Euro 2025 daily newsletter: Day twenty-two
England produce another late comeback to beat Italy and reach Euros final; Spain and Germany to play tonight
What did we witness last night?!
If there is one constant in England’s Euros campaign, it is that they do not make it easy for themselves, but they can always find a way back. Italy were comfortable for most of the semi-final, but football is all about putting the ball in the back of the net in key moments, and England delivered when it mattered to book their spot in Sunday’s final with the most dramatic of 2-1 wins.
Italy’s gameplan was almost perfect. Defensively, they worked well as an organised unit to stop England having success with their crosses and in the box, and the Lionesses’ finishing was far from clinical. Italy’s Barbara Bonansea scored the opener in the 33rd minute to give Italy a lead they firmly held until Sarina Wiegman called on her substitutes to make the difference with minutes to go. Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, and Aggie Beever-Jones replaced the experienced Georgia Stanway, Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo.
And who else but Agyemang to level the score? Her second equaliser in less than a week, following her late intervention against Sweden, came in the 90+6th minute. A few months ago, she was barely a contender for the England squad, and she only made her debut in April in what was her one international cap before the tournament.
The first half of extra time felt more like 15 minutes for both teams to decompress from the tension, but the breakthrough came late in the second period when England were awarded a penalty for Emma Severini holding Beth Mead in the box. Kelly’s kick was saved but she converted on the rebound (just to add to the drama) as England’s winner was timed at 119 minutes.
I’m not one to cry easily, but seeing Agyemang fall to her knees in disbelief after scoring and at the full-time whistle, and then being embraced by her teammates and manager, made me emotional - as it did others. In a week which exposed the racism and hatred still present among some English football supporters, it is fitting that England’s hero was a young Black woman. Even more poetic that her surname can translate to ‘saviour of a nation’ in Ghanaian.
Italy joined England in standing instead of taking the knee before kick-off, while England’s subs stood with their arms around each other on the touchline. Jess Carter, who was replaced by Esme Morgan in the starting XI, came on for the final minutes of extra time to hold the defence together and help secure the win.
Two comebacks in a row in the knockout stage mean a third consecutive major tournament final awaits as the Lionesses’ title defence continues. They will play either Spain or Germany, who will fight for the remaining spot tonight, while Wiegman is going to have a nightmare with selection for the final following the success of her subs.
The loss means Italy’s journey in the tournament comes to an end. Still, their run has been historic and full of moments to be proud of. It will be a tough exit to accept, but the future remains bright for the team.
News
Italy’s Cristiana Girelli came off the field in tears with an injury
England’s Lauren James was also subbed off at half-time with an ice pack around her ankle after receiving a knock
England’s Beever-Jones will spend her 22nd birthday on Sunday at the Euros final
What’s on today
Spain vs Germany, 20:00 BST, Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich
The second semi-final takes place tonight between the undefeated Spain and the resilient Germany. Spain will be looking to capitalise on the absent members of Germany’s defence, but they have never beaten Germany at a major tournament before. Read more about the tactical matchup here.
Catch up on The Cutback
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WAFCON: Morocco edge past Ghana on penalties after thrilling semi-final
Baller FC ticket access
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