Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are back into the Euros finals after eeking out a narrow 2-1 win over Italy on Tuesday night. It was another lucky escape for England, who were clearly second best for long stretches of the match and trailed from the half-hour mark, when Barbara Bonansea pounced at the back post, pounding a volley into the roof of the net past a helpless Hannah Hampton.
Over an hour later, deep into injury time, the super sub Michelle Agyemang came up trumps - again. Agyemang now boasts three goals in four England caps, all off the bench. Her 96th-minute effort equalised and forced extra-time for the second time this tournament after she scored a similarly consequential goal in the quarter-final shootout win over Sweden.
Beth Mead was hauled down in the box with 119 minutes on the clock, and another super-sub in Chloe Kelly stepped up to take the spot-kick. Her shot was saved, but she buried the rebound to condemn Italy to a painful trip home. For England, though, it is a third straight Euros final. They will face either Spain or Germany. Catch up with the action as it happened below!
England vs Italy latest news
- FT: England 2-1 Italy
- GOAL! Kelly scores rebound from missed penalty to send England into final
- GOAL! Agyemang equalises for England in 96th minute
- HT: England 0-1 Italy
- GOAL! Italy open the scoring
Williamson: England have to find our feet quicker
Tuesday 22 July 2025 23:21 , Alex DakersEngland captain Leah Williamson has been speaking to the press now.
“The level just keeps rising, there are more and more unknowns and you have to be ready for anything,” the 28-year-old said, adding that England has to “find our feet quicker”.
Looking ahead to the final, Williamson continued: “One more to go, I promise we’ll give it everything we have.
“I’ll enjoy watching [the second semi-final, Spain vs Germany] tomorrow, I can tell you that!”
England player ratings vs Italy as Agmeyang stars
Tuesday 22 July 2025 23:12 , Alex DakersItaly lead until stoppage time through Barbara Bonansea’s super volley, but substitute Michelle Agyemang was the hero as she levelled the match and took England to extra time with a nerveless injury-time equaliser.
In extra time, England won a penalty for a foul on Beth Mead. Chloe Kelly had it saved but scored the rebound to ensure the Lionesses reached the final.
Dom Smith was on hand to rate the Lionesses’ performances… Click here to read!
Agyemang: From Wembley ball girl to Lioness hero
Tuesday 22 July 2025 23:07 , Alex DakersMichelle Agyemang, who scored England’s stoppage time equaliser, has been speaking after the match.
“I’m so proud of the team’s fight and effort,” the 19-year-old said. “To show that character and fight... the character is the strength of this team.”
Agyemang, who also struck the crossbar late on, continued: “It means the world to me to represent England. Four years ago I was just a kid throwing a ball to some of these girls, now I’m here playing with them.
“It’s more than what I could have wished for, I’m so grateful to be here. It’s a great moment that will live in my heart forever.”
On England leaving it late for their decisive goals, she added: “We knew that we were going to get a chance, we took those two chances and here we are with the win!
And what about the final on Sunday?
“We have one more game left and we’re ready for it, whatever is going to happen, we’re ready.”
Kelly: We want more!
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:47 , Alex Dakers“This team deserved nothing but that,” says Chloe Kelly after coming on and scoring the decisive goal for England in that Euro semi-final.
“Three finals in a row and we want more!
"This team shows resilience but we fight back and hopefully we can make it easier for ourselves, we don't need that panic."
On “unbelievable” fellow goal-scorer and substitute Michelle Agyemang, Kelly added: “A young player with a bright future and I’m absolutely buzzing for her!”
FT: England 2-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:38 , Alex DakersAnd that is it!
England are back in the final of the European Championships after two late moments of madness.
Italy are in tears, utterly dejected having come so close to seeing off the reigning champions.
But the Lionesses live to fight another day thanks to Michelle Agyemang’s cool stoppage time equaliser, and Chloe Kelly’s rebound from a missed penalty in extra time.
The title defence is still on!
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:37 , Alex DakersA Euros semi-final penalty is saved in extra time but scored on the rebound to maybe send England to the final.
For Kane against Denmark in 2021, see Kelly against Italy in 2025!
GOAL! England 2-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:34 , Alex Dakers119min: Chloe Kelly scores!
