Lionesses Claw Back Victory in Dramatic Euros Quarter Final

England geared up tonight to defend their Euro’s title against tournament stars Sweden, in tonight’s second quarterfinal match.

Having bounced back from their opening match defeat to France 2-1, the Lionesses came into the game off the back of their 4-0 and 6-1 wins over The Netherlands and Wales respectively, hoping to keep their winning momentum and goal streak going. Finishing second in their group meant their opponents for this match would be Sweden, who come into the game having beaten 8 time winners Germany 4-1 and finishing top of their group with 9 points, setting up for a dramatic and intense game, and that it was.

Sweden had the upper hand just 2 minutes in as their captain Kosovare Asllani put the ball in the back of the net, followed by another by champions league winning goal scorer Stina Blackstenius in the 25th minute, leaving England trailing 2-0 at the break.

Photograph: Women’s Euros

England’s Euro dreams seemed to be dying out as the scoreline remained the same for the majority of the second half, but it was super sub Chloe Kelly who assisted for both Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang within two minutes of each other, drawing them level at 2-2 with 11 minutes to spare. The late goals brought England back into the game and into extra time, where the score remained and carried us into the first penalty shootout of the tournament.

Photograph: Getty

In a dramatic 14 goal shootout, Sweden’s Jennifer Falk managed to keep 4 of England’s goals out of the net, but shot over the bar when tasked to take the shot that would’ve sent her country through. Hannah Hampton managed to save 2 of Sweden’s attempts, but ultimately it was Lucy Bronze who went up as England’s decisive 7th penalty taker and slammed it into the back of the net, followed by Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg’s effort going over the bar that sealed the victory for the Lionesses, winning 3-2 on penalties.

The defending champions will now face Italy in the semi finals next week after they beat Norway 2-1 earlier this week.