Producing what was one other sensational late comeback on Tuesday evening, England booked their spot within the last of this summer time’s European Championships as they snatched a 2-1 victory in opposition to Italy in Geneva.
In what was an analogous story to final weekend’s epic quarter-final showdown in opposition to Sweden, the Lionesses drastically failed to seek out any form of fluidity.
Watching Barbara Bonansea open the scoring for Italy simply after the half-hour mark, Sarina Wiegman as soon as once more minimize a pissed off determine as her defending European champions flattered to deceive.
Nonetheless, watching 19-year-old sensation Michelle Agyemang come off the bench and snatch one other dramatic last-gasp equaliser, England had been seconds away from extra penalty shootout drama.
Though England might need failed to seek out high gear in Geneva, it was Chloe Kelly who fired the Lionesses to Sunday’s showpiece occasion because the Manchester Metropolis ace transformed her last-minute penalty on the second try.
Now simply 90 minutes away from retaining their European crown, England shall be retaining an in depth eye on proceedings in 24 hours as Germany and match favourites Spain meet within the second semi-final showdown.
On what was one other thriller from the Stade de Geneve on Tuesday evening, we’ve taken a have a look at the primary speaking factors as England punch their EURO 25 last ticket.
England drag themselves over the ending line once more
Solely seconds away from formally relinquishing their European crown, many throughout the continent shall be questioning simply how England have managed to tug themselves to the ultimate of this summer time’s match.
Getting their EURO 25 journey underway on July seventh with a 2-1 loss by the hands of France, it’s honest to say that the defending European champions have largely flattered to deceive thus far this summer time.
Nonetheless, with it actually beginning to really feel like destiny is on their aspect, England deserve loads of reward for his or her by no means die perspective and the Lionesses journey to Basel on Sunday simply 90 minutes away from shattering extra data.
Producing a pair of iconic knoutout stage comebacks over the previous few days, the previous Netherlands boss could have fairly the choice headache on her arms forward of Sunday’s date with future.
Regardless of failing to seek out any form of fluidity over in Switzerland this summer time, Tuesday’s newest nice escape would have solely stuffed Wiegman’s camp with much more confidence.
Agyemang’s rise to superstardom continues
Solely incomes a single England cap forward of this summer time’s match, there is no such thing as a doubt that Agyemang’s inclusion in Wiegman’s squad was thought-about as an actual wildcard choice.
Nonetheless, regardless of solely that includes for 5 minutes throughout England’s three group stage appearances, the 19-year-old has rapidly change into the Lionesses poster woman and has instantly change into a key determine in Wiegman’s camp.
Coming off the bench and proving to be England’s hero in opposition to Sweden final week, Arsenal’s teen wrote an analogous script on Tuesday evening as she continued her rise to superstardom.
Having fun with what has change into an actual fairytale over in Switzerland this summer time, it’s no shock that Agyemang appears to be like set to earn a primary England begin in Basel this weekend.
Exploding onto the worldwide scene after spending final season on mortgage at WSL outfit Brighton, the Lionesses newest budding starlet has already written herself into English folklore.
Spain or Germany await in Basel
Whereas England might need rode their luck for giant spells this summer time as they dragged themselves to Basel, the Lionesses shall be bracing themselves for a monumental problem.
Since clinching a maiden World Cup crown again in 2023, Spain have launched into a exceptional silverware sweep and have solely additional cemented their spot as world soccer’s most feared worldwide squad.
Virtually universally thought to be the pre-tournament favourites this summer time, La Roja have continued to shatter a string of data over the previous two years.
Nonetheless, whereas Germany would possibly open Wednesday’s semi-final pencilled in as an actual underdog contender, they’ll actually be excited by a dominant file in opposition to their bitter European rivals.
Together with a 1-0 victory after they final met Spain on the Olympic Video games final summer time, they’re unbeaten in all of their seven battles throughout all competitions (4 wins, three attracts).
Match Report
England: Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood, Toone, Walsh, Stanway, James, Russo, Hemp
Subs: Kelly, Agyemang, Clinton, Carter, Beever-Jones, Mead
Italy: Giuliani, Oliviero, Lenzini, Salvai, Linari, Di Guglielmo, Giugliano, Caruso, Cantore, Bonansea, Girelli
Subs: Piemonte, Cambiaghi, Severni, Greggi, Piga
Objectives: England: Agyemang (90+6’), Kelly (119’) – Italy: Bonansea (33’)
Yellow Playing cards: England: Morgan, Mead – Italy: Giuliani, Linari, Cambiaghi
Crimson Playing cards: N/A
Referee: Ivana Martincic
