City stars help England march on at Euros after shootout drama | OneFootball

England maintained their hopes of retaining their Euros crown after a remarkable penalty shootout victory over Sweden in the quarter-finals.

The Lionesses, who started with City stars Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp, had fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 to take the game into extra time before the tie was decided from the spot.

Sweden twice had kicks to win the game but missed both times before Smila Holmberg blasted their seventh penalty over the bar to send England through to a semi-final clash with Italy.

It was a huge escape for England who were lucky to still be in the game after a poor first half despite Hemp hitting the crossbar for the Lionesses in Zurich.

City team-mate Greenwood started at left-back for Sarina Wiegman’s side but her presence in the heart of the defence was missed during a dreadful start.

Sweden took the lead inside two minutes when sloppy passing from Jess Carter and Keira Walsh allowed former City striker Kosovare Asllani a sight of goal and she buried the opportunity.

In a nervous opening, goalkeeper Hannah Hampton got in a tangle from a Carter back pass, and only a desperate tackle from Leah Williamson stopped her Arsenal team-mate Stina Blackstenius from doubling their advantage.

Hemp almost brought the Lionesses level in the fifth minute when her clever sidefooted shot was turned onto the crossbar by the fingertips of Jennifer Falk.

But it was a rare bright moment of an uncomfortable first half and Blackstenius did get Sweden’s second in the 25th minute when she outpaced Carter before steering the ball home.

And only a fine Hampton save kept it that way going into the break as she kept out Fridolina Rolfo’s fierce strike.

England improved quickly after the restart and Hemp got on the end of a Lauren James’ cross but her far-post header flashed wide of the post.

The City winger then threaded a pass into the path of Ella Toone but she failed to get her shot away.

But with the clock running down, England scored twice in two minutes to change the momentum of the game.

First, Lucy Bronze headed home Chloe Kelly’s deep cross before substitute Michelle Agyemang prodded in from close range to bring the sides level.

Sweden looked the most likely to grab an extra time winner but the Lionesses put their bodies on the line to keep them out – Greenwood receiving lengthy treatment after injuring a shoulder bravely defending the six-yard box.

Both sides missed four of their first six penalties, including Greenwood who had her effort saved, before Bronze scored and Holmberg fired the 14th penalty off target.

England will now face Italy, who knocked out Norway, in the first EUROS 2025 semi-final on Tuesday 22 July at 20:00 (UK).