Sarina Wiegman has described her Lionesses side as “incredible" following their remarkable comeback win over Sweden in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals.
England faced a tall order after ending up 2-0 down going into the break, but an inspired second-half performance got the Lionesses back on course to defend their European title.
Two goals in two minutes roared the Lionesses back into the match and ultimately led to the penalty shootout.
Sweden still had a chance to close out the match, with two chances to seal victory on penalties, but squandered both, allowing England to snatch a remarkable knock-out win.
Reuters
|Sarina Wiegman had nothing but praise for her side after their dramatic comeback
Wiegman was left stunned after the match, with nothing but praise for her side.
He said: "I don't know why but this team is just incredible. They stick together. We had a disappointing game against France but how the players came together, took responsibility and stepped up... they took action to make it better.
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"They do whatever is necessary to turn around a result like we did today. It is so impressive and I'm just really proud to be a part of this team."
The shift in momentum came with 20 minutes of regulation time to go as Wiegman made her substitutions. England had been cut open by Sweden’s pace in the first half, and they were still under pressure in the second half, with keeper Hannah Hampton having to make several key saves in the second half.
When Wiegman made the changes, England were immediately back in the game. The England manager introduced Beth Mead, Michelle Agyemang, Esme Morgan, and Chloe Kelly, who all played their part in turning the tide.
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Reuters
|Hannah Hampton made a number of key saves to keep the lionesses in the game
"That's a quality that is so strong in this team, that togetherness and fighting back. It shows so much resilience, we changed it and brought in other players. They brought different things to the game that really helped the team in that moment.
"That is so powerful from this team. That luck as well, yes, at least three times I thought we were out."
Lucy Bronze and Agyemang both scored within two minutes to level the game for the Lionesses. Bronze would also score a thumping penalty in the shootout to help seal the win.
"Lucy was chaotic in herself, right? There was a lot going on with her. She became a physio, she became a striker, she nailed the best penalty of the day," said team-mate Mead.
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"I think Lucy really showed her experience in those moments. She's our most experienced England player and I think she was one of the players that very much got the determination out of us all today."
Wiegman also had heaps of praise for Bronze, as England missed four penalties. Wiegman admitted she was “really concerned” England were heading out.
"She is just one of a kind. I have never seen this before in my life. I have worked with so many incredible football players but what she does and her mentality.
Reuters
|The Lionesses were ecstatic after completing their comeback
"The penalty, the goal - that is not what defines her. What defines her is that resilience, that fight. The only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair."
England will now have a few days of rest before they get ready for their semi-final against Italy on July 22.