opportunity to score a goal.”

In the other semi-final, Spain could not surpass Germany in regular time, with Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí’s goal the only difference deep into extra time.

Should England be worried?

No. A combination of squandered penalties and later opportunities has given England supporters a lot of anxiety throughout the tournament. However, Wiegman’s side has proven to overcome adversity and obstacles placed in the way of retaining their European crown.

Kelly and Toone’s determination to get to the ball after a squandered opportunity represents the spirit of this England squad to win.

Wiegman has a huge decision to make. Whether to start Kelly for the final or give Agyemang a well-deserved opportunity on the biggest stage in Euro 2025.