The Lionesses star saw her first attempt saved by Laura Giuliani, but makes no mistake with the rebound.
England are on course for the Euro 2025 final after ANOTHER comeback.
Jess Carter then comes on for Alex Greenwood to another huge roar from the crowd.
PENALTY TO ENGLAND
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:32 , Alex Dakers117min: Beth Mead is being held back there, and the referee blows for a penalty.
It will be checked by VAR, of course, but looks likely to be given.
Chloe Kelly has the ball in her hands.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:31 , Alex Dakers115min: Oh. My. Word.
Michelle Agyemang, under pressure from several Italian defenders, clips a looping shot over Laura Giuliani, who can do nothing about it.
But the ball clatters against the crossbar and away from danger.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:29 , Alex Dakers116min: Mere minutes to go before... dare we even say it again?
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:29 , Alex Dakers115min: Yet another Chloe Kelly corner, this one from the right, but play pauses after an England hand ball.
Italy taking their time to play this one out.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:28 , Alex Dakers114min: Some end to end play, with Italy showing more fight now after taking their time to recover from the sucker punch that was England’s late equaliser in stoppage time.
Another goal now for either side would surely be the knock-out blow.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:26 , Alex Dakers112min: England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton claims a speculative Italian ball into her area and sends play rocketing away back into her opponents’ half.
But then it’s Laura Guiliani’s turn to do the same.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:23 , Alex Dakers109min: That corner from Chloe Kelly is heading for the far corner of the goal before Laura Giuliani gets a strong hand to it.
A second corner for the Lionesses, with Kelly stepping up again, bounces over to Lucy Bronze but causes considerably less trouble for Giuliani.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:21 , Alex Dakers107min: Ella Toone tries to find Michelle Agyemang in the box but Italy head it clear.
Lauren Hemp then races forward in possession and wins England a corner.
Play resumes in extra time
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:19 , Alex DakersBack underway for the final period of open play in Geneva.
Grace Clinton replaces Keira Walsh in the Lionesses XI.
HT ET: England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:17 , Alex DakersHalf-time in extra time.
15 minutes to go, if either side want to find a decisive goal and avoid a penalty shoot-out - which would be the second in a row for the Lionesses.
From Standard Sport’s Dom Smith:
England broadly in control in this first half of extra time, but they know they must make it pay.
History says your luck can tend to run out if you have to face a second penalty shootout in the same tournament.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:16 , Alex Dakers105min: Lauren Hemp’s chipped cross from the left as she races into the box and towards the Italian goalmouth is caught by Laura Giuliani now.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:15 , Alex Dakers104min: Coming up on the interval in extra time, and both sides are remaining largely cautious here.
You can understand it, with what’s at stake.
We couldn’t be headed for penalties again, could we?
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:12 , Alex Dakers101min: 19 shots to 10 now in favour of England as we tick over 100 minutes, with four attempts on target apiece.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:09 , Alex Dakers98min: Chloe Kelly with a lovely mazy dribble, but the England star is slightly off balance as she gets a shot off with her left and it flashes high and wide.
England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:06 , Alex Dakers95min: An understandably cagey start to this extra period so far.
Laura Giuliani is initially troubled by an Ella Toone cross but eventually gathers it.
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:04 , Alex DakersIt's a considerable challenge for England to readjust and perform with a coherent structure in extra time now given they have so many attackers on the pitch!
Italy will fancy their chances for that reason, but then again the momentum is the Lionesses'. Hard to call!
Extra time begins
Tuesday 22 July 2025 22:02 , Alex DakersBack underway for another 30 minutes in Geneva!
End of regulation: England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:58 , Alex DakersThe ref blows for the end of regulation time, and we’ll have another 30 minutes to play!
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:54 , Alex DakersMichelle Agyemang is just ice cool!
What a composed finish; she has saved England at the last. Truly amazing.
GOAL! England 1-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:53 , Alex Dakers96min: England equalise!
Having gone on the attack again, Michelle Agyemang pounces and the Lionesses - on the brink of elimination - are level.
That was as calm as you like from the 19-year-old, who only made her senior debut in April, recovering from a heavy first touch in the box to finish under pressure from a tricky angle.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:52 , Alex Dakers95min: But Kelly’s delivery isn’t a good one this time, crashing into the outside netting.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:51 , Alex Dakers94min: It is all England at the moment, but they can’t get a clear shot away.
