England make incredible comeback as Kelly and Agyemang star

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Stade de Genève

Reigning champions England produced yet another remarkable comeback to reach the Euro 2025 final with a last-gasp victory over Italy in extra time.

Teenage striker Michelle Agyemang kept England in the tournament when she came off the bench to equalise in the 96th minute of normal time.

And, with a minute left in the extra period, fellow substitute Chloe Kelly drilled home the rebound after her penalty was saved to send a delirious England into the final.

It was a thrilling ending to another dramatic evening in Switzerland as England's substitutes stole the show once again and Sarina Wiegman's side refused to give up the defence of their title.

Agyemang's fairytale story continues as the 19-year-old scored her second goal of the tournament - both from the bench - drilling the ball past goalkeeper Laura Giuliani with precision and composure.

Barbara Bonansea put Italy ahead in the first half, before Wiegman turned to her trusted bench for inspiration and they delivered.

Wiegman will attempt to win an incredible third straight Euros title as a manager, while her England side are into a third successive major final - and they have taken the scenic route to get there.

They will play the winner of Wednesday's semi-final tie between Euro 2022 runners-up Germany and world champions Spain in Basel on Sunday at 17:00 BST.

What were the talking points for England?

Chloe Kelly reacts after her extra-time goal secures semi-final victory

England's lives appear to be infinite.

They were 2-0 down against Sweden in the quarter-finals, written off following their defeat in the opening game by France, and heading out of Euro 2025 in the 95th minute against Italy.

But their substitutes have delivered throughout the tournament and it was Agyemang who inspired the comeback, and Kelly who completed it.

Kelly, the hero who scored the winner in extra time of the Euro 2022 final, has got a knack of producing key moments for England and it is no wonder she is trusted by Wiegman to come on and deliver when needed to.

Meanwhile, Agyemang has exploded on to the international scene having only made her senior debut in April but she already has three goals in four caps and is quickly becoming a fan favourite.

England's resilience will undoubtedly be talked about in the build-up to Sunday's final, along with their considerable squad depth, but they were fortunate yet again.

They will not want to do it the hard way again, knowing the world's elite are up next with either Germany or Spain providing the toughest of tests.

What were the talking points for Italy?

Reaction to Agyemang's 95th minute equaliser

Italy were underdogs coming into the match, sitting eight places below England in the world rankings, and competing in their first semi-final since 1997.

They knew that England had shown inconsistencies but were still regarded as one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Italy manager Andrea Soncin was bullish in his pre-match media conference, stressing his side were capable of competing with the best and they almost proved it in Geneva.

Soncin and his staff were on the pitch celebrating when Bonansea scored, lifting each other into the air and grabbing those around them in ecstasy.

But as England's changes off the bench came and Wiegman switched things up tactically, Italy struggled to hold them off any longer.

It was a devastating way for the Italians to exit the competition but they can leave with their heads held high, having produced their greatest result at a Euros in 18 years.

Which players stood out?

Agyemang scores equaliser in final minutes to send England to extra time

The undisputed star of the show was 19-year-old Agyemang as she delivered the goods once again, and made Europe's biggest stage look like her playground.

The Arsenal forward, who spent last season on loan at Brighton, was a ball girl at Wembley four years ago - now she has played a vital part in helping her country reach a Euros final.

Once again, Kelly proved why she is one of Wiegman's most valuable players and England defender Esme Morgan impressed after coming into the side as a replacement for Jess Carter.

What are the standout stats?

Agyemang is the first teenager to score twice at a Euros since Cecilie Pedersen for Norway in 2009.

Kelly's winning strike in the 119th minute was the latest goal ever scored at the women's Euros.

Lucy Bronze played in her 35th major tournament match, moving level with ex-midfielder Jill Scott as the Lionesses' all-time appearance holders at Euros or World Cups.

Italy scored with their first shot on target and their first touch inside England's penalty box.

What's next for these teams?

'We keep going until the final whistle' - Wiegman praises Lionesses resilience

England will await their opponents for the final on Sunday 27 July (17:00 BST kick-off) with Germany and Spain facing off in the other semi-final on Wednesday.

Italy exit the competition, which was their most successful since they reached the semi-finals in 1997.

Player of the match

M. Agyemang
8.47
17 M. Agyemang
8.47
18 C. Kelly
8.00
1 H. Hampton
7.13
11 L. Hemp
6.74
2 L. Bronze
6.72
19 A. Beever-Jones
6.67
9 B. Mead
6.61
23 A. Russo
6.51
15 E. Morgan
6.44
5 A. Greenwood
6.38
6 L. Williamson
6.29
10 E. Toone
6.23
16 J. Carter
6.19
4 K. Walsh
6.14
14 G. Clinton
6.10
8 G. Stanway
5.94
7 L. James
5.09
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