logo
England substitutes click again as Lionesses reach Euro 2025 final

England substitutes click again as Lionesses reach Euro 2025 final

Irish Examiner4 days ago
Super-sub Chloe Kelly fired England into the Euro 2025 final in extra time as the defending champions completed another spectacular comeback to beat Italy 2-1 in Geneva.
Barbara Bonansea stunned the England support into silence when she opened the scoring in the 33rd minute for the underdog Italians, who had reached their first European semi-final in 28 years.
The Lionesses, in their sixth straight major tournament final four appearance, were on the brink of elimination when 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang once again came off the bench and rescued Sarina Wiegman's side with a second-half stoppage-time equaliser.
England's Michelle Agyemang, right, celebrates her equaliser (Nick Potts/PA)
England were gifted a penalty late in the second period of extra time and, though Kelly's initial attempt was saved, the Arsenal forward made no mistake with her second opportunity when she emphatically buried the rebound.
Wiegman made just one change from the Sweden victory, handing Esme Morgan her first start of the tournament in place of Jess Carter.
The England boss, speaking before kick-off, said the change was purely tactical and not related to the racist abuse Carter revealed she received during this tournament.
The Lionesses, in solidarity with Carter – who was warmly received when she came on as a late extra-time substitute – had elected against taking the knee before this contest, instead standing, arms linked.
England stood in solidarity with Jess Carter, centre (Nick Potts/PA)
England got out to a bright start, dominating possession, but neither goalkeeper tasted action until just after the 10th minute when Lauren James poked Lauren Hemp's cross straight at Italy's Laura Giuliani.
Alessia Russo then had a chance to fire England out in front, bringing down a ball that Italy had let bounce in their 18-yard box, but flashed wide. It was an opportunity England would rue when Bonansea netted the opener.
The underdogs took advantage when Arianna Caruso got the better of Alex Greenwood then Morgan on the right flank, allowing Martina Lenzini and Sofia Cantore to play a one-two.
Cantore then sent in a cross, which evaded an outstretched Italian boot and looked to graze the thigh of Lucy Bronze before reaching Bonansea, who took her time picking out a spot over the helpless Hampton's left shoulder.
Barbara Bonansea, right, scores Italy's opener (Nick Potts/PA)
James, picked out by Hemp, looked for an immediate reply but Giuliani palmed away the effort.
James was replaced at half-time by Beth Mead and was later spotted icing her foot.
Hampton was called into action to deny Cantore and though a frustrated England applied more pressure in the second half, they still lacked the clinical edge they needed to find the back of the net.
Kelly arrived on the scene in the 77th minute before Bronze had a header cleared off the line, and, with five minutes remaining, Wiegman turned to her young guns, replacing Leah Williamson and Russo with Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
It paid off in the sixth of seven minutes of stoppage time when – just as it looked like the 'kitchen sink' approach could not possibly pay off again – Agyemang drew the sides level.
Giuliani had just palmed away a cross and the loose ball landed in the perfect position for the alert Agyemang to take a loose first touch but then smash home and force extra time.
England were knocking on the door when Agyemang hit the bar with a deft lob from a difficult angle in the second period of added time.
Another shoot-out was beginning to feel inevitable but England were gifted a chance to close out the contest with a single penalty when Beth Mead was tugged down by Emma Severini.
Up stepped Kelly, who memorably scored the extra-time winner in the Wembley final three summers ago.
Giuliani made the initial stop but the Arsenal forward would not be denied a second chance to write more history for her never-say-die side, burying the rebound and booking England a trip to Sunday's final in Basel.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lucy Bronze sets England record during Euro 2025 final vs Spain with Harry Kane trailing in her wake
Lucy Bronze sets England record during Euro 2025 final vs Spain with Harry Kane trailing in her wake

The Irish Sun

time41 minutes ago

  • The Irish Sun

Lucy Bronze sets England record during Euro 2025 final vs Spain with Harry Kane trailing in her wake

LUCY BRONZE broke an England record and moved further clear of Harry Kane in the Euro 2025 final. Bronze, 33, was named in the Lionesses starting XI today for the clash against Spain. 3 Lucy Bronze broke an England record in the Euros final Credit: Reuters 3 It saw her move further ahead of Harry Kane in the appearance charts Credit: Getty It meant that And it moved Bronze up to joint-fourth in the most capped players charts behind only Fara Williams, Jill Scott, Karen Carney and level with Peter Shilton, who played 125 times for READ MORE IN FOOTBALL That is the most of all-time across both the men's and women's teams. Kane is the highest man on the list with 29 matches played at World Cups and Euros. Bronze's outing against Spain is also her 16th at a Women's Euros. That sees her leapfrog ITV pundit Carney for most games played for the Lionesses at the tournament. Most read in Football SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN 3 Aside from winning the 2022 Euros and making the 2023 World Cup final with England, Bronze has had a glittering career at club level. She has lifted the Women's Super League four times with Liverpool, Inside England Lionesses' luxury Euro 2025 hotel with butler service, stunning pool and 2 Michelin star restaurant And she has won the Champions League five times during her spells with Lyon and Barcelona.