Corner kick to the Lionesses, which Chloe Kelly hurriedly takes.
Hannah Hampton is up for it.
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:48 , Alex DakersEngland have seven minutes to save their European Championship title defence.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:48 , Alex Dakers90min: SEVEN minutes added on as Chloe Kelly fires in another corner from the left.
Lucy Bronze gets her head on it but Laura Giuliani claims the ball once again.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:47 , Alex DakersEngland are pushing with everything they’ve got, but it’s not been enough so far.
15 shots, but only three on target for the Lionesses. The Italians have nine total attempts, four of them on target.
Lenzini out for Piga for Italy is the latest change.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:46 , Alex Dakers88min: Lauren Hemp is fouled as she chases the ball down England’s right wing and it’s a yellow card for Elena Linari.
The Italian won’t care a jot if this result holds, though.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:44 , Alex Dakers86min: England are nearly two goals down!
Hannah Hampton can’t quite hold onto the ball at first, but manages to following a second Italian attempt from close range.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:42 , Alex Dakers85min: It’s Alessia Russo and captain Leah Williamson that make way for Agyemang and Beever-Jones.
Time ticking away...
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:41 , Alex DakersOn that chance a few minutes ago:
Closer, still, from England as Bronze's header is cleared off the line from Greenwood's corner.
It's getting tight now. England are in desperate need of an equaliser, from anywhere.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:40 , Alex Dakers82min: Elisabetta Oliviero pings a ball in from Italy’s right flank but Martina Piemonte can’t reach it.
Time for a quick rehydration break, and nearly time for two more late England changes.
Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones are about to be thrown into the fray by Sarina Wiegman.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:38 , Alex Dakers81min: That delivery also finds the unmarkable Lucy Bronze at the far post, but her effort is cleared off the line!
A third corner in a row for England, but nothing comes from it.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:37 , Alex Dakers81min: Kelly’s corner finds Lucy Bronze but it’s blocked by Italy.
Another corner on the opposite side of the pitch for the Lionesses.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:37 , Alex Dakers80min: Chloe Kelly gets involved immediately and her attempt deflects out for an England corner.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:36 , Alex Dakers79min: Italy rush forward on the attack but can’t get an attempt on target.
Approaching the final 10 minutes in Geneva, plus stoppages.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:35 , Alex Dakers78min: There’s that eagerly anticipated second substitution for England!
Chloe Kelly is on for Georgia Stanway, to a huge cheer from the crowd.
A central midfielder off for an attacker - enough to spark a change, or too little too late?
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:34 , Alex Dakers76min: Lucy Bronze whips in a cross and Lauren Hemp tries to nudge it in Alessia Russo’s direction, but appears to commit a foul in the process and the ball returns to Italy’s possession for a goal kick.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:31 , Alex Dakers75min: Italy manager Andrea Soncin is booked for his vocal reaction to his goalkeeper, Laura Giuliani, being shown a yellow card for timewasting.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:30 , Alex Dakers73min: Sofia Cantore and Barbara Bonansea, both integral to their side’s lead, are replaced for Italy now.
A new-look Italian frontline for these closing stages, to keep England on their toes as they search for a goal of their own.
Still no movement on the Lionesses bench.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:28 , Alex Dakers71min: The Italians will be more than comfortable to see this match out at the current score line.
All the pressure is on England to find an equaliser.
When will Sarina Wiegman next roll the dice to help them do so?
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:27 , Alex Dakers67min: Italy under some pressure from a few rocketing England shots, but play is called back for offside after Beth Mead strayed just out of bounds when chasing a ball to the byline.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:22 , Alex Dakers64min: Italy captain Cristiana Girelli receives treatment following a bad knock, and is replaced by Martina Piemonte.
Girelli goes off in tears to an ovation from the Italian supporters inside Stade de Geneve.
Will her team hold on for these final 25 minutes or so?
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:20 , Alex DakersHemp has been looking tired for 10 minutes or more now.
Time for Chloe Kelly to come on, I feel.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:20 , Alex Dakers63min: Lauren Hemp is found by Georgia Stanway out wide on the left and she looks for Alessia Russo in the box - but Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani says I’ll have that, thank you very much.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:19 , Alex Dakers62min: Chloe Kelly has been warming up for England.
