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England have qualified for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final by defeating Italy 2-1 after extra-time in their semi-final tie in Geneva this evening.
It wasn’t going to plan for England with Barbara Bonansea firing Italy into a first half lead. Michelle Agyemang rescued the Lionesses with a goal deep in second half stoppage time before Chloe Kelly bundled home a penalty kick at the second attempt at the end of extra-time to seal the win.
England started the game well but struggled to severely test Italian keeper Laura Giuliani early on. Alessia Russo did go close but her effort went narrowly wide.
Disaster struck on the half-hour when an Italian cross found Bonansea who thumped the ball into the back of the net.
England tried to respond but Giuliani denied Lauren James before Keira Walsh curled an effort wide.
The Lionesses went close again just after the break but Lauren Hemp’s effort could only land on the outside of the net. England pushed hard but Italy were putting their bodies on the line at every opportunity.
Lucy Bronze saw a header cleared off the line before Emma Severini missed a guilt-edged chance to seal it for Italy at the other end.
England looked down and out until substitute Agyemang fired in the equaliser in the final moments of stoppage time to force extra-time.
Both sides battled through extra-time with little created in the first 25 minutes. Agyemang then saw a shot hit the bar before England were awarded a penalty when Severini fouled Beth Mead. Kelly saw her penalty saved but she converted at the second attempt to send England into the final.
The Lionesses will face either Germany or Spain in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final on Sunday evening.
