England’s qualifies for Euro Final with a 2-1 win against Italy

Geneva, July 22, 2025. In a pulsating UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final at the Stade de Genève, England’s Lionesses clawed their way to a 2-1 extra-time victory over a tenacious Italy, securing their place in a third consecutive major tournament final.

A late equalizer from 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang and a dramatic winner from Chloe Kelly in the 119th minute sent the 25,000-strong crowd—dominated by raucous England supporters—into delirium. For Italy, it was a valiant effort that showcased their resurgence, but the Azzurre fell just short of a historic final berth.

Match Overview

England entered the semi-final as reigning champions and favorites, but Italy, under Andrea Soncin, had already proven their mettle by reaching their first semi-final since 1997. The Azzurre’s strategy of scoring first in all four of their tournament matches set the tone early, with Barbara Bonansea’s 33rd-minute strike exposing England’s defensive frailties. Despite dominating possession (64% over the match), the Lionesses struggled to penetrate Italy’s compact 4-4-2 until Agyemang’s 96th-minute equalizer forced extra time. Chloe Kelly’s rebound goal after a saved penalty in the 119th minute sealed a hard-fought victory, setting up a final showdown with either Germany or Spain in Basel on July 27.

The match wasn’t just about football. A planned 16th-minute round of applause from England fans honored defender Jess Carter, who was absent from the lineup after receiving racist abuse online following the quarter-final. Both managers, Wiegman and Soncin, condemned the abuse, adding emotional weight to an already high-stakes encounter.

Key Moments

First Half: Italy’s Counter-Attack Stuns England

The game began with England asserting their attacking intent. Lauren Hemp’s early run down the left in the 5th minute forced a clearance from Cecilia Salvai, but Italy’s counter-attacking threat soon emerged. In the 12th minute, Barbara Bonansea tested Mary Earps with a long-range effort, signaling Italy’s intent to exploit transitions.

The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute. A misplaced pass from Keira Walsh in midfield allowed Valentina Giacinti to thread a ball to Bonansea, who outpaced Esme Morgan and slotted past Earps with clinical precision. The 0-1 scoreline silenced the England fans, who had packed trains from across Europe to fill the Stade de Genève. Lucy Bronze’s yellow card in the 20th minute for a late challenge on Sofia Cantore further disrupted England’s rhythm, and the Lionesses went into half-time trailing despite their possession dominance.

Second Half: England’s Fightback Begins

Wiegman responded at half-time, replacing Ella Toone with Beth Mead to add width and dynamism. Mead’s introduction shifted the momentum, with her direct running troubling Italy’s Martina Lenzini. In the 55th minute, Alessia Russo’s header from a Georgia Stanway cross forced a sharp save from Laura Giuliani, who emerged as Italy’s standout performer.

Italy nearly doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Cristiana Girelli’s clever flick from an Aurora Galli pass struck the post. England’s pressure intensified, with Keira Walsh’s 80th-minute long-range shot tipped over by Giuliani. As the clock ticked into stoppage time, England’s hopes seemed to fade—until the 96th minute. A deflected cross from Mead found Agyemang, who rifled the ball past Giuliani to spark pandemonium among the England faithful.

Extra Time: Kelly’s Heroics Seal the Deal

Extra time saw England capitalize on their momentum. Italy’s substitute Giulia Dragoni tested Earps with a curling effort in the 100th minute, but the Lionesses’ pressure was relentless. In the 110th minute, Russo’s clever movement drew a clumsy foul from Angelica Soffia in the box, earning a penalty. Chloe Kelly, who had replaced Lauren James in the 75th minute, saw her spot-kick saved by Giuliani in the 119th minute, but her lightning-fast reaction to the rebound secured the 2-1 victory. The final whistle confirmed England’s place in the final, leaving Italy heartbroken but proud.

Player Performances: Stars and Struggles

England (4-3-3)

