The final whistle at the UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 semifinal against Italy didn`t just signal a victory for England; it heralded the continuation of a peculiar, high-stakes saga. For the third time this tournament, Sarina Wiegman`s Lionesses pulled off a dramatic comeback, securing their spot in yet another major final. But as the cheers subside, a pertinent question lingers: is this a testament to unparalleled resilience, or a dangerous habit of playing with fire?
The Recurring Narrative: Playing from Behind
England`s journey through Euro 2025 has been nothing short of a nail-biting spectacle, a masterclass in extracting victory from the jaws of defeat. Against Italy, the pattern re-emerged with unnerving familiarity. Veteran forward Barbara Bonansea`s 23rd-minute opener for Italy, a team playing in their first Euro semifinal since 1997, sent a clear message: the underdogs were not to be underestimated.
The Lionesses found themselves trailing, a position they`ve occupied with surprising frequency this tournament. Prior to Italy, they faced a 2-0 deficit against Sweden in the quarterfinals and also stumbled in their opener against France. This recurring theme of slow starts has exposed fragile cracks in an otherwise formidable setup, particularly in the backline where Leah Williamson, battling an ankle injury, and Lucy Bronze appeared to struggle against Italy`s swift counterattacks. By halftime, England was not only down a goal but had failed to register any meaningful attacking plays, once again staring down the barrel of an early exit.
“This team shows resilience, but we fight back, and hopefully we can make it easier for ourselves. We don`t need that panic.” – Chloe Kelly, England Forward
Sarina Wiegman`s High-Stakes Substitutions
Much attention has been drawn to England head coach Sarina Wiegman`s strategic choices, particularly her approach to substitutions. Following a tense quarterfinal win against Sweden, decided by penalty kicks, some criticism mounted regarding her reluctance to rotate starters and her delayed initiative on changes. Yet, against Italy, Wiegman`s hand was somewhat forced early, with Lauren James sustaining an ankle injury necessitating Beth Mead`s introduction at halftime.
Despite this early alteration, Wiegman largely stuck to her characteristic late-game adjustments. Like a seasoned poker player holding their best cards until the river, Wiegman consistently plays her hand late, and so far, it`s paid dividends. “They`re just ready to go, and they want to have a contribution. And I think everyone accepts her role, whatever role she`s given,” Wiegman noted post-match, emphasizing her team`s readiness and collective spirit. “We never give up. So until the referee whistles, has a final whistle, you have an opportunity to score a goal. And we sub to win. We had to, because we were one-nil down. Sub to win, and we played to win. It`s really nice then that we get it across the line.” It`s a pragmatic philosophy that has, time and again, skirted disaster.
The Emergence of New Heroes and the Reaffirmation of Legends
The dramatic comeback against Italy was ultimately orchestrated by a blend of burgeoning youth and seasoned experience. Nineteen-year-old Michelle Agyemang, introduced late in the game, delivered a crucial equalizer in the 85th minute, pouncing on a rebound in the box. This wasn`t her first hero moment; she scored a similar equalizer in the previous knockout game, solidifying her status as a potential national hero. Her story, from a ball girl four years ago to a pivotal player on the national stage, underscores the depth and evolving talent within the Lionesses` squad. “To be doing this at this level, to be helping out this team, is more than what I could have wished for, so I`m so grateful to be here,” Agyemang shared, embodying the team`s collective drive.
The winning goal came from Chloe Kelly, the hero of England`s 2022 Euro final. Given just 13 minutes to make an impact, Kelly stepped up to take an extra-time penalty. Though initially saved by Italy`s Laura Giuliani, Kelly`s quick reaction to slot home the rebound secured England`s passage. It was a full-circle moment, cementing her reputation as a clutch performer who thrives under pressure.
The Unanswered Question: Is This Sustainability?
While England`s tenacity and ability to engineer escapes are admirable, relying on such dramatic turnarounds game after game against increasingly formidable opposition is akin to building a house with an exquisite roof but no consistently solid foundations. The tactical vulnerabilities in the early stages of matches are a concern that even the most spirited comebacks cannot entirely mask.
The Lionesses are through to their third consecutive major final, an undeniable mark of their golden era under Wiegman. For Italy, their fairytale run ended, a testament to their over-performance against expectations. Now, England awaits the winner of the highly anticipated clash between World Cup champions Spain and a revived Germany. The upcoming final promises to be a battle of titans, and whether England can finally produce a dominant, start-to-finish performance, or if they will once again invite the drama, remains the tournament`s most intriguing question.
The Lionesses possess an extraordinary blend of belief, quality, and a seemingly infinite well of resilience. But as they prepare for the ultimate test, the challenge will be to harness this indomitable spirit from the first whistle, rather than waiting for adversity to ignite their fire. The ability to win ugly is a champion`s trait, but the best champions learn to win comfortably.
