England incredibly defied death once again to edge past Italy 2-1 after extra-time and progress to a second successive Euros final on Tuesday. The Lionesses were the hot favourites ahead of the clash at Switzerland’s Stade de Geneve, but Barbara Bonansea’s dagger of a 33rd-minute strike looked set to clinch a memorable win.
However, 19-year-old striker Michelle Agyemang came off the bench to score yet another clutch equaliser with seconds to spare, breaking Italian hearts. Chloe Kelly, another substitute, missed a penalty but scored the rebound in the 119th minute to book England’s spot in Sunday’s final.
Express Sport runs through the England player ratings from their dramatic Euro 2025 semi-final victory against Italy.
England player ratings vs Italy
Hannah Hampton: 7
Could do nothing to stop Bonansea’s ruthless high finish. Made some good interventions to keep the Lionesses in it when they trailed.
Lucy Bronze: 7
One of England’s most creative attacking outlets. Crafted multiple chances from right-back. She did lose Bonansea for Italy’s goal but more than made up for it with a sensational cross to spark the equaliser.
Leah Williamson: 6
Kept things ticking with accurate passing from the back and got done by a wicked deflection as the ball trickled across England’s box for the breakthrough goal.
Esme Morgan: 7
Could have perhaps been quicker to prevent the cross that created Italy’s goal, but she was dominant in the tackle all night. Also made nine clearances.
Alex Greenwood: 6
Italy’s goal came from her side, but defensively resilient for the remainder of the match. The 31-year-old was running on fumes by the end of extra-time.
Keira Walsh: 5
Easier to dribble past than usual as Italy relentlessly targeted transitions as they held onto their lead. Pulled off some nice long balls and came into her own in extra-time when England were calmer in possession.
Georgia Stanway: 6
She had won the most tackles (3) and won the most duels (7) when she left the pitch for Chloe Kelly in the 78th minute. Tried to make things happen with several passes into the final third.
Lauren James: 3
A tiresome performance from the Chelsea forward. She won just one of her eight duels before being hooked at half-time for Beth Mead.
Ella Toone: 7
Characteristically creative, making four chances for her team-mates. A crucial source of energy at the heart of England’s attack.
Lauren Hemp: 7
By the end of normal time, many were rightly questioning how she stayed on the pitch. Looped a header over the bar when she really should have found the target and could not help but lose the ball. As the Lionesses grew in confidence, she grew too. Won a staggering 12 duels.
Alessia Russo: 3
Not the performance England needed from her. Only won two of her eight duels and seldom looked composed when the ball entered her vicinity. Sarina Wiegman had to call on young duo Agnes Beever-Jones and Agyemang for a late goal.
Substitutes
Beth Mead: 7
Offered more than Lauren James and then won the foul for Kelly’s winning penalty.
Chloe Kelly: 8
Ended up justifying the cries of fans wanting to see her earlier than the 78th minute. A rare penalty miss had fans’ hearts in their mouths, but she made no mistake with the follow-up. The match-winner. Again.
Agnes Beever-Jones: 5
Struggled to have any real say in the outcome.
Michelle Agyemang: 8
The 19-year-old striker is making a habit of this clutch goal thing… Hugely impressive level of composure to fire England level when they once again stared in the face of defeat.