Can she prove to be the Lionesses’ saviour?
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:18 , Alex Dakers60min: Another ball in from England’s right, but Alex Greenwood’s header in the box bounces straight up in the air.
Lauren Hemp aims to control it but can’t quite, and Italy clear.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:16 , Alex Dakers59min: Lionesses captain Leah Williamson up for an England corner, which Alex Greenwood takes...
But it’s claimed by Laura Giuliani.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:15 , Alex Dakers58min: Lauren Hemp races down England’s left flank and her ball across finds Keira Walsh and then Georgia Stanway, whose shot is blocked.
The Lionesses win back possession but eventually lose it.
More changes incoming from Sarina Wiegmann soon?
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:11 , Alex DakersTwo chances in a couple of minutes for Hemp - neither of which she could take - but it's better from England, who knew they needed to up the tempo in this second half and have.
But Cantore then stings the gloves of Hampton and that's a reminder for the Lionesses and their need to concentrate.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:10 , Alex Dakers51min: Another chance for Hemp there, who races onto a loose ball in the box following some threatening play by England, but she doesn’t get enough on her shot to trouble Laura Giuliani.
At the other end moments later, Sofia Cantore breaks away to force a stop from Hannah Hampton.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:09 , Alex Dakers50min: There’s a teasing ball into the box from deep by Ella Toone and suddenly Lauren Hemp is in a good bit of space near the back post.
She can’t quite get enough direction on her header, though, and the ball lands on top of the net.
Second half begins: England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:03 , Alex Dakers46min: Back underway in Geneva, with Beth Mead on in place of Lauren James.
The latter appeared to be limping slightly after a knock at the end of the first half, but that’s still an eye-catching tweak from Sarina Wiegman - and an uncharacteristically early sub.
Second half approaches
Tuesday 22 July 2025 21:02 , Alex DakersEngland goalkeeper Hannah Hampton had more touches (20) than midfielder Georgia Stanway (18) in that first half, according to the BBC.
Keira Walsh only had 21.
Can England find an answer against Italy?
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:57 , Alex DakersItaly have now taken the lead in all five of their matches at Euro 2025, but their last three opponents have equalised.
Can the Lionesses do the same?
We’re about to find out! The second half is just a few more minutes away.
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:49 , Alex DakersPlenty for England to ponder as they head to the dressing rooms at half-time.
Italy lead thanks to Bonansea's fine volley, the only goal of the game, and the Lionesses just haven't quite done enough in that first period.
They're the much more fancied team in this first semi-final and - in case they had forgotten - the defending champions.
A markedly better second half is needed.
Half-time: England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:47 , Alex DakersOne foot in the final for Italy, in what would be their first appearance on that stage since Euro 1997.
Work to do for England if they want to have a chance to defend their European crown.
The Lionesses run straight down the tunnel. What fixes can Sarina Wiegman make?
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:47 , Alex Dakers45min: Hannah Hampton punches said corner clear and England win a free-kick for some jostling in the box.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:46 , Alex Dakers45min: A minute added on as Italy have a corner.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:45 , Alex Dakers43min: That goal has Italy full of confidence, and this time a searching ball from right-back Elisabetta Oliviero has to be scrambled clear by England.
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:42 , Alex DakersEngland a whisker away from levelling this semi-final up with what was intended as a cross by Walsh.
You sense they're getting closer, as this first half approaches its end.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:42 , Alex Dakers40min: Neither Alessia Russo nor Lucy Bronze can quite reach a speculative cross from the left.
All to do for England as we approach half-time.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:39 , Alex Dakers37min: Lauren James with a good chance to draw England level there, but Italy’s Laura Giuliani leaps to her left to push it wide.
The Lionesses keep possession, but it comes to nothing.
England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:36 , Alex Dakers35min: As Dom says, the Lionesses are now in a similar position to their quarter-final against Sweden, in which they went behind in the first half.
Will they manage a comeback like last week’s?
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:35 , Alex DakersThe experienced Bonansea proves she is to be trusted with by far Italy's best chance of the game.
A fantastic finish from the forward - and England are in a battle now. They're behind again!
