The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 has delivered high drama and high stakes as two more teams secured their places in the semi-finals.

England staged a sensational late comeback to edge out Sweden on penalties in Zurich on Thursday, while Spain broke through Swiss resistance to seal their win in Bern on Friday night.

England survive early scare to defeat Sweden

The Lionesses, defending champions from 2022, looked in serious trouble at Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadion after going 2–0 down within 25 minutes against a fired-up Swedish side. Kosovare Asllani pounced in the 2nd minute following a defensive lapse, before Stina Blackstenius doubled the lead in the 25th after a precise counterattack.

England struggled in the first half, committing unforced errors and offering Sweden room to dominate. However, second-half substitutions shifted momentum. Chloe Kelly’s introduction proved vital. With 11 minutes remaining, Lucy Bronze headed home a lifeline from Kelly’s delivery. Just two minutes later, teenage substitute Michelle Agyemang smashed in the equaliser to send the tie into extra time.

No goals followed in the additional 30 minutes, and it came down to penalties. Alessia Russo opened for England with composure. Misses from Lauren James and Beth Mead put pressure on the Lionesses, but Sweden also faltered. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made crucial saves, Chloe Kelly converted again, and Bronze kept her nerve under pressure. When Holmberg missed Sweden’s final penalty, England emerged victorious 3–2 in the shoot-out.

Spain break Swiss resistance in Bern

Just 24 hours later at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, World Champions Spain faced hosts Switzerland in a tense encounter that stayed goalless until deep into the second half.

Spain dominated possession early and earned a penalty in the 9th minute when Mariona Caldentey was brought down by Rahel Riesen. But Caldentey’s spot-kick rolled wide of the post, letting the Swiss off the hook.

Despite overwhelming Spanish pressure, Switzerland held firm through the first half, denying space and frustrating Spain’s attacking trio. The score remained 0–0 at the break.

The second half opened in similar fashion until Spain’s patience finally paid off. In the 66th minute, substitute Athenea del Castillo drilled home from the edge of the box. Just five minutes later, Claudia Pina made it 0-2 with a clinical finish that effectively sealed the tie.

Spain could have added a third when Alexia Putellas stepped up to take another penalty after Salma Paralluelo was fouled, but Swiss keeper Seraina Peng made a superb save. In added time, Noelle Maritz was shown a straight red for hauling down Paralluelo on a clear run at goal, capping off a tough night for the hosts. Spain advanced with a 2–0 win.

Who joins them in the semi-finals?

Italy were the first team to book their semi-final spot, edging past Norway 1–2 on Thursday in a hard-fought battle. The last remaining quarter-final, France v Germany, kicked off tonight with the score 1–1 at half-time. Germany were reduced to 10 players in the 13th minute when Sara Doorsoun-Hendrich was sent off. The outcome of that game will determine who joins England, Spain, and Italy in the final four.

Semi-final matchups and schedule

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-finals will take place as follows:

• Tuesday 22 July – Stade de Genève (9.00 pm)

  
  England vs Italy

• Wednesday 23 July – Stadion Letzigrund (9.00 pm)

  
  Spain vs France/Germany winner

The winners will face off in the final at St. Jakob-Park in Basel on Sunday, 27 July at 6.00 pm

Big names, big stakes

England’s resilience and Spain’s composure have set the tone for what promises to be an epic final stretch. With the Lionesses eyeing back-to-back titles and Spain determined to translate World Cup success into European dominance, both sides are peaking at just the right moment.

Whoever joins them from France or Germany will have their work cut out. The stage is now set for a thrilling semi-final showdown—and potentially a heavyweight clash in the final.