Wiegman on ‘one of the hardest games I’ve ever watched’ as England reach Euro semi-finals | OneFootball

England Women’s manager Sarina Wiegman says the Lionesses penalty shootout win over Sweden was “one of the hardest games I’ve ever watched” as they secured a Euro 2025 semi-final berth.

Victory for England sees them reach their six consecutive tournament semi-final, where they will face Italy, after they defeated Norway on Wednesday.

Kosovare Asllani gave Sweden the lead inside two minutes before Arsenal forward Stina Blackstenius doubled the Swedes’ lead in the 25th minute.

Wiegman turned to her bench for a way back into the game, and substitute Chloe Kelly was at the heart of the Lionesses comeback, with her cross being headed in by Lucy Bronze in the 79th minute, before another of her crosses caused havoc in the box, with fellow substitute Michelle Agyemang firing home to bring England level.

The two sides could not be separated in extra-time, and after a penalty shootout which saw six saves and three misses, England progressed to the final four.

Asked to sum up the game, Wiegman was adamant this match was one of the most difficult to digest.

“It was hard. One of the hardest games I’ve ever watched,” Wiegman said. “Very emotional. We could’ve been out four or five times during the game. When you’re 2-0 down at half-time it’s not good.

“We started really badly and then at the end of the first half we got better and in the second half we got better but we didn’t create anything so we had to change shape. Then we scored two goals so that was crazy already.

“Then we go into extra-time, some players injured, some players cramping, Hannah Hampton with blood all over the place. Then we go to the penalty shootout and we miss a lot but they miss even more and we’re through.

“We already prepared before the game what would be the options and we know the players’ preferences. Then you have to know who’s on the pitch and who is still confident to take one. I think that was the easiest job today.”