Italy almost secured a decisive victory, but England`s Lionesses, under coach Sarina Wiegman, once again delivered a dramatic comeback. They triumphed over Italy 2-1 in extra time during the 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro semifinal, adding another memorable chapter to their successful era.
The intensely competitive match pushed both teams` resolve, tactical acumen, and endurance. For 96 minutes, England teetered on the brink of elimination, but late substitutions, a recurring theme, saved them. Nineteen-year-old Michelle Agyemang scored a crucial late equalizer, and Chloe Kelly secured the win with an extra-time penalty. This `typical England` escape highlighted them not just as contenders but as resilient tournament survivors.
Tournament success often hinges on more than just raw skill; momentum shifts and a touch of luck frequently play a role. England`s path through the knockout rounds has been akin to watching someone win the lottery with their very last chance.
“It feels incredible, such an amazing feeling. This team truly deserves this. Three consecutive finals, and we`re hungry for more.” Kelly expressed her elation post-match. She added, “This team demonstrates resilience, we always fight back, and hopefully, we can make it simpler for ourselves in the future. We don`t need that last-minute stress.”
While panic might be unnecessary, starting strong will be crucial, given that either World Cup champions Spain or a revitalized Germany will be their opponent in the final.
England`s Recurring Slow Starts
Italy, seen as outsiders, were competing in their first Euro semifinal since 1997. They defied expectations early when veteran forward Barbara Bonansea netted the opening goal just 23 minutes in, putting England behind once again. The reigning Euro champions have a history of slow starts in this tournament, having trailed 2-0 against Sweden in the quarterfinals and also losing their opening match after being down 2-0 to France.
This early setback fundamentally altered the game`s dynamic and momentum, revealing vulnerabilities in the Lionesses` defense. With Leah Williamson contending with an ankle injury and Lucy Bronze struggling to contain Italy`s swift counterattacks, the team faced challenges. By halftime, England was a goal down and had created few significant attacking opportunities in the final third, finding themselves in a familiar precarious position as time dwindled.
Sarina Wiegman`s Timely Substitutions Deliver Once More
England`s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, has faced criticism for her perceived hesitancy in rotating starters and making early substitutions, particularly after their tense quarterfinal victory over Sweden, which was decided by a penalty shootout.
Mirroring previous patterns, the Dutch coach delayed further tactical changes until later in the match, even after introducing Beth Mead at halftime. Wiegman clarified post-game that an early substitution was necessitated by an ankle injury to forward Lauren James, a situation they would re-assess before the final.
“Our substitutes are always prepared and eager to contribute. I believe every player embraces her assigned role. Our aim is to provide clear instructions regarding their task on the pitch, whether it`s a substitution or a tactical formation change. There`s an abundance of energy within the squad.” Wiegman commented to the media post-match.
She continued: “We never surrender. Until the final whistle, there`s always a chance to score. Our substitutions are made to win, especially since we were trailing. We substituted to win, and we played to win. It`s incredibly satisfying to ultimately achieve that goal.”
Kelly had only 13 minutes to make an impression, and Agyemang, the young talent, scored in the 85th minute, further cementing her burgeoning reputation. England`s substitutes collectively stepped up, with Agyemang seizing a rebound in the penalty area, effectively extinguishing Italy`s hopes of reaching the final.
The teenager`s prominence has soared throughout the tournament, now boasting consecutive equalizers in knockout matches, transforming from a former ball girl into a potential national hero.
“It means everything to me, and I`m immensely grateful. Four years ago, I was a child retrieving balls for some of these very players, and now I`m on the field playing alongside them. It`s a tremendous opportunity, and I`m so glad to be here,” Agyemang reflected post-game.
She added: “To be performing at this level and contributing to this team is more than I ever wished for, and I`m incredibly thankful. Many of these teammates I`ve known for less than two months, yet it truly highlights the strong unity we share as a team.”
Chloe Kelly`s Defining Moment
Presented with the chance to send England into another Euro final, Chloe Kelly took a penalty kick in the dying moments of the second period of extra time. Kelly, who famously scored the winner in the 2022 Euro final from a set piece, showcased her clutch ability again. Although Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani initially saved her penalty, Kelly reacted swiftly to the rebound, tapping it in to secure the victory.
While some might attribute the goal to luck or question the referee`s decision, it doesn`t diminish England`s perseverance. They have advanced to the final, feeling reinvigorated and confident in their capabilities.
“We possess the hope, the belief, and the requisite quality. Our focus now is to maintain our efforts and continue training diligently to ensure we are fully prepared for next weekend`s final,” Kelly affirmed post-match.
Looking Ahead: The Final Showdown
For Italy, the loss concluded an impressive `fairytale` journey. Ranked 13th globally, Andrea Soncin`s team far exceeded expectations. Ultimately, England`s squad depth and their inherent tournament resilience proved decisive. The Lionesses will now play in their third consecutive major final (following Euro 2022 and World Cup 2023) this Sunday, where they will face either Spain or Germany.