🅱️🅱️1️⃣1️⃣#WEURO2025 #InghilterraItalia#Nazionale #Azzurre #LeAzzurreSiamoNoi pic.twitter.com/xHrFUUKCG3
— Nazionale Femminile di Calcio (@AzzurreFIGC) July 22, 2025
GOAL! England 0-1 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:33 , Alex Dakers32min: Goal for Italy!
Le Azzurre make the most of some messy English defending as a ball from the right bounces off Lucy Bronze and finds Barbara Bonansea, who smashes her shot into the roof of the net.
A 1-0 lead for the dark horse Italians over the reigning European champions.
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:32 , Alex DakersLovely volley from the referee there. And she says 'play on' afterwards!
A novel sight, that.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:28 , Alex Dakers26min: Georgia Stanway is caught by a late challenge from Barbara Bonansea.
Free-kick to England in the middle of the park, but possession is soon won back by Italy.
The Italians are, however, yet to have a touch in the English penalty box.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:26 , Alex Dakers24min: It takes Italy a few attempts to clear it from their box but they do, and work the ball quickly up into England’s half.
That attack ends with a cross from the right, which is ultimately wasted - looping over the crossbar and out of play.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:25 , Alex Dakers24min: The first corner of the match is England’s. Alex Greenwood to take.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:24 , Alex Dakers22min: Lauren James whips a ball into the box and Lauren Hemp gets her head on it, but not with enough power or placement and it’s an Italian goal-kick.
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:21 , Alex DakersShe stole a yard there, Russo, and struck her shot firmly.
A shame for England that lands just wide, but positive signs for Wiegman's side - there are mistakes in this Italy backline if they're put under enough pressure.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:21 , Alex Dakers19min: Close!
A ball into the box from the left finds England striker Alessia Russo, who manages to get a shot away on the turn and under pressure - but it fizzes off to the right, wide of the post.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:18 , Alex Dakers16min: England have been well and truly targeting Italian right-back Elisabetta Oliviero in this opening quarter of an hour.
Oliviero has a penchant for racing up to help her side attack, but it has been leaving a bit of a hole on that right flank for Italy - which Alex Greenwood and Lauren Hemp are happily racing into themselves.
Nothing has really come of it yet, though, aside from that early Lauren James shot.
Cheers in the 16th minute there for Jess Carter as well, owner of the No16 shirt for England.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:15 , Alex Dakers13min: Georgia Stanway gives away a free-kick now, for a challenge on her Bayern Munich teammate Arianna Caruso.
No bookings yet from referee Ivana Martincic, though.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:14 , Alex Dakers12min: Italy went away up the other end following that James chance, but their attack ends with the ball calmly claimed by Hannah Hampton’s gloves.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:12 , Alex Dakers10min: Lauren Hemp is released down the left for England, the ball finds Lauren James in the box but the Lionesses forward fires straight at the Italian goalkeeper, Laura Giuliani.
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:11 , Alex DakersBronze is fortunate to get away without a yellow card there.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:10 , Alex Dakers8min: A clash there between Bonansea and Lucy Bronze, the latter leaving her boot in a bit high and causing the former to crumple to the ground following the challenge.
Just a talking to for the England defender for now.
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:08 , Alex DakersIt's a bright start from England at the Stade de Geneve, pressing the Italian backline where they can and looking to create early chances.
Italy struggling to get out at present.
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:06 , Alex Dakers5min: The Lionesses with more possession so far as they look to test their opponents, but Italy have been full of energy from the start as well.
A boisterous atmosphere inside Stade de Geneve is surely helping to get both sides up for this one!
England 0-0 Italy
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:03 , Alex Dakers2min: Both teams remained standing there before kick-off.
England begin with a couple of threatening runs down the left to put Italy under early pressure.
Nothing comes of them though, and the Italians play out from the back.
Kick-off
Tuesday 22 July 2025 20:01 , Alex DakersWe are underway in Geneva!
England in a 4-2-3-1, Italy lining up as a 3-4-3.
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:57 , Alex DakersItaly with an absolutely roaring rendition of their national anthem there.
Any edge they can get on England I suppose...
Anthems sung as players on the pitch
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:57 , Alex DakersEngland and Italy’s starting squads are out on the pitch now, as Le Azzurri belt out their anthem with pride.
The Lionesses’ turn now.
