Defending champion England has staged a remarkable late recovery from two goals down to take its quarterfinal against Sweden to extra time at the Women’s European Championship.

It was a thrilling climax to a game in which England teetered on the brink of elimination, only to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

The European Championships quarter-final clash between England and Sweden is a repeat of the 2022 semi-final in the same competition, a game England won 4-0 en route to lifting the trophy. The English will hope it’s a similar story here after a mixed bag at the Euros thus far.

Sweden embraces its underdog status at the Women’s European Championship but could change perceptions if it defeats England in Thursday’s quarterfinal in Zurich.

By Philip O'Connor ZURICH (Reuters) -England came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 before beating Sweden 3-2 in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out to reach the semi-finals of the Women's Euros, with Sweden's Smilla Holmberg firing over to end the contest.

She reflected on triumphs past, hope of glory in the future but also the size of the task facing England right now. The teams have played each other twice since, both matches ending in draws with Sweden the unluckier.

Meet Smilla Holmberg, a dynamic defender for Sweden and Hammarby IF. At just 18 years old, Holmberg has already made a significant impact and has been a key figure for her national team this summer.

Italy vs. England PREVIEW - Attacking Third

World champions Spain take on eight-time Euro winners Germany in a tantalising semi-final in Zurich at Euro 2025. Spain advanced to the final four in relatively straightforward fashion with a 2-0 win over hosts Switzerland,