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Tom Hamilton
ZURICH — England head coach Sarina Wiegman mentioned she thought a minimum of thrice that the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 journey was over earlier than they defeated Sweden on penalties, including that she will’t bear in mind any match fairly like this quarterfinal.
England got here again from two targets down to attract 2-2 with Sweden in regular time after which edged a chaotic penalty shootout 3-2 due to some wayward penalties and the brilliance of Hannah Hampton.
Wiegman mentioned she was “very emotional” and “nonetheless a number of adrenaline” after a “loopy recreation.” She added she couldn’t bear in mind “something like this” in her managerial profession.
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However above all, she was relieved after she noticed Sweden construct a 2-0 first-half lead.
“We wished to begin the sport lots higher than we did,” Wiegman mentioned. “That is not an excellent begin. Then actually shortly they scored a second aim and we have been struggling coming into the sport. You then suppose we wished to consider how might we assist the group. Then we began taking part in a bit higher however we did not create a lot. Within the second half we have been on the ball much more.”
Wiegman made a flurry of substitutions on the 70-minute mark after which introduced on Chloe Kelly within the 78th minute. Lucy Bronze scored England’s first within the 79th minute off a Kelly cross after which 103 seconds later, substitute Michelle Agyemang completed from shut vary.
With the match deadlocked, it went to penalties the place Hampton saved two penalties, and Bronze slotted the profitable effort. “At this time I considered thrice we have been out,” Wiegman mentioned.
Wiegman was delighted with Hampton’s efficiency.
“She did not have doubters in our bubble,” Wiegman mentioned. “I feel she had a really spectacular efficiency. She had some excellent saves within the second halves. She had one penalty on the best aspect that was an unbelievable save. Fairly massive contribution at the moment.”
And he or she was additionally filled with reward for Bronze.
“Lucy Bronze is considered one of a sort and I’ve by no means seen anyone like her earlier than in my life,” Wiegman mentioned. “There are such a lot of superb gamers however what she does and her mentality — the aim, penalty on the far submit. That is what defines her — her resilience and struggle.
“The one method to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair.”
Leah Williamson was compelled off injured firstly of the second half of additional time after she rolled her ankle. England now face a nervous wait over whether or not she’ll be match for his or her semifinal with Italy on Tuesday.
“She’ll be assessed tomorrow,” Wiegman mentioned. “I do not know [how she is, but] she could not keep on the pitch anymore.”