England have reached the Euro 2025 final after a dramatic extra-time goal againt Italy in Geneva.
Michelle Agyemang rescued the Lionesses in the dying seconds of the 90 minutes to take the tie into extra time.
Then, with seconds remaining until full-time, a Chloe Kelly goal secured the win for England, after she rebounded her saved penalty in to fire the Lionesses into the final.
Italy took the lead just past the half-hour mark after a sloppy reaction by England’s back line allowed Barbara Bonansea to smash the ball into the net at close range.
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|England left it late but secured the win
The visitors took a deserved advantage after converting their chance, leaving England behind - despite their promising start to the match.
The game started brightly for the Lionesses, with Sarina Wiegman’s side controlling possession throughout the opening exchanges.
Lauren James almost put England ahead early on, but the shot fell straight to Italian keeper Laura Giuliani.
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Alessia Russo was inches away from putting the defending champions in front as her attempt in the box flashed just wide of the right post, with the Lionesses beginning to dominate as the first half went on.
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REUTERS
|Barbara Bonansea put Italy ahead just after the half hour mark
England were struck a blow as they came out for the second half, as James was taken off with an apparent ankle injury.
Italy also suffered with injuries as, with 30 minutes to go, skipper Cristiana Girelli required medical attention, leading to her eventual replacement by ex-Everton striker Martina Piemonte.
Girelli left the pitch in tears, crouching with her hands on her knees after being withdrawn from the match.
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Boos rang out at many points throughout at England - as the story of the tournament continued with an underwhelming performance from the reigning women's champions.
Wiegman waited until the final quarter of an hour to bring on substitutions, with Arsenal star Chloe Kelly being brought on to inject some life into the Lionesses.
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|Italian captain Cristiana Girelli was forced off in the second half with an injury
With fewer than 10 minutes to go, England piled on the pressure as both Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones were brought on to strengthen England’s attack.
And it was Agyemang who rescued the Lionesses to set up a crunch final 30 minutes - with England now bracing to meet their last European final opponents Germany or world champions Spain for a shot at glory.