مدير عام كرة القدم
- Wiegman’s side hit back from two goals down
- Nine spot-kicks missed in chaotic shootout
- Lionesses to face Italy in the semi-finals
The Lionesses saw their quarter-final clash with Sweden at Euro 2025 go all the way. Sarina Wiegman’s side had to dig deep in order to keep their defence of a major continental trophy on track.
Sweden squandered several opportunities to topple the queens of European football, having led 2-0 in the first half and fluffed their lines on a couple of occasions during a chaotic battle from 12 yards that saw nine penalties missed.
England eventually prevailed 3-2, with Kelly – who has been relied upon in the past to convert game-winning spot-kicks – hitting the back of the net with aplomb. The Arsenal forward, who scored an extra-time winner in the 2022 final, was able to keep her head and a sense of composure.
Kelly told reporters when asked how she handled the pressure as many of those around her buckled: “I really needed a wee! I was bursting for a wee, so I was like ‘come on girls, let’s go’.
“We showed what we are capable of. The penalty shootout didn’t go as planned but we got through and that is what this is all about. It’s a performance we can put in our pocket and learn from. It’s an experience for every player that stepped up for a penalty that may not have before. It’s learning and it’s an experience, but we are through.”
England, with Wiegman looking to guide the Lionesses to a third successive final, will be back in action on Tuesday when facing Italy in the semi-finals at Stade de Geneve.
