It was one of those rollercoaster nights for England fans — a Euro 2025 quarter-final clash packed with nerves, goals, drama, and a penalty shootout that had everyone on edge.
But while the Lionesses punched their ticket to the semi-finals, there’s now real concern over whether their captain, Leah Williamson, will be fit in time for the next game.
A Nightmare Start Turns Into a Fierce Fightback
Things couldn’t have started much worse for Sarina Wiegman’s side in Thursday’s match against Sweden at the Letzigrund Stadium.
Within just two minutes, Kosovare Asllani fired the Swedes into the lead, and not long after, Stina Blackstenius made it 2-0.
England looked rattled and on the verge of an early exit.
But just when it seemed all hope was lost, the Lionesses roared back.
Lucy Bronze pulled one back, and then rising star Michelle Agyemang brought England level, forcing extra time in what had already become a gripping encounter.
The Penalty Shootout That Had Everyone Holding Their Breath
With the game still deadlocked after 120 minutes, it all came down to penalties. And let’s just say — it was chaotic.
Both sides missed the mark repeatedly in the opening spot-kicks, scoring just two of the first six.
But eventually, England held their nerve and edged past Sweden to book a spot in the final four.
Italy awaits in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
Leah Williamson’s Injury Casts a Shadow Over the Win
Despite the celebrations, there was a worrying sight for England late in the game.
Captain Leah Williamson went down awkwardly after contesting a corner during injury time. She tried to soldier on but was clearly struggling and eventually had to be subbed off.
After the match, head coach Sarina Wiegman shared the first update — and it wasn’t reassuring.
“She rolled her ankle. She’ll be assessed tomorrow,” Wiegman said. “I don’t know what it is right now.
She couldn’t stay on the pitch, so we had to take her off.”
The Captain Speaks Out, But It’s Still Unclear
Williamson also gave a short update after the game but admitted she didn’t yet know the full extent of the damage.
“It wasn’t about me [tonight] and a game like that requires you to be at 100 per cent,” she told BBC One.
“It wasn’t the time to stay on the pitch, but I don’t know.”
With only days left before that crucial semi-final against Italy, England’s medical team will be racing against the clock to get their captain fit.
And with Williamson being such a key figure both on and off the pitch, her potential absence would be a massive blow.
What Comes Next?
England will now regroup and prepare for their semi-final showdown on Tuesday.
Italy will bring their own challenges, but after Thursday’s wild ride, the Lionesses will be feeling confident — as long as they can stay fit.
All eyes will be on Leah Williamson’s recovery, and fans will be holding their breath hoping for good news.