Fans all switch over to ITV for Euro 2025 final after realising who pundits are for England vs Spain final
Fans all switch over to ITV for Euro 2025 final after realising who pundits are for England vs Spain final

The Irish Sun

time41 minutes ago

  • The Irish Sun

Fans all switch over to ITV for Euro 2025 final after realising who pundits are for England vs Spain final

FOOTBALL fans have all been switching over their TV's for the Women's Euro 2025 final after learning who is working on ITV. Advertisement 2 Fans have voted with their TV remotes over coverage of the Women's Euro 2025 final 2 Fans have switched to ITV upon realising the likes of Seb Hutchinson are working on Credit: ITV Both BBC and ITV have been sharing the broadcasting rights for the tournament as However, for many fans it is ITV have won the battle of the broadcasters this time around after their stunning punditry and commentary line-up was revealed. ITV went with award-winning presenter And they have teamed Woods up with a heavy-hitting trio, kicking off with Advertisement With him they also fan-favourite Karen Carney and legendary former They then also have Seb Hutchinson and Lucy Ward in the commentary box. Meanwhile, BBC's studio coverage was being presented by England greats Steph Houghton, Ellen White and Advertisement Most read in Sport Live Blog Latest BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Their commentary team for the final involved Robyn Cowen and former Lioness goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis. And despite their own impressive team, fans watching on the BBC voted with their remotes on who they thought was the best viewing experience. England fans gather at St Jakob Park stadium before Lionesses face Spain in Euro 2025 final One fan said: "Normally in finals BBC has the better coverage but just for Seb Hutchinson it's gotta be ITV." Advertisement A second said: "I usually watch big finals on the BBC, but I prefer ITV's studio team." A third said: "Watching on ITV for Seb Hutchinson commentary." Another said: "Laura Woods presenting. Emma, Wrighty & Kaz punditry. Seb Hutchinson commentary. ITV definitely winning." A fifth added: "First time I've ever picked ITV over BBC for a final - Seb Hutchinson is top tier." Advertisement

‘Not common to witness this at 15' – Mikel Arteta joins Arsenal fans in being blown away by Max Dowman against Newcastle
‘Not common to witness this at 15' – Mikel Arteta joins Arsenal fans in being blown away by Max Dowman against Newcastle

The Irish Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Irish Sun

‘Not common to witness this at 15' – Mikel Arteta joins Arsenal fans in being blown away by Max Dowman against Newcastle

MIKEL ARTETA has joined the chorus of Arsenal fans who have been left astonished by the exploits of Max Dowman. 4 Max Dowman put in an impressive display in a 30-minute cameo for Arsenal against Newcastle Credit: Getty 4 The 15-year-old lit up the pitch after being brought on by Mikel Arteta Credit: Getty 4 And his performance left fans buzzing Credit: Reuters The teenager made a mockery of established Premier League defenders during the clash in Singapore as he won the penalty - scored by He didn't just pass the eye test either, with an impressive stat line including two out of three successful dribbles, two shots on target and being the most fouled player in the whole game hammering home his potential. Speaking after the match, even Arsenal boss Arteta was unable to tone down his high-hopes for the prodigy. He said: "Yeah, it is special. Obviously what he's done today against this team in the time that he had on the pitch is something certainly not common to witness for a 15-year-old. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL "We are extremely happy to have him. I think again the environment that he's around in. "His family, the people at the club and around the academy as well, super helpful because they put him into this position so early in his journey, having a real chance and a real presence when he plays for the first time." Despite not turning 16 until December, Dowman will be eligible to star for the Emirates outfit's first team next season. And Arsenal fans have high hopes for the youngster's upcoming season. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Talk TV host and Sun columnist Piers Morgan said on social media: "This kid is the real deal.. 15 years old and running rings round Newcastle's first team? Nuts.. and so exciting." A second said: "Lionel Messi, I hope you enjoyed your time as the greatest footballer of all time because Max Dowman is here now." Arsenal CONFIRM £63.5million Viktor Gyokeres transfer as striker takes iconic No14 made famous by Thierry Henry A third added: "I don't think people realize how good Max Dowman is and what he could become. At 15, he looked like the best player on the pitch. This is a Another said: "Hale End producing a world beater in Max Dowman. Doing this against senior Newcastle players to win a penalty at 15?? Lost for words…" A fifth said: "Can't lie Max Dowman might be the best 15 yr old English player I have seen. The kid is a joke." 4

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store