England’s Lionesses prepare to face Italy on Tuesday, July 22, at Stade de Genève, aiming to reach the Women’s Euro 2025 final. The match promises drama and skill, as Italy emerges as a dark horse with surprising momentum, while England carry the pressure of being tournament favorites.
England Hold Eyed on a Hat-Trick of Euro Finals
Under coach Sarina Wiegman, England have reached the semi-finals of five major tournaments, including crowned champions at Euro 2022. This game offers them a chance to feature in a second consecutive final. Their recent match against Sweden tested their resolve: England recovered from a 2–0 deficit to win on penalties, showcasing their fighting spirit.
Key squad figures Jess Carter, despite racial abuse controversy, Leah Williamson recovering from ankle concerns and attackers Lauren James and Chloe Kelly remain fit and ready. Wiegman, however, remains cautious, acknowledging Italy’s strengths and urging focus.
Italy: The Real Dark Horses of the Tournament
Ranked 13th and mostly inexperienced in knockout stages, Italy have surprised many by making it this far. They earned wins over Belgium and Portugal to qualify, then stunned Norway 2–1 in the quarter-finals, thanks to a Cristiana Girelli brace assisted by Sofia Cantore. These performances reflect cohesive teamwork under coach Andrea Soncin, buoyed by their strong direct play, flanks use, and efficient defense.
Though defensively conservative allowing more dribbles while keeping low possession—their precise use of long passes and 100% first-half scoring rate positions them as a threat that England must respect.
Both Teams Battle For Final
Both England and Italy understand just how important this match is. It’s not just another game it’s a huge opportunity. Whoever wins will move on to the final of the Women’s Euro Championship, one of the biggest stages in women’s football.
For England, this is a chance to prove they are still one of the strongest teams in Europe. They have a history of playing well in major tournaments, and reaching the final would show that all their hard work, training, and team-building have paid off. Many of the players have played together for years, and they know what it takes to win under pressure. Their fans have high hopes, and the team wants to meet those expectations.
For Italy, the match holds even deeper meaning. They were not seen as favorites when the tournament began. But now, they are only one win away from the final. Reaching that stage would be historic for Italy. It would be a major breakthrough and prove that their national team is growing and improving.
The players are hungry for success, and a victory would be a proud moment for Italian football, especially for young girls in Italy who dream of playing for their country one day.
