Hannah Hampton was glad the England supporters got behind them as they fought back from two down to beat Sweden 3-2 on penalties to advance to the Women’s European Championship semi-finals.
With the score locked at 2-2 after extra-time, penalties brought drama at Letzigrund Stadium with heroics from goalkeeper Hampton.
Despite missing three consecutive attempts in the shootout, Lucy Bronze’s smashed effort put the pressure on Swedish youngster Smilla Holmberg who skied her effort and gave the Lionesses the win.
HANNAH HAMPTON. ENGLAND HERO.#WEURO2025. pic.twitter.com/K333MEIwvl
— (C)helsea FC Women 🏆🏆🏆 (@ChelseaFCW) July 17, 2025
“It all went so quick, we are all so happy and the fans were behind us and knew not to write us off,” Chelsea’s Hampton told the BBC.
“It was stressful watching and playing, I thought every single time when I saved one that ‘please score and give us a cushion’, I feel so happy and relieved.”
After Kosovare Asllani’s third-minute strike, Stina Blackstenius’s goal doubled their lead as it looked like England’s hopes of retaining their trophy were fading.
Sarina Wiegman’s side left it late with Bronze’s header in the 79th minute and substitute Michelle Agyemang’s tap-in minutes later seeing the tie go to extra-time and penalties where the Lionesses prevailed.
“It’s fine, me and nose bleeds never go well, so as soon as the doctor looked at my nose bleed I thought ‘oh no not again’, Hampton added about a knock she sustained to her nose during the match.
“I could especially during the shootout (noticing the supporters), it helps you get the edge, push on and stretch extra for each save and I appreciated the support.”
Skipper Leah Williamson came off the pitch with a suspected injury, giving Wiegman more injury concerns going into the latter stages of the competition
“It wasn’t about me and a game like that requires you to be at one hundred percent but I don’t know,” Williamson said about the severity of her injury.
“I feel really proud, it was awful to watch at the end but I love that we never give up, we’re never done, the fightback and to stay in it mentally was incredible.”
