Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly send England to Euro 2025 final: Five talking points from extra-time win over Italy
On Tuesday, July 22, Geneva was the stage for yet another cinematic Lionesses comeback as England edged Italy 2-1 after extra time in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Italy’s Barbara Bonansea struck first in the 33rd minute, seemingly heading to their first final since 1997.
However, Michelle Agyemang’s stoppage-time equaliser and Chloe Kelly’s rebound winner in the 119th ensured England will contest their third consecutive major final.
Here, Sports News Blitz content deputy editor Nicole Powell gives us five sharp talking points from another roller-coaster night.
1. Substitutes seal the deal again
It’s becoming tradition: Sarina Wiegman’s bench hits back late.
Michelle Agyemang struck in the sixth minute of stoppage time - yet another crucial goal in four senior appearances, and her second of the tournament.
Then, with extra time running out, Chloe Kelly rammed in the rebound after her penalty was saved.
Yet again, it was the substitutes who changed the game for England and gave them a fighting chance.
2. …But Wiegman’s delayed tweaks risk everything
There’s no denying the impact of the substitutes, but the timing again raises eyebrows.
Beth Mead coming on at half time to replace an injured Lauren James was the only sustitue made until the 77th minute when Kelly came on.
Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones were then brought on in the 85th minute.
Just like in previous games at the tournament, it worked - but only just.
Against sharper opponents like Spain or Germany, these delayed interventions might not be enough.
3. Lauren James’s early exit raises fresh concerns
Lauren James’ latest injury setback adds to a worrying pattern for club and country. After extending her Chelsea contract to 2027, James missed months of action with a calf injury sustained in late 2024.
Then came a hamstring issue in April 2025 during an England match against Belgium, which forced her off at half-time, and made her unavailable at Chelsea in final games of the season.
With progress being made in rehabilitation though, Sarina Wiegman, expressed confidence in her return ahead of the Euros.
She did get minutes under her belt in a friendly against Jamaica, coming off the bench and immediately delivering an assist.
She’s started in every game for the Lionesses at the Euros, and even played full 120 minutes against Sweden - straight to penalties - and now has limped off injured at half-time against Italy.
While England fans hope it was precautionary, her recent history suggests otherwise.
Her minutes should’ve been managed better throughout this tournament. And now, all anyone can do is hope she’ll be available for the final and return to Chelsea fit.
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4. England’s mental strength remains their backbone
When Italy took the lead early, it might’ve seemed like déjà vu from earlier in the tournament.
But this is a team that doesn’t lose its head under pressure anymore. As Lucy Bronze put it, “We just found a way to get the goals and get the ball [in] the last minute.”
It’s been effective so far. But how far can it take them?
5. The final demands clarity - survival won’t suffice
Cutting it fine against Sweden and Italy gets headlines, not trophies. Spain and Germany won’t hand England lifelines. They’ll exploit sluggish starts and structural inconsistencies.
England came alive too late on Tuesday, conceding control until the dying seconds. In Basel, this team needs crisp, sustained dominance - not individual flashes or stoppage-time drama.
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