England’s Lionesses have booked their place in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final after a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory over Italy in Basel on Tuesday. In a match filled with drama and late goals, Chloe Kelly scored the decisive winner in the 119th minute, pouncing on a rebound after her penalty kick was saved by Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani.
Italy took an early lead in the 33rd minute through Barbara Bonansea’s stunning volley, putting England on the back foot. Despite relentless pressure in the second half, England struggled to break down Italy’s resilient defense, brilliantly marshaled by center-backs Elena Linari and Cecilia Salvai.
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, substitute Michelle Agyemang stepped up to level the score for England. Seizing on a spilled cross by Giuliani, Agyemang fired a low shot that found its way into the net, forcing the game into extra time.
“When it finishes like this, I am enjoying it, but it’s a little bit dramatic,” England coach Sarina Wiegman said after the match. Wiegman, who led the Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title before joining England, has never been eliminated from the tournament.
Italy’s coach Andrea Soncin expressed his pride despite the heartbreaking loss. “It’s a bitter defeat because we were one minute away from the final,” he said. “But we have to be proud.”
England will defend their title in Sunday’s final against the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between world champions Spain and Germany, who face off in Zurich. The final promises to be a gripping encounter, potentially setting up a rematch of previous finals; England defeated Germany in the Euro 2022 final and faced Spain in the 2023 World Cup final.
After the final whistle, a dejected Giuliani lay face down on the pitch, reflecting the emotions of an Italian side that had come so close to a historic victory. Meanwhile, England’s players celebrated yet another great escape, having also come from behind to defeat Sweden in the quarterfinals.
The Lionesses’ resilience and determination have been a hallmark of their Euro 2025 campaign. As they prepare for the final, the team’s focus remains on retaining their championship title and inspiring fans around the world.
