England are into the final of the Women’s EURO 2025. But it wasn’t straightforward. Again. A scrappy 2-1 extra-time win over Italy has the Lionesses one game away from defending their European crown — but the warning signs are still there.
Overview
It took a 96th-minute equaliser and a 118th-minute penalty for England to scrape past a tough Italian side. Once again, it was the impact from the bench that turned the game, with Michelle Agyemang stepping up when England needed her most.
But the first-half performance was flat, the midfield struggled again, and some big-name players still aren’t firing. England might be winning — but they’re not convincing.
What You Need to Know
- England beat Italy 2-1 after extra time in the semi-final
- Italy took the lead and controlled large parts of the game
- Michelle Agyemang came off the bench to turn things around
- Russo continues to be isolated up front
- England will now face either Spain or Sweden in the final
Key Talking Points
Another Slow Start
England looked off the pace in the first half. Passing was slow, decision-making even slower, and Italy dominated the midfield. Once again, England started the game on the back foot — a trend that’s becoming a concern.
Midfield Overrun
With Italy playing five in the middle, England’s trio of Walsh, Stanway and Toone couldn’t cope. Walsh has grown into the tournament, but Stanway struggled again. Clinton surely has to be considered for the final to give England more balance and legs.
Agyemang Makes the Difference
When Michelle Agyemang came on, the entire energy of the game changed. Her physicality, directness and urgency unsettled Italy and created momentum. But the question remains — why wait so long to bring her on?
Wide Players Still Flat
Neither James nor Mead had a major impact. James was replaced at half-time and while Mead tried to stretch Italy, she didn’t look sharp. England’s wide threat has been missing this entire tournament.
Our Take
Another late, late show keeps England alive — but how long can we keep riding our luck?
The performance against Italy raised a lot of the same questions we’ve had all tournament. The midfield doesn’t look right, the attack feels isolated, and the best moments are coming from the bench — not from the starters.
Agyemang has been a revelation in this squad and proved again last night why she should be getting more than 20–25 minutes. It’s not just about her energy — it’s her ability to unsettle defenders and create chaos. Had she come on at 60 minutes, we might’ve avoided extra time altogether.
Once again, Alessia Russo was left completely isolated. She’s working so hard just to hold the ball up or draw fouls, and when she finally gets the ball, there’s no support. Why not try Beever-Jones up there with her? Or even give Park a start behind her and give defenders something else to think about?
And we need to talk about the midfield. Walsh is doing well considering the pressure she’s under every game, but Stanway looks burnt out. Clinton has shown she can do a job and deserves more trust. Toone is fading fast — too many minutes and too much responsibility. There’s no shame in rotating when it’s needed.
Italy exposed our weaknesses and honestly, if they were more clinical, this could’ve been a very different result. We were overrun in midfield, couldn’t keep the ball, and again relied on pure grit to stay in the match.
This team isn’t Spain. We’re not going to blow anyone away with passes and possession. But what we are — when we get it right — is relentless. We hang in games. We push teams to the edge. And sometimes, that’s enough.
But it won’t be forever.
England are one win away from back-to-back European titles. But can this team go to the well one more time? Let us know your thoughts over on our social pages.