Players in the tunnel
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:54 , Alex DakersEngland’s dressing room was full of pre-match tunes, including the classic ‘Sweet Caroline’, but the players are quiet and in the zone now they’re in the tunnel.
Leah Williamson is about to lead the Lionesses out opposite the Italians.
Tonight's venue: Stade de Geneve
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:50 , Alex DakersA quick look at the venue for tonight’s 2025 European Championship semi-final.
Quite the view at Stade de Geneve, which has a capacity of 30,000 and is usually home to Swiss Super League side Servette FC.
TEN minutes until kick-off.
England 'ready to compete' thanks to 'massive' fan support
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:45 , Alex DakersSarina Wiegman thanked Lionesses fans for their support and said England are “ready to challenge” as they bid to reach the Euro 2025 final.
"Of course that’s massive for us,” she said of England fans’ support. “I think [the stadium] is going to be really full and there will be a lot of Italian fans too, and that’s really exciting.
“It’s a semi-final. The fans will bring some noise and they have been behind us and that’s really, really helpful. I know they will do that tonight again.
Wiegman added: "It’s a big game and we’re ready to challenge and ready to compete tonight. We hope we play at our best and win the game."
Roar of support for Carter
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:42 , Alex DakersA huge roar of support for Jess Carter a few moments ago as the stadium announcer read out the team news at Stade de Geneva.
Perhaps the biggest cheer of all there from Lionesses fans for the England defender, who is on the bench tonight but will surely be introduced to the action at some stage.
Lionesses getting ready
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:41 , Alex DakersThe Lionesses have been loosening up ahead of tonight’s semi-final showdown with Italy.
Here are a few pictures from Geneva:
Italy warming up
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:34 , Alex DakersLe Azzurre have been out warming up at Stade de Geneve.
They’re the dark horses of this tournament, and the bookies’ underdogs tonight - could they upset the reigning Euro champions?
In campo! 🇮🇹#WEURO2025 #InghilterraItalia#Nazionale #Azzurre #LeAzzurreSiamoNoi pic.twitter.com/IGbaOcskEj
— Nazionale Femminile di Calcio (@AzzurreFIGC) July 22, 2025
Inside the Italian dressing room
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:30 , Alex DakersHere’s a peak inside the Italian dressing room:
Tutto pronto 🔥#WEURO2025 #InghliterraItalia #Nazionale #Azzurre #LeAzzurreSiamoNoi pic.twitter.com/NzzZw7AovR
— Nazionale Femminile di Calcio (@AzzurreFIGC) July 22, 2025
Wiegman: Morgan over Carter a 'tactical' decision
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:12 , Alex DakersThe decision to replace Jess Carter with Esme Morgan is based on the “tactical challenges” England expect to face against Italy, Sarina Wiegman has said.
"The thinking behind that move is that we have tactical challenges today and we think with Esme we can solve that better,” the Lionesses boss said ahead of kick-off.
Wiegman added that Carter is “good” after the defender revealed she had been subjected to racist abuse on social media, and assured fans that Leah Williamson is “ready” after recovering from a knock sustained in the quarter-final against Sweden.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live at Stade de Geneve, former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley said Morgan “brought a sense of calm” when she came on against the Swedes.
“Her positional awareness was really good,” Bardsley continued, adding that Morgan’s pace and ability to stop runs helps England’s defence where it “been struggling”.
England team arriving at Stade de Geneve
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:10 , Alex DakersHere’s some footage of the Lionesses arriving at Stade de Geneve ahead of tonight’s showdown with Italy.
England fans - are you excited, nervous, or both?
Behind-the-scenes of the #Lionesses arriving at Stade de Genève! 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/BTynDh8FmG
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 22, 2025
Dom Smith reports
Tuesday 22 July 2025 19:00 , Alex DakersThat's a big call from Sarina Wiegman to drop Jess Carter and select Esme Morgan instead of her at centre-back as her only change to the Lionesses' starting line-up tonight.
Carter endured a tough night against Sweden last time out, making a handful of errors, but the days that have followed that quarter-final win have been arguably just as tumultuous for her - receiving vile racist abuse online that has prompted her to pause using social media until the tournament is over.
Whatever the reason, whatever the thinking, it's a brave and intriguing call from the England manager.
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