The Women`s European Championship is entering its decisive week, with the semi-final matches kicking off on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the transfer market continues to generate new intrigue and news, keeping football enthusiasts entertained.
England, Italy Face Off in the Semifinals
The Women`s European Championship semi-finals begin on Tuesday with England, a strong favorite, facing a surprising Italy. The English squad, reigning European champions, advanced to this stage after a tense penalty shootout against Sweden, having come back from a 0-2 deficit. The Lionesses have scored 13 goals in four games, with 10 different players contributing, showcasing their offensive power. However, they faced difficulties with physical pressure in matches against France and Sweden.
The main story of this semi-final is Italy. “Le Azzurre” are not a traditional football powerhouse but are considered one of the rising forces in women`s football, and their performances this summer confirm this. Although Italy is not a high-scoring team, they are capable of creating problems for any defense, as France and Sweden did for England. Cristiana Girelli of Juventus is a key figure in the Italian attack, having scored three goals in the tournament.
Regardless of the outcome, Italy has already made significant progress, securing their first knockout win since 1997 by defeating Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Girelli highly praised the work of coach Andrea Soncin, who took charge after the 2023 Women`s World Cup:
- Girelli: `He has done an incredible job – he has played a huge role. He brought cohesion to this team, he gave us motivation, he let us express ourselves, and he gives us self-belief every day. We`re building this awareness that we can do it no matter what. He`s brought new ideas. And it`s also maybe made us express our abilities even better. And one thing you can`t take for granted is that he made us feel important, and he made us all realize that everyone has their time. He`s done an extraordinary job.`
Attackers Make Moves in the Transfer Window
In the world of transfers, several major European clubs actively finalized deals for attacking players last week, strengthening their squads ahead of the new season. Some long-discussed moves were completed or neared completion, such as Noni Madueke`s transfer from Chelsea to Arsenal and Victor Osimhen`s move from Napoli to Galatasaray. Madueke`s transfer aligns with the Gunners` ambitious summer strategy, as they aim to finally win the Premier League. Osimhen`s destination might have surprised many after a transfer saga lasting over a year.
There were also new, unexpected developments. Liverpool reportedly agreed to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for over $110 million, beating Newcastle to the signing. The 23-year-old is the latest addition to the Reds, who are actively revamping their attacking line. Francesco Porzio noted that Ekitike is a bet for both the present and the future:
- Porzio: `Arne Slot needed a striker who could fit his pressing style and adapt well to both 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations. Ekitike needs to improve his goal contribution and conversion rate in the Premier League, as he scored 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches last season for Eintracht, which was his career-best performance to date. Liverpool signed a striker who can assist the team in both defensive and attacking phases, but he must prove he can perform at the level of Premier League champions. Grade: B`
Meanwhile, Barcelona reportedly agreed to a one-year loan deal for Marcus Rashford from Manchester United with an option to buy. This move makes economic sense for Barcelona, who are still facing financial constraints despite a successful double-winning season. Although the 27-year-old Rashford may not have lived up to expectations at United, a change of scenery and an exit from a chaotic and intense club environment could benefit him. As Roger Gonzalez writes, it depends on the circumstances:
- Gonzalez: `He would likely offer the team depth on the wings and at striker, with the versatility to play across the entire frontline. Rashford is someone who could flourish in a less physical league like Spain, and sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery to rediscover oneself, similar to Antony at Betis last season. Don`t be surprised if Rashford scores double-digit goals under Hansi Flick… if he stays healthy. A loan without an obligation to buy carries little risk, making this a worthwhile gamble for the Spanish giants as they pursue domestic and international glory. Grade: B`
Top Stories in Women`s Football
- Ranking the last four teams at the Women`s Euro and determining which one has the best chance to win the whole tournament.
- An overview of potential Women`s Euro final matchups, each promising an exciting spectacle, as Spain and Italy vie for their first title, England aims for a second consecutive victory, and Germany targets their ninth.
- A look at what to watch for in the remaining 2025 matches for the USWNT, especially as a promising group of young players challenges veterans for playing time.
Best Bets for the Women`s Euro Semifinals
- Women`s Euro Semi-final: England vs. Italy, Tuesday.
- 💰 THE PICK: Lauren James to score (+115) – The strength of this England side lies not only in their ability to find the back of the net easily but also in their reliance on goals from various players. Lauren James, who has started all four of England`s matches so far and scored two goals, plays a crucial role for the team as they aim for a second consecutive European Championship. Given England`s status as strong favorites against surprising Italy, expect James to make a significant impact on their path to the final.
