England 2-1 Italy: Agyemang, Kelly fire Lionesses into Euro 2025 Final

England are one win away from defending their European crown after an unforgettable 2-1 extra-time victory over Italy in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-finals. Sparked by two game-changing substitutes, Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly, the Lionesses fought back from a goal down to seal their spot in Sunday’s final in Basel, their third consecutive major final under Sarina Wiegman.

If this tournament has proven anything, it’s that England don’t know when they’re beaten. Having come from 2-0 down to edge Sweden in the quarter-finals and shaken off early-tournament doubts after their opening loss to France, the Lionesses once again clawed their way out of trouble in the dying moments, this time thanks to 19-year-old sensation Michelle Agyemang.

Brought on late in the second half, Agyemang equalised in the 96th minute with an ice-cold finish past Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani — her second goal of the tournament, both scored off the bench. The Arsenal teenager, who was a ball girl during the Euro 2022 final at Wembley, is now writing her own legacy on the European stage.

But the drama didn’t end there.

With penalties looming, another super-sub stole the headlines. Chloe Kelly, the hero of Euro 2022, was once again the difference-maker. After seeing her 119th-minute penalty saved, she reacted quickest to smash home the rebound and send the England bench, and the Geneva crowd, into a frenzy.

Her goal set a new record as the latest ever scored in UEFA Women’s Euro history.

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Sarina Wiegman’s ability to read the game and make bold, effective substitutions continues to separate her from the pack. Down 1-0 and with Italy crowding the midfield, Wiegman turned to her bench and changed the tempo, inserting pace, creativity, and hunger.

Esme Morgan, replacing Jess Carter in defence, stood out with her composure, while Agyemang and Kelly proved once again that England’s squad depth is a powerful weapon. This comeback win means Wiegman has now led her team to three consecutive major finals, and she is chasing an unprecedented third straight European title as manager, after leading the Netherlands to victory in 2017 and England in 2022.

England's Lionesses roar into Euro 2025 Semifinals after crazy penalty shoot-out against Sweden

For Andrea Soncin’s Italy side, the defeat will sting, but it also marks a new era of promise. Making their first Euros semi-final appearance since 1997, the Azzurre showed tactical discipline and defensive organisation that kept the Lionesses at bay for long stretches.

Barbara Bonansea’s well-taken goal in the first half, from Italy’s very first touch inside England’s box, was a moment of jubilation, and Soncin’s reaction on the touchline said it all.

Yet despite leading for nearly 50 minutes and looking comfortable, Italy couldn’t withstand England’s second-half pressure. As the Lionesses brought on fresh legs, Italy couldn’t match their energy or composure in the final third.

Still, Italy exit Euro 2025 with heads held high, their best finish at the tournament in 18 years.

Standout Stats from the Semi-Final

• Michelle Agyemang is the first teenager to score twice in a single Euros tournament since Norway’s Cecilie Pedersen in 2009.
• Chloe Kelly’s 119th-minute goal is now the latest goal ever scored at a UEFA Women’s European Championship.
• Lucy Bronze made her 35th appearance at a major tournament, equalling the Lionesses’ all-time record held by Jill Scott.
• Italy scored with their first shot on target and their first touch inside England’s penalty area.

What’s Next: England vs. Spain or Germany?

The Lionesses will now prepare for a blockbuster final on Sunday, July 27 at 17:00 BST in Basel, where they’ll face either Euro 2022 runners-up Germany or reigning world champions Spain, who meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

It promises to be an epic conclusion to a thrilling tournament and with players like Agyemang and Kelly delivering decisive moments, England may just have the edge.

SportsLigue