It’s time to follow the squad of nerves of steel embodied by Lucy Bronze and co. into the battle, as the Lionesses have reached the semi-final of the Women’s European Championships (Euros). I find penalty shoot-outs a pain like no other to watch, so props to everyone for getting through watching that (none more so than to the team itself, of course).
England came back from 2-0 down to take the game to 2-2, with goals in quick succession from the aforementioned Bronze and Michelle Agyemang securing extra time. After several misses from both teams, England held their breaths and took the match beyond Sweden with a tense 3-2 win on spot kicks.
Now, a semi-final awaits this Tuesday (July 22), with the Lionesses facing Italy, who knocked out Norway with a late winner on Wednesday night (July 16). Ahead of the Women’s Euros tournament, it was said by the Home Office that pubs could stay open late until 1am across the country if England or Wales reached the semi-finals (and, of course, if the team go one better and reach the final), so we should be looking forward to a tense and merry night.
England will be looking to defend their title as European Champions, and fans will have the memory of Chloe Kelly’s dramatic winner against Germany in 2022 firmly lodged in their minds. Kelly, who now plays for Arsenal, also came on yesterday to provide the assist for Lucy Bronze’s goal.
There hasn’t been official confirmation since the game, but if the powers that be are true to their word before the tournament, we can look forward to the usual 11pm shutoff time being extended by two hours – and we can only hope the same can happen if England reach the final on Sunday, July 27.
England face Italy on Tuesday, July 22, with the match kicking off at 8pm UK time.