Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang played the role of super subs as England came from behind to reach the Euro 2025 final with a 2-1 extra-time win over Italy.
Italy looked set to spring a huge semi-final upset when Barbara Bonansea rifled home in the first half, but Agyemang took advantage of a goalmouth scramble to level in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.
And with a penalty shoot-out looming, the Lionesses completed the turnaround through Kelly, who saw a penalty saved by Laura Giuliani but tucked home the rebound, teeing up a meeting in the final with either Spain or Germany.
England dominated possession in the early stages, but it was Italy who took the lead in the 33rd minute. Sofia Cantore exchanged passes with Arianna Caruso before crossing, with Bonansea thumping past Hannah Hampton.
Lauren James could have levelled soon afterwards but saw her effort pushed wide by Giuliani, and the Chelsea winger did not emerge for the second half after receiving a knock.
Lauren Hemp headed onto the roof of the net as England attempted to up the ante in the second half, while Hampton had to stay alert to deny Cantore on the counter.
Italy defended bravely, and England’s hopes seemed to have been dashed when Lucy Bronze’s header across goal was brilliantly cleared by Lucia Di Guglielmo.
However, six minutes into stoppage time, Giuliani could only parry Hemp’s desperate cross from the right, and Agyemang drilled home to spark wild celebrations.
After 26 quiet minutes of extra time, Agyemang struck the crossbar with a wonderful lob from the right side of the area, and 51 seconds later, Italy substitute Emma Severini dragged Beth Mead down inside the area.
Referee Ivana Martincic pointed to the spot, and though Giuliani dived to her right to parry Kelly’s kick, the winger scrambled the rebound home to clinch another dramatic success for Sarina Wiegman’s side.
SCENES. AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/IhvEiqz3Ia
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 22, 2025
Data Debrief: England’s double late show
England left things relatively late to beat Sweden in the last eight, having trailed 2-0 with just 11 minutes to play. But they took things to another level on Tuesday.
Agyemang’s leveller was timed at 95 minutes and one second, England’s latest goal (excluding extra time) on record at the Women’s Euros (since 2013).
Kelly’s winner, meanwhile, hit the net after 118 minutes and 53 seconds, making it the latest goal scored by any team in the history of the Women’s Euros.
3 – England have become the third European team to reach the final of three consecutive major tournaments (World Cup/EURO) after Germany (3, 1995-1997 and 5, 2001-2009) and Norway (5, 1987-1993). Hat-trick. pic.twitter.com/nFlj8YxaVg
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 22, 2025
The victory was Wiegman’s 100th as a permanent manager in international football, with 48 coming with England and the other 52 with the Netherlands. The Lionesses have now made the final of all three of their major tournaments during her tenure (Euros/World Cup).