England Women reach Euro 2025 final after extra-time win over Italy

England Women continued their quest for back-to-back European Championship titles with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Italy in the semi-finals of Euro 2025. The Lionesses faced a challenging match, initially trailing after Barbara Bonansea's goal in the 33rd minute. Despite their struggles to penetrate Italy's resolute defence, England displayed resilience and determination throughout the contest.

The turning point came in the sixth minute of added time when Michelle Agyemang, a substitute, found the net to equalise, mirroring her earlier heroics against Sweden. This late goal propelled the match into extra-time, providing England with renewed hope. The momentum shifted in their favour as they pressed for a winner, with Agyemang even hitting the crossbar during the additional period.

As the match approached its conclusion, England was awarded a penalty after Beth Mead was fouled in the box. Chloe Kelly stepped up to take the spot-kick, but her first attempt was saved by Italy's goalkeeper Laura Giuliani. However, Kelly quickly reacted to score from the rebound, securing England's place in the final and showcasing her composure under pressure.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman praised her team's resilience and the impact of her substitutions, highlighting the importance of fresh legs in a demanding match. Wiegman expressed relief at the late turnaround, acknowledging Italy's strong defensive performance throughout the game. England's ability to adapt and fight back was crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by their opponents.

The Lionesses will now prepare for the final against either Spain or Germany, who will contest the second semi-final. With this victory, England aims to continue their successful run in major tournaments, having reached three consecutive finals. The final will take place in Basel, where England will seek to defend their title from the previous championship.

via Sky Sports