Italy nearly secured a shocking victory until the Lionesses roared back. England managed to pen another dramatic chapter in their golden era under head coach Sarina Wiegman, fighting back to defeat Italy 2-1 after extra time in the 2025 UEFA Women`s Euro semifinal.
This high-stakes encounter relentlessly tested nerves, resilience, and tactical prowess across the pitch. For 96 minutes, England teetered on the brink of elimination, only to be rescued once again by impactful late-game substitutions. Nineteen-year-old Michelle Agyemang delivered a crucial late equalizer, and Chloe Kelly converted an extra-time penalty for yet another quintessential `England escape act,` showcasing the team not merely as tournament favorites but as hardened survivors capable of outlasting any opponent.
Success in tournament football isn`t solely a product of skill; momentum shifts and a degree of fortune frequently play their part. Witnessing England`s knockout round progression has felt akin to watching someone hit the jackpot on their final coin.
“It feels unbelievable. Such a great feeling. This team deserves nothing but that. Three finals on the bounce and we want more,” Kelly said in her post-match interview. “This team shows resilience, but we fight back, and hopefully we can make it easier for ourselves. We don`t need that panic.”
Indeed, there`s no need to panic. However, a stronger start from the outset will be paramount as they face either World Cup champions Spain or a revitalized Germany in the final.
England`s Tendency for Slow Starts
Tournament outsiders Italy were appearing in their first Euro semifinal since 1997. They immediately shed their underdog status when veteran forward Barbara Bonansea scored the opening goal 23 minutes into the game, putting England behind early once more. The reigning Euro champions had also trailed 2-0 against Sweden in the quarterfinals and faced a 2-0 deficit in their opening match against France, which they ultimately lost.
This early deficit completely shifted the energy and momentum, simultaneously exposing fragile cracks in the Lionesses` backline. Leah Williamson, battling an ankle injury, and Lucy Bronze struggled to contain some of Italy`s rapid counterattacks. By halftime, the Lionesses were a goal down and had failed to create any meaningful attacking scenarios in the final third. Once again, they found themselves at a disadvantage with time rapidly diminishing.
Sarina Wiegman`s Timely Interventions Prove Decisive Again
England head coach Sarina Wiegman has faced some criticism regarding her reluctance to rotate starters and her cautious approach to substitutions, particularly after England`s nail-biting penalty shootout victory against Sweden in the quarterfinals.
In almost a repeat scenario, the Dutch manager delayed making further adjustments later in the game, despite bringing on Beth Mead at halftime. While Wiegman`s hand was forced for the early substitution, the coach confirmed in post-game comments that forward Lauren James had sustained an ankle injury, necessitating the change, and her condition would be reevaluated ahead of the final.
“The substitutes are just ready to go, and they want to have a contribution. And I think everyone accepts their role, whatever role she`s given. I think what we try to do is give as much clarity about that, but also the task on the pitch when you come in and when we make a change, or when we make a shape change, and there`s just so much energy,” Wiegman told the media after the game.
“We never give up. So until the referee blows the final whistle, you have an opportunity to score a goal. And we substitute to win. We had to, because we were one-nil down. We subbed to win, and we played to win. It`s incredibly satisfying then that we get it across the line.”
Chloe Kelly was given just 13 minutes to make an impact, and teenager Agyemang tapped in at the 85th minute, yet needed little time to make another significant statement in her development. The bench collectively rallied to bail England out when Agyemang pounced on a rebound in the box, effectively extinguishing Italy`s dream of reaching the final.
The teenager`s star continues to shine brightly throughout the tournament, now with back-to-back equalizers in knockout games as the former ball girl transforms into a potential national hero.
“It means the world to me and I`m so grateful. I`m so grateful to God. Four years ago, I was a kid, throwing balls to some of these girls, but now I`m here playing with them. It`s a great opportunity and I`m so glad I`m here,” Agyemang said after the game.
“To be doing this at this level, to be helping out this team, is more than what I could have wished for, so I`m so grateful to be here. Most of these girls I haven`t known for more than two months, but it shows the togetherness we have as a team.”
Chloe Kelly`s Moment of Redemption and Triumph
With an opportunity to propel England into another Euro final, Chloe Kelly stepped up to take a penalty kick in the closing minutes of the second period of extra time. Kelly, who was the hero of England`s 2022 Euro final, scoring the game-winner just inside the six-yard box from a set piece, displayed her clutch ability once again. Although Italy`s goalkeeper Laura Giuliani initially saved her penalty attempt, Kelly was quick to react to the rebound, calmly slotting the ball over the line.
While some might attribute the goal to luck or question the referee`s decision, it doesn`t diminish England`s relentless effort. They have now advanced to the final with a reinvigorated sense of capability.
“We have the hope, we have the belief, and we have the quality, so we just need to keep at it, and keep working hard at training to make sure we`re right next weekend,” Kelly said after the game.
Looking Ahead
For Italy, the defeat marked the end of an impressive fairytale run. The national team, ranked 13th globally, saw Andrea Soncin`s squad significantly outperform expectations. Ultimately, the Lionesses` roster depth and inherent `tournament DNA` prevailed. They will now compete in their third consecutive major final (following Euro 2022 and World Cup 2023) this Sunday, awaiting the victor of the Spain vs. Germany match.
