England-Sweden Penalty Shootout Disaster: Stelling Defends Lionesses Amid Barton’s ‘Worst Ever’ Critique Over 9 Misses
England Advances to Euro Semis After Chaotic Penalty Shootout
[IMAGE 1: Lionesses celebrate winning penalty shootout. Caption: England triumphed 3-2 in a shootout marked by nine missed penalties.]
The Lionesses secured a dramatic Euro 2025 semi-final spot after a penalty shootout marred by nine missed attempts against Sweden. Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, and Lucy Bronze were the only England players to convert their spot-kicks in the 3-2 victory, while Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk missed a decisive penalty, later calling her effort “f*ing cp.”
Shootout Carnage
Sweden’s Filippa Angeldal set the tone early, with her penalty saved by England’s Hannah Hampton. Lauren James, Beth Mead, and Alex Greenwood all faltered for England, while Sweden’s Magdalena Eriksson hit the woodwork. Falk’s skied effort in sudden death handed England the advantage, allowing Bronze to seal the win.
[IMAGE 2: Jennifer Falk reacts after missing her penalty. Caption: Falk’s missed spot-kick cost Sweden a semi-final berth.]
[IMAGE 3: Hannah Hampton saves a penalty. Caption: Hampton’s two saves kept England in contention.]
Barton’s Blast & Stelling’s Defense
The match sparked controversy, with ex-Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton dubbing the shootout a “monstrosity” on social media. Broadcaster Jeff Stelling fired back, questioning if Barton had “turned off” the game. Barton doubled down, calling women’s football “pure cosplay nonsense,” while Stelling defended the sport, criticizing Barton’s “headline-grabbing” remarks.
[IMAGE 4: Joey Barton’s tweet criticizing the game. Caption: Barton faced backlash for calling the match a “monstrosity.”]
[IMAGE 5: Lucy Bronze celebrates her goal. Caption: Bronze scored both in regular time and the shootout.]
Dramatic Comeback
England had earlier clawed back from 2-0 down, with Bronze and substitute Michelle Agyemang netting twice in two minutes to force extra time. The Lionesses now face Italy in the semi-finals, aiming to defend their European title.
[IMAGE 6: England players celebrate their comeback. Caption: A late double from Bronze and Agyemang kept England’s hopes alive.]
Broader Debate
Stelling, a longtime advocate for women’s football, condemned Barton’s “sexist” views and reflected on the sport’s evolution: “Growing up, stadiums were unwelcoming to women. Now, seeing families and female fans everywhere is progress.”
The Lionesses’ gritty win keeps their title defense alive, but the match’s chaotic finish has reignited debates about respect for women’s football.
Final Word
As England prepares for Italy, the focus shifts to the pitch—and away from the noise. For now, the Lionesses march on, proving resilience trumps perfection.
[IMAGE 7: England team huddle. Caption: Sarina Wiegman’s squad eyes back-to-back Euro titles.]
(Word count: ~650)
