England 2-1 Italy: Chloe Kelly scores last-minute winner as Lionesses complete comeback to reach Euro final | OneFootball

Sarina Wiegman’s substitutes saw England over the line again

England are through to the 2025 European Championship final after beating Italy 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final showdown.

The Lionesses fell behind in the first half as Barbara Bonansea ended a well-worked goal by firing high past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and into the roof of the net.

The Italians contained England’s threat with a well-organised and disciplined performance as the holders pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half.

But a 96th-minute equaliser for England came courtesy of teenage substitute Michelle Agyemang, who coolly slotted her effort past Laura Giualiani to send the white and red portion of the crowd into raptures and the tie into extra-time.

After a tense first period, the Lionesses were awarded a late penalty when Emma Severini was adjudged to have wrestled Beth Mead to the ground.

Up stepped Chloe Kelly, who - after seeing her first attempt saved - rushed forward to poke home the decisive goal that launched England into a third major final in four years.

It means Sarina Wiegman’s squad, despite looking down, out and largely dead on their feet before Agyemang’s lifeline, will have the chance to defend the European title they won three years ago.

England have now also reached all of the past six European Championship finals between the senior men, women and Under-21s.

Relief was the overwhelming emotion at the final whistle for Wiegman, who now must wait for the result of tomorrow night’s semi-final between record eight-time Euro winners Germany and reigning world champions Spain to see who her team will face in Sunday’s final in Basel.

Questions will be asked of the Dutch manager’s approach after England were very nearly downed by this year’s dark horses. But Wiegman will point to her substitutions, despite being left until typically late in the match, proving the difference.

“We had some serious challenges in this game,” she said after full-time. “The first half we didn’t play well, we didn’t have energy. The second half we did better but they defended really well, too.

Wiegman continued: “We say we can win by any means. We take risks and this team just keeps going, we never give up.”