Hannah Hampton reacts to shootout heroics

England’s shootout hero Hannah Hampton was ecstatic after helping the Lionesses clinch their place in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 semi-final after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Sweden.

Sarina Wiegman’s team found themselves two goals down at half time, before quickfire goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang pulled it level and took the game to extra time.

When the teams remained unseparated after 120 minutes, it took a roller-coaster of a shootout for England to come out on top, with Hampton making two saves before England eventually won 3-2 after seven spot kicks.

“I don’t know, it’s all gone so quick,” said the Chelsea stopper.

“We’re very happy, you can see the celebrations going round, cheering with the fans.

“They were behind us the whole game, even when we were 2-0 down, they know that we could bring that back and you don’t ever write us off.

As for the shootout, Hampton revealed how it felt from a goalkeeper’s perspective as it went from Sweden being one kick away from winning before it went to sudden death.

“Stressful. Stressful playing in, stressful watching,” she said.

“Every single time I saved one, I was just thinking please put it in so we have a bit of a cushion.

“Then their ‘keeper just went and saved the next one. I was thinking, ‘Oh goodness, here we go.’”

Hampton also had to contend with an injured nose, after a clash in the box from a late Swedish corner in the second half.

But she revealed that having a blocked nostril was the least of her worries.

“But I think I was better in the game when I had one nostril than when I was completely fine but just happy and relieved now,” she said.

“It’s fine. To be honest, me and nosebleeds never go well. Me and the doctor have some great history with having to go to hospital and stuff.

“So as soon as he came over and I say, ‘Doctor, my nose is bleeding,’ and he’s thinking not again.

“But it’s fine, I’m better without one nostril now.”

Hampton also paid tribute to England’s army of fans, who were behind the goal where the shootout took place.

“I could feel the love,” she revealed.

“Especially in that shootout, they were cheering us on and it just helps you get that little bit of an edge over them.

“It helps you stretch a little bit extra for each dive and put a bit more power in. But no, they were definitely behind me and I really appreciated all the support.”

The Lionesses will now take on Italy in the semi-final, which is scheduled for Tuesday 22 July (8pm) in Geneva.