• Mary Earps (GK) – 7.5/10: The Manchester United goalkeeper was a steady presence, making crucial saves on Bonansea and Dragoni. Blameless for Italy’s goal, her quick distribution sparked attacks.
• Lucy Bronze (RB) – 6.5/10: A mixed night for the veteran. Her yellow card forced caution, and she was caught out for Bonansea’s goal. Still, her overlapping runs created chances.
• Leah Williamson (CB, Captain) – 7/10: Led with composure, making key interceptions. Her long passes to Hemp and James stretched Italy’s defense, though she struggled with early counters.
• Esme Morgan (CB) – 6.5/10: Stepped in for Jess Carter and held firm against Girelli but was exposed for Bonansea’s goal. Grew stronger in extra time.
• Alex Greenwood (LB) – 7/10: Defensively solid and a threat from set pieces. Kept Cantore quiet and supported Hemp with overlapping runs.
• Keira Walsh (CM) – 6.5/10: A rare error gifted Italy their goal, but she recovered with an 85% pass accuracy and nearly scored from distance. Controlled the tempo late on.
• Georgia Stanway (CM) – 7.5/10: Tireless in midfield, her pressing and crossing (including Russo’s chance) were pivotal. Stayed disciplined to avoid bookings.
• Ella Toone (CM) – 6/10: Struggled to unlock Italy’s midfield and was substituted at half-time. Worked hard but lacked her usual spark.
• Lauren James (RW) – 6.5/10: Showed flashes of brilliance with dribbles but was stifled by Italy’s marking. Substituted as she tired.
• Alessia Russo (ST) – 7/10: Missed a header but won the crucial penalty with intelligent movement. Held up play well against Salvai and Linari.
• Lauren Hemp (LW) – 7.5/10: England’s brightest attacker early on, her pace tormented Lenzini. Her persistence led to the equalizer, though her final ball was inconsistent.
• Beth Mead (RW, 46’) – 7.5/10: Transformed England’s attack with her directness. Her deflected cross set up Agyemang’s goal.
• Chloe Kelly (RW, 75’) – 8/10: The match-winner. Her composure on the rebound after a saved penalty was decisive, and her pace stretched Italy late.
• Michelle Agyemang (ST, 80’) – 8/10: The 19-year-old’s stoppage-time equalizer was a star-making moment. Showed maturity against Italy’s experienced defense.

Italy (4-4-2)

• Laura Giuliani (GK) – 8/10: Italy’s hero, saving Kelly’s penalty and stopping Russo and Walsh. Couldn’t prevent the rebound but was immense.
• Martina Lenzini (RB) – 7/10: Battled Hemp valiantly, though occasionally overwhelmed. Reliable in possession.
• Cecilia Salvai (CB) – 7.5/10: A defensive rock, clearing England’s crosses and organizing the backline. Rarely put a foot wrong.
• Elena Linari (CB) – 7/10: Strong in aerial duels but caught out for Agyemang’s goal. Partnered Salvai effectively.
• Lisa Boattin (LB) – 6.5/10: Struggled against James early but improved. Limited in attack due to England’s pressure.
• Sofia Cantore (RM) – 7/10: Dangerous on the counter, forcing Bronze’s yellow card. Faded in extra time.
• Arianna Caruso (CM) – 7.5/10: Disrupted England’s midfield with relentless pressing. Key to Italy’s compact shape.
• Manuela Giugliano (CM) – 7/10: Dictated Italy’s tempo early but was overrun as England dominated possession.
• Lucia Di Guglielmo (LM) – 6.5/10: Worked hard defensively but offered little going forward. Substituted late.
• Cristiana Girelli (ST) – 7/10: The 35-year-old led by example, hitting the post. Tired in extra time but held up play well.
• Barbara Bonansea (ST) – 8/10: Her clinical goal gave Italy hope. A constant threat on the counter.
• Aurora Galli (CM, 60’) – 7/10: Added energy and nearly assisted Girelli. Helped Italy stay compact.
• Giulia Dragoni (CM, 75’) – 7/10: Tested Earps with a curling shot. Showed promise for the future.
• Angelica Soffia (RB, 85’) – 6/10: Conceded the penalty with a clumsy foul but defended well otherwise.
• Valentina Giacinti (ST, 80’) – 6.5/10: Assisted Bonansea’s goal before entering. Had minimal impact as a substitute.

Tactical Analysis As Wiegman’s Substitutions Turn the Tide

England’s 4-3-3 relied on wing play through Hemp and James, with Walsh and Stanway controlling the midfield. However, Italy’s compact 4-4-2, with Caruso and Giugliano sitting deep, neutralized England’s early attacks. Bonansea and Girelli’s counter-attacking threat exploited gaps, particularly on England’s right, where Bronze and Morgan struggled.

Wiegman’s half-time substitution of Mead for Toone shifted the dynamic, adding width and directness. Kelly’s introduction further stretched Italy’s tiring defense, while Agyemang’s pace overwhelmed Salvai and Linari late on. Italy’s strategy of absorbing pressure and countering worked until stoppage time, but their lack of depth showed in extra time as England’s substitutes made the difference.

Fan and Media Reaction: A Night of Drama

England fans, many of whom traveled from London and beyond, created a carnival atmosphere, with X posts describing packed trains and watch parties featuring Italian wine and pasta. ITV’s coverage drew over 8 million viewers, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s football. On X, fans hailed Agyemang as a “future star” and Kelly as a “clutch performer,” while Italian supporters praised Bonansea and Giuliani for their heroics.

The Road Ahead: England’s Final Quest

England now heads to Basel for the Euro 2025 final, aiming to defend their title against either Germany or Spain. Wiegman’s side has shown resilience but must address defensive lapses to lift the trophy. For Italy, the tournament marks a significant step forward, with their semi-final run signaling a bright future for women’s football under Soncin.

This semi-final was a testament to the Lionesses’ grit and Italy’s growing prowess. As England prepares for the final, the echoes of Geneva’s drama will linger, with Agyemang and Kelly etching their names into Euro lore.