Sweden’s goalkeeper criticizes her performance after penalty shootout loss to England

Sweden’s goalkeeper Jennifer Falk expressed her frustration after her team was eliminated from the UEFA Euro 2025 following a penalty shootout defeat to England.

Sweden, after finishing top of Group G, took an early lead against England through Kosovare Asllani and doubled it with a goal from Stina Blackstenius. Despite their strong start, the defending champions struggled to maintain their momentum and were eventually pushed into extra time after Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang scored for England, leveling the score.

The match went to penalties after a 2-2 draw in extra time. Falk initially impressed by saving three penalty shots, giving Sweden hope to advance. However, she then stepped up herself from 12 yards and missed a crucial shot, which sailed over the crossbar and allowed England back into the shootout.

England ultimately won after 14 penalties, with Lucy Bronze converting the decisive spot kick. Falk, reflecting on her missed penalty, was candid and visibly disappointed.

“Peter [Gerhardsson, Sweden’s coach] asked if I could take a penalty, and I said yes,” Falk said. “I attempted to focus and put it to the left, but I didn’t, and it was really frustrating. All I could think about afterward was how to save the next one.”

Sweden’s coach Gerhardsson explained that the team had a pre-arranged order for penalty takers, based on a team meeting where players requested to be listed from one to eleven. Despite the plans, the decision to have Falk take a penalty was difficult.

Following her miss, England’s Lucy Bronze scored the winning penalty, ending Sweden’s campaign. England now advances to face Italy in the semi-finals, where Italy secured their spot with a last-minute goal to beat Norway.