England gained arguably probably the most bonkers match of the Sarina Wiegman-era – reaching the Euro 2025 semi-finals with a shootout for the ages.
The win over Sweden extracted all of Wiegman’s tactical nous and her gamers brilliance, reserving a remaining 4 showdown with Italy.
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The Lionesses went a objective down in opposition to Sweden after simply 104 seconds, and deservedly discovered themselves two down at half-time.
talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham was left embarrassed by England’s efficiency as he hit out on the Euro holders through the break.
He mentioned: “Completely garbage.”
Earlier than including: “England have been hopeless, pathetic, bordering on embarrassing, going out with out a combat as issues stand, with out a plan, with out a clue.
“I can’t for the lifetime of me the way you flip in a efficiency like that? England have been completely dreadful.”
No matter was mentioned in England’s altering room at half-time appeared to do the trick as they a group remodeled.
Two objectives in two outstanding second half minutes from Michelle Agyemang and Lucy Bronze levelled issues up.
With the sport going to extra-time, nether aspect have been capable of finding the breakthrough, which result in probably the most chaotic penalty shootout.
England triumphed 3-2, with 9 out of 14 spot-kicks between the 2 groups failing to search out the again of the web.
Sweden twice had the possibility to win the shootout, however missed on each events, with Smilla Holmberg’s effort over the bar sending England into the last-four.
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This is how Durham rated and slated the Lionesses in what’s going to go down as one of the crucial dramatic matches in European Championship historical past.
Hampton the hero
With two penalty saves within the shootout, Hannah Hampton has change into an on the spot England icon.
She was additionally influential in Sweden solely scoring two on the evening to maintain England within the tie.
Awarding Hampton a 9/10 ranking, Durham mentioned: “Some essential saves, a number of loopy moments as nicely, after which a hero within the shootout.”
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Looney Toone
It wasn’t a efficiency England followers have come to anticipate from Ella Toone.
The midfielder did not have any actual affect within the match which led to her being hauled off within the seventieth minute.
England have been trailing 2-0 on the time, with the choice to take away the Manchester United star proving to be a turning level within the match.
Given a brutal 2/10, Durham remarked: “Had an opportunity to shoot, squared it to a Swedish participant. Summed it up.”
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Al or nothing
Arsenal ahead Alessia Russo continues to impress this summer time.
Contemporary off the again of successful the Champions League, England will probably be praying Russo retains up her type ought to they want to win back-to-back European tournaments.
Given a 7/10, Russo’s relentless workrate was a pleasure to behold.
Durham acknowledged: “Continuous work, absolute dedication to the trigger.
“Missed two possibilities in extra-time, however then the fitting mentality to bury her penalty.”
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A message to the boss
On one other England would have crashed out, and Wiegman is aware of her aspect are immensely lucky to nonetheless be within the event.
With Italy subsequent up, an analogous begin to the match will certainly see England crash out.
Handed a 3/10 for her ways and method to the match, Durham has been left mystified as to how England obtained it so mistaken in opposition to Sweden.
He mentioned: “She’ll declare the subs labored, however why so late?
“And extra importantly why have been England so dangerous for 70+ minutes?”
Adrian Durham’s Lionesses participant rankings
Hannah Hampton – 9
Lucy Bronze – 7
Leah Williamson – 3
Jess Carter – 2
Alex Greenwood – 3
Georgia Stanway – 3
Keira Walsh – 3
Ella Toone – 2
Lauren James – 7
Lauren Hemp – 4
Alessia Russo – 7
Subs
Michelle Agyemang – 7
Beth Mead – 7
Chloe Kelly – 8
Esme Morgan – 7
Niamh Charles – N/A
Grace Clinton – N/A
Sarina Wiegman – 3