England vs Italy: Lionesses Poised for Another Euro Final After Quarter‑Final Comeback
England’s Lionesses face Italy in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final on July 22 after a dramatic comeback against Sweden. Can the reigning champions book their place in another final?
NewsSutra
As the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-finals beckon, England’s Lionesses stand on the cusp of a historic achievement: defending their European crown. On Tuesday, July 22, at Stade de Genève, they face Italy—an emerging force—following a dramatic quarter-final turnaround against Sweden. The stage is set for a clash fueled by grit, resilience, and evolving rivalries.
A Thrilling Quarter‑Final: England’s Resilience on Full Display
Trailing 2–0 with mere minutes left, England’s quarter‑final against Sweden seemed destined for defeat. Instead, a seismic shift unfolded. In the 78th minute, Chloe Kelly was introduced, sparking back‑to‑back goals—Lucy Bronze equalised in the 79th, and Michelle Agyemang found the net in the 81st—forcing extra time. A grueling 14-shot penalty shoot‑out ensued, testing nerve and endurance. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, battling a bloody nose mid-game, made key saves, earning Player of the Match and steering her team to a 3–2 shoot‑out win The Times+7Al Jazeera+7The Independent+7Wikipedia+3Talksport+3The Times+3.
Analysts praised both Wiegman’s tactical adjustments and the impact of unheralded substitutes. TalkSPORT called it “the best and worst penalty shoot‑out ever,” highlighting nine missed efforts—an apt metaphor for the unpredictable drama of knockout football The SunTalksport. The Guardian added that this comeback marked the first time any European side overturned a two-goal deficit in knockout stage history The Guardian+1The Sun+1.
Italy’s Rise: A Story 28 Years in the Making
Contrasting with England’s roller‑coaster ride, Italy’s journey to the semis is marked by grit and historic persistence. Guided by veteran Cristiana Girelli, Italy snatched a dramatic 2–1 victory over Norway. Girelli’s injury‑time header secured their first European Championship semi‑final berth since 1997 ESPN.com+7AP News+7Reuters+7.
Italy’s renaissance began with the advent of professional women's football in the country in 2022. Since then, investments from Serie A clubs have paid dividends. Girelli herself remarked on the emotional magnitude of their run—and the growing inspiration they’re kindling among young Italian females AP News. Reuters echoed this sentiment, crediting both past generations and current leadership for the squad’s mental resilience Reuters.
Head‑to‑Head: Underdog Italy vs Reigning Champions England
The semi-final will see contrasting head-to-head records. England have dominated friendlies with four wins and one draw in their last five encounters, but competitive matches tilt towards Italy—who have won all six previous tournament clashes The Sun+14UEFA.com+14The Times+14. The most recent competitive victory came at Euro 2009, when Italy edged England 2–1 UEFA.com.
England will likely field a familiar frontline: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson (if fit), Greenwood, Carter; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; James, Russo, Hemp UEFA.com+5The Independent+5Wikipedia+5. Coach Sarina Wiegman faces key decisions: trust the evolving momentum of core players or lean on impact subs like Kelly and Agyemang, who turned the tide in Zurich Wikipedia+12The Times+12Daijiworld+12.
England captain Leah Williamson will be heavily monitored. She exited the Sweden match with an ankle injury but remains “very optimistic” to play The Times+4The Times+4Daily Observer+4. Additionally, defender Jess Carter’s recent reports of racist abuse have put FA and police on alert Wikipedia+4Daily Observer+4Daijiworld+4, creating off-field tension. England’s core midfield trio—Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone—remain pivotal Daijiworld+15The Times+15ESPN.com+15.
Italy, with no fresh injury concerns, are expected to remain true to coach Andrea Soncin’s aggressive setup—a blend of disciplined defence and direct attack, often pivoting on wing-backs and long through-balls to Girelli Wikipedia+5ESPN.com+5Reuters+5.
Tactical Face-Off and Predictions
England
Wiegman’s side will likely favour a back three during transitions to counter Italy’s direct long balls Wikipedia+10ESPN.com+10The Independent+10. Hits from substitutes proved decisive in their quarter, reinforcing the strength in depth.
Italy
Soncin’s unit excels in aerial duels and set pieces—asset for exploiting target forward Girelli’s late‑run finishes Reuters. Tactical flexibility between back four and five injects unpredictability into their approach ESPN.comWikipedia.
A Reuters preview notes England’s backline struggles under pressure—errors during build-up have led to high turnover rates, offering Italy a glimmer of hope ESPN.comReuters.
Stakes, Anticipation, and Legacy
For England, reaching a second consecutive Euro final would solidify Wiegman’s legacy as only the second coach to win back‑to‑back titles with different nations. Their resilience under pressure has already marked this squad as among the mentally toughest Europe has seen UEFA.comReutersThe Guardian.
Italy’s semi-final berth is already a triumph of national significance. Success in Geneva could ignite a seismic shift in Italy’s football culture, energising investment and popular support for the women’s game AP NewsReutersAl JazeeraUEFA.com.
Viewing Info
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) TalksportAl JazeeraThe Independent
Venue: Stade de Genève, Switzerland
Broadcast: ITV1 and ITVX in the UK (coverage starts at 19:00 BST) The Independent
Final Word
England vs Italy promises to be more than a tactical battle—it’s a narrative clash of experience versus aspiration. Will the reigning champions finally fall to an inspired Italian side, or will England’s mental fortitude and depth see them through once again? For fans, neutrals, and football purists alike, Tuesday in Geneva offers a sporting spectacle and a potential turning point in women’s European football.
