England were 2-0 behind at the break in their Euro 2025 quarter-final with Sweden, but scored twice in two minutes to level the game. They had the possibility of losing three times in the shootout – but Chloe Kelly found the target, Sweden’s Jennifer Falk blasted over her penalty, and England’s counterpart Hannah Hampton denied Sofia Jakobsson.
Sweden revealed England’s defensive weaknesses once more, but Sarina Wiegman made the correct substitutions to get the game to change in Zurich. It was one of England’s survival acts, with a healthy dollop of fortune and a dynamite effect of the ‘super-subs’ as they secured a semi-final on Tuesday against Italy. Ring a bell?
They are now positive attributes of England’s major tournament campaigns – the ‘super-subs’ being the difference at Euro 2022 and the resilience, combined with a bit of fortune, reaching the final at the 2023 World Cup when they were without their key players.
“That’s a quality that is so strong in this team, togetherness and fighting back. It shows so much resilience,” manager Wiegman explained. We switched it and introduced other players. They introduced other qualities to the game that helped the team in that situation.
“That’s so strong from this team. That fortune, too, yes, at least three times I thought we were finished. Wiegman’s substitutions came in 2022 like clockwork – halfway through the second half, regardless of the score, and always made an impact.
She picked the same starting lineup for all six matches and left her players to execute the game plan. It has also been the case in Switzerland, with Wiegman’s lineup unchanged for a third consecutive match and her first substitution in the 70th minute against Sweden.
England had been torn asunder by Sweden’s tempo in a remorseless first half, and continued to be under threat as goalkeeper Hampton made decisive saves after the interval.
Defender Jess Carter had fought valiantly against Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, so she was forced to exchange places with Leah Williamson and become the right-sided centre-half.
Sweden, playing at ease, were ruthlessly tenacious and their supporters effervescent, singing ABBA tunes as England fell behind 2-0. Surely Wiegman would switch things around at half-time? Surely she would respond to Sweden’s directness? Surely England did have a Plan B?
But Wiegman has had few deviations from her plan, because it typically pays off.
Kelly, Beth Mead, Michelle Agyemang and Esme Morgan’s introductions shook things up. England were suddenly in the ascendance. Kelly’s long cross was headed in at the back post by defender Lucy Bronze, and 103 seconds later, Agyemang levelled the match at 2-2.
It was the third time England had managed a goal through a substitute at Euro 2025, more than any team. I don’t know why, but this team is just amazing. They bond together,” said Wiegman, in response to how her team kept coming back from adversity.
“We had a frustrating game against France, but the way the players came together, took ownership and stood up. They did something about it to improve. They will do whatever it takes to reverse a score like we did today. It is such a great performance, and I’m just so proud to be on this team.”
