England fans may had doubt but they did not show it at Stadion Letzigrund as those behind the goal to Wiegman’s right sang her name as they trailed 2-0.
When things eventually started going to plan, England still relied on plenty of luck.
The ball didn’t quite drop for Sweden on set-pieces, and as extra time wore on, momentum felt like it was with England.
But in the shootout, it was Sweden’s game to win. They had two chances to seal victory with penalties of their own and managed to squander both.
Sweden goalkeeper Falk wasted the first opportunity, blasting the ball over the crossbar, before Hampton dived low to save Jakobsson’s spot-kick.
As Sweden’s senior players missed their opportunities, England’s most experienced was ready to take her moment.
It was fitting that 33-year-old Bronze, playing in her seventh major tournament, delivered when it mattered.
Someone who epitomises England’s resilience, she stepped up, took a deep breath and thumped her penalty into the roof of the net.
A roar erupted from Bronze as she looked at the supporters behind the goal, ripping off tape – that she had put on herself during the match – in the process.
Around half an hour earlier, she had kicked the hoardings behind the same net – a release of emotion as she kickstarted England’s comeback.
“Lucy was chaotic in herself, right? There was a lot going on with her. She became a physio, she became a striker, she nailed the best penalty of the day,” said team-mate Mead.
“I think Lucy really showed her experience in those moments. She’s our most experienced England player and I think she was one of the players that very much got the determination out of us all today.”
Having failed to convert four penalties, Wiegman admitted she was “really concerned” that England were heading out.
But it was fitting that Bronze helped carry her team over the line.
“She is just one of a kind. I have never seen this before in my life. I have worked with so many incredible football players but what she does and her mentality,” said Wiegman.
“The penalty, the goal – that is not what defines her. What defines her is that resilience, that fight. The only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair.”
