England, as is well known, eliminated Sweden in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout in the quarterfinals, while Italy secured its place in the semifinals with a late goal against Norway. Now the teams would compete for a place in the final – and it would be dramatic all the way to the end.
Abstained from kneeling
England, big pre-favourites and reigning champions from the European Championship 2022, made a change in the starting eleven compared to the quarterfinals against Sweden. Jess Carter, who had received massive criticism for her performance against Blågult and also been subjected to racist attacks during the tournament, made way for Esme Morgan.
The English national team chose to abstain from the traditional kneeling before the start of the match. Instead, the substitutes stood up along the sideline together with Carter. A strong and united message from the team that had expressed its support for the centre-back and its disgust at the attacks.
Italy also made an adjustment in its starting eleven compared to the quarterfinals against Norway. Martina Lenzini took the place of Emma Severini.
English cold shower
England started clearly the best and created several chances without finding the net. Instead, it was Italy that broke the deadlock just before half-time. Barbara Bonansea received the ball in the penalty area and sent it up into the net 1–0.
The second half was characterized by hard pressure from England, but Italy's defence held up well and the team could even make a few counter-attacks.
In the 86th minute, Italy was close to deciding the match when Emma Severini got a shot from close range. But England's goalkeeper Hannah Hampton stood in the way and saved the team in the match.
Giant drama
It would prove to be costly for Italy.
In the 96th minute, substitute Michelle Agyemang stepped forward and equalized to 1–1 for England – her second goal in the tournament after the goal against Sweden.
The match thus went to extra time.
There, England was awarded a penalty with only one minute left to play. Up stepped Chloe Kelly and became a hero again, after scoring a goal on the rebound of her own penalty, to a final result of 2–1.
It's incredible. An incredible feeling. The team deserves this so much, says Kelly in Viaplay's broadcast after the match and continues:
The penalty was not at all as it should have been. Apparently, the goalkeeper had done her homework. Luckily, I could score the rebound. Fantastic.
England will now face the winner between Germany and Spain in the final.
