In a game dripping with tension, superstition, and late drama, England came from behind to defeat a valiant Italy 2-1 after extra time and book their place in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final.
The match, broadcast on ITV, carried more than just semi-final weight for many fans who feared the so-called “ITV curse” — a long-standing superstition that England falters when shown on the network. But with Chloe Kelly’s 119th-minute rebound and Michelle Agyemang’s dramatic equaliser, the Lionesses didn’t just break the curse — they shattered it.
⚽ First Half: Bonansea Strikes as Italy Take Surprise Lead
England, the reigning champions, entered the match as favourites, but it was Italy who drew first blood. In the 33rd minute, Juventus winger Barbara Bonansea capitalised on a lapse in concentration, drilling home past Hannah Hampton with clinical accuracy.
Italy’s compact defensive shape stifled England’s attacking rhythm throughout the first half. Lucy Bronze earned her 13th straight EUROs start, but the side struggled to find creativity and incision.
🔁 Second Half: Sarina’s Super-Subs Strike Again
Sarina Wiegman, unbeaten in reaching finals at every major tournament she has managed, made impactful substitutions in the second half, including bringing on 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang in the 85th minute. Her faith paid off.
After Hampton’s crucial 86th-minute save to deny Italy a second, England pushed forward with renewed urgency.
⏱ 90+6' | Agyemang, the Equaliser Queen
Just over ten minutes after her introduction, Agyemang, whose Ghanaian surname means “saviour of the nation”, lived up to the name. Pouncing on a loose ball in the box during the sixth minute of stoppage time, she slotted it home with the calm of a seasoned pro.
It was her second knockout goal of the tournament, her third in just four England caps, and yet another clutch moment that’s making her England’s breakout star of the tournament.
🕛 119' | Chloe Kelly the Hero Once Again
As the game looked destined for penalties, England were awarded a lifeline. Beth Mead was fouled in the box, and up stepped Chloe Kelly, England’s go-to late-game difference-maker.
Her initial spot-kick was saved, but in trademark fashion, she reacted quickest to fire home the rebound — her latest-ever goal in UEFA Women’s EUROs history — sealing England’s path to yet another final.
It was Kelly’s sixth chance created of the match and capped off a signature performance from the ultimate super-sub.
🌟 Player Ratings & Standouts
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Michelle Agyemang (9/10) – The Guardian’s Player of the Match; clutch again, a fearless teen making history.
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Chloe Kelly (8.5/10) – Delivered in the biggest moment; relentless and composed.
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Hannah Hampton (7/10) – A key save that kept England in it.
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Esme Morgan (7/10) – Solid, dependable, and calm in high-pressure phases.
📊 Records & Historical Context
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England become the first reigning EURO champions since Germany (2013) to reach back-to-back finals.
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Sarina Wiegman joins elite company, becoming just the fourth coach in history to lead teams to three EURO finals.
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Chloe Kelly’s 119th-minute goal is now the latest goal in UEFA Women’s EUROs history.
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Lucy Bronze now holds 13 consecutive EUROs starts, a model of consistency.
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Michelle Agyemang has earned a cult following — and perhaps her new nickname: The Equaliser Queen.
🇮🇹 Italy’s Heartbreak, But Rising Tide
Despite the defeat, Italy can hold its head high. This becomingnile appearance — theand becomest since 1997 — comes just three years after becomingnile They have placed and become fully professional, and their growth is evident. They scored first in all four of their EURO 2025 matches, showing a sharpened attacking edge and tactical maturity.
🏆 What’s Next?
England will fan Spain in what could be a rematch of the 2022 EURO final or the 2023 World Cup final.
And if they win? A historic double. For Aggie Beever-Jones, it would mean playing in a major tournament final on her birthday.
The ITV curse is dead. Long live the Lionesses.
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