Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses battled back from a goal down against Italy to win 2-1 in extra-time and secure their spot in the Women’s Euro 2025 final.
Three years on from their historic triumph over Germany at Wembley, the holders’ defence of the trophy looked to be coming to an end after Barbara Bonansea arrowed an emphatic strike beyond Hannah Hampton in the 33rd minute.
But no doubt spurred on by their spirited penalty-shootout victory over Sweden in the previous round, England dug deep and found a late equaliser through an inspired Michelle Agyemang to force a further 30 minutes in Geneva.
The momentum was firmly in England’s favour as extra-time wore on and the pressure told as Wiegman’s side were awarded a penalty in the 199th minute, which Chloe Kelly directed home on the rebound having seen her initial effort saved.
Wiegman’s side held firm and preserved their narrow advantage in some tense final moments to secure their place in Sunday’s showpiece, where they will face off against either Germany or Spain.
The result means Italy’s painful 27-year wait for a place in a European Championship final goes on.
The reigning champions, meanwhile, will be competing in their third successive major tournament final when they take the field at at Basel’s St Jakob-Park this weekend.
When is the Women’s Euro 2025 final?
The Women’s Euro 2025 final between England and one of Germany or Spain will kick off at 5pm BST on Sunday 27 July.
The contest will be held at St Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland.
Boasting a capacity of approximately 37,500, the stadium is the largest football venue in the country.
Which teams are playing in the Women’s Euro 2025 final?
With England now having secured their spot in the final, Wiegman’s players can sit back and relax ahead of Germany’s upcoming clash with Spain.
The Germans are looking to reach their second successive European Championship final after finishing as runners-up three years ago at Wembley.
Germany have only failed to reach the final on two occasions – in 1993 and 2017 – stretching way back to 1991, when they got the better of Norway.
Their clash with Spain is scheduled to kick off at 8pm at Zurich’s Stadion Letzigrund on Wednesday evening.
How to watch on TV in the UK
This year’s final will be shown on both the BBC and ITV, with the two broadcasters sharing coverage this summer’s 26-day tournament.
Every BBC game is broadcast live on iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, with coverage getting underway from 4pm BST.
The clash will also be available on ITV1 or through the ITVX streaming service.
ITV’s coverage of the final is also scheduled to begin at 4pm BST.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
