In a heart-stopping clash at Wembley, England's Lionesses edged past Sweden in a dramatic penalty shootout to keep their UEFA Women's Euro 2025 qualifying campaign on track. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Chloe Kelly stepping up to convert the winning penalty in front of a roaring home crowd.
Nail-Biting Encounter Goes the Distance
The highly anticipated match saw both teams create numerous chances in regular time, with Sweden taking an early lead before England fought back to equalise. As neither side could break the deadlock in extra time, the game went to penalties - setting the stage for a tense finale.
Kelly Holds Her Nerve
Manchester City star Chloe Kelly, no stranger to big moments after her Euro 2022 final heroics, calmly slotted home the decisive penalty to send England through. The 26-year-old forward showed remarkable composure under immense pressure, sparking wild celebrations among players and fans alike.
What This Means for England
The victory keeps England second in their qualifying group, maintaining their push for automatic qualification to next year's tournament in Switzerland. Manager Sarina Wiegman praised her team's resilience, saying: "The character shown tonight was exceptional. We knew Sweden would be tough opponents, but the girls never stopped believing."
With two qualifying matches remaining, England now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures against Ireland and France, knowing positive results could secure their Euro 2025 place without needing the playoffs.
