Euro 2025: England route to final after dramatic penalty shootout victory over Sweden | OneFootball

A showdown with Spain is on the cards after Lionesses overcome Sweden in last eight

England have reached the semi-finals of this summer’s Women's Euro 2025, thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout win over Sweden.

The Lionesses, who won the tournament for the first time in 2022, finished runners-up to France in Group D but sealed a quarter-final berth with ease thanks to a 6-1 thumping of Wales on matchday three.

This is after Sarina Wiegman saw her side begin the defence of their title in the worst possible fashion, losing comprehensively to Les Bleues.

Attentions turned to the knockout phase on Thursday and England were close to elimination in their quarter-final tie against Sweden.

The Swedes, who won all three games in the group phase and topped the table thanks to 4-1 win over 2022 finalists Germany, lead 2-0 from minute 25 to 79 before the Lionesses roared back with two quick-fire goals.

As the two nations couldn’t be separated in extra-time, the tie went to penalties and England came out on top thanks to a stunning performance from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

England players rush to celebrate with Hannah Hampton after the penalty shootout win

AFP via Getty Images

Overcoming Sweden means the Lionesses will face Italy in the semi-final after they secured a late win over Norway on Wednesday night.

There are wide-ranging permutations as to who could await England in a potential final. On the opposite half of the draw are tournament favourites Spain - in what would be a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final - as well as France and Germany.

The other potential finalists in Basel on July 27 are host nation Switzerland after they squeezed through ahead of Finland thanks to a 92nd minute equaliser from Riola Xhemaili.