Mentality monster England do it again and qualify for Euros final | OneFootball

England came from behind once more to secure a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Italy, with goals from Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly sealing their place in the Euro 2025 final.

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There is something remarkable about this team’s belief and ability to fight until the last moment, salvaging games when it matters most. Other nations, notably France, could learn much from England’s mentality.

Manager Sarina Wiegman has now reached five tournament finals from the five she has contested. She won Euro 2017 with the Netherlands, lost the 2019 World Cup final to the USA, won Euro 2022 with England, lost the 2023 World Cup final to Spain, and has now reached another European final.

Her record is phenomenal. Wiegman is often criticised for conservative squad selections, inflexible starting XIs and late substitutions, yet few managers can match her ability to deliver results.

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Against Italy, she made just one change, dropping Jess Carter after a series of poor performances and handing Esme Morgan her first start of the tournament. England initially struggled to find solutions after Barbara Bonansea capitalised on hesitant defending to put Italy ahead.

Wiegman was forced into an early substitution, withdrawing Lauren James at half-time for Beth Mead. Chloe Kelly replaced Georgia Stanway in the 77th minute, while Michelle Agyemang and Agnes Beever-Jones came on for Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo with six minutes remaining as Wiegman threw caution to the wind.

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Just as she had against Sweden, 19-year-old Agyemang rescued England with a late equaliser, taking her tally to three goals in four appearances at the tournament, all from the bench.

She has now scored more for England than for Arsenal, prompting a decision for her club: retain her as an impact striker behind Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius, or send her out on loan for regular starts.

Either way, a new contract will be required soon to deter rival bids.

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Kelly won the match in extra time, converting from close range after her penalty was saved by Laura Giuliani and rebounded straight back to her feet.

It was another decisive contribution from a player who also created crucial goals against Sweden.

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England will now face Spain or Germany in the final.

They will need to start faster and avoid falling behind yet again, but their resilience gives them every chance of retaining their crown, whether against the technically gifted favourites Spain or a Germany side renowned for resilience in the face of injuries and suspensions.