The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final between defending champions England and surprise contenders Italy promises a thrilling clash at the Stade de Genève tonight. With a spot in the final against either Germany or Spain at stake, both teams are set for a fierce battle. Here’s everything you need to know about this high-stakes encounter.
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM BST (9:00 PM CEST)
Venue: Stade de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
TV/Stream: ITV1, ITVX (UK); Fox (US); RAI1 (Italy); FanCode app/website (India)
Competition: UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Semi-Final
It's semi-final MATCHDAY! 🔥👊
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 22, 2025
🆚 Italy
⏰ 8pm (UK)
🏟️ Stade de Genève
📺 ITV & ITVX pic.twitter.com/efc5vXYKaY
The Road to the Semi-Final
England: The Lionesses’ Gritty Journey
England, led by Sarina Wiegman, have had an up-and-down campaign in Switzerland. The Lionesses started with a 2-1 loss to France, raising doubts about their title defense. They rebounded with a 4-0 rout of the Netherlands and a 6-1 thrashing of Wales, showcasing their attacking flair. Their quarter-final against Sweden tested their resolve, as they overturned a 2-0 deficit with late goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang, before goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s heroics sealed a 3-2 penalty shootout win.
Despite inconsistent performances, England’s squad depth and fighting spirit make them formidable. With 13 goals in four matches, their attack, led by Alessia Russo (one goal, four assists), Beth Mead, and Georgia Stanway (two goals each), is in top form. Concerns linger over captain Leah Williamson’s fitness after an ankle injury against Sweden, though Wiegman confirmed she is likely to play.
Italy: The Dark Horses
Italy, ranked 13th in the FIFA world rankings, have been the tournament’s surprise package. Under coach Andrea Soncin, the Azzurre navigated a tough group with Belgium, Portugal, and Spain, finishing second despite a 3-1 loss to the latter. Their quarter-final against Norway showcased their grit, with captain Cristiana Girelli scoring twice, including a 90th-minute winner, for a 2-1 victory.
Girelli, with three goals, is Italy’s talisman, supported by creative midfielder Manuela Giugliano and winger Sofia Cantore, who provided both assists against Norway. Italy’s knack for scoring first in all four Euro 2025 matches highlights their threat, though their defense, which has conceded just two goals, faces a tough test against England’s attack.
Head-to-Head and Tactical Battle
This is the 33rd meeting between England and Italy, but their first competitive clash since Italy’s 2-1 group stage win in 2009. Recent history favors England, who dominated Italy 5-1 in a February 2024 friendly. Across 27 previous encounters, England lead with 13 wins to Italy’s nine, with a goal difference of 38-29.
England are expected to control possession, using their midfield trio of Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh, and Ella Toone to set the tempo. Attackers Lauren James, Alessia Russo, and Lauren Hemp will aim to exploit spaces behind Italy’s backline. Wiegman cautioned against complacency, noting, “It would be really disrespectful to think we’re the favorites. We have to be at our very best.”
Italy are likely to sit deep, relying on counter-attacks through Girelli, Valentina Giacinti, and Barbara Bonansea. Midfielders Aurora Caruso and Giugliano will be key in breaking England’s press, while their defense, led by Laura Giuliani, must withstand England’s onslaught.
Key Players to Watch
- England: Georgia Stanway – The Bayern Munich midfielder has shone with two goals and dynamic runs. Her ability to control play and take penalties makes her a goalscoring threat.
- Italy: Cristiana Girelli – The 35-year-old Juventus striker is in top form with three goals, including a brace against Norway. Her clutch scoring makes her a danger.
Team News
England: Wiegman has a near-fully fit squad, with Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, and Lauren James expected to be available despite recent knocks. Jess Carter, who faced racist abuse online, is ready to play, with Wiegman praising her resilience. Chloe Kelly, with six chances created despite limited minutes, could be a game-changer off the bench.
Italy: Italy report no injuries. Martina Lenzini and Lisa Boattin are pushing for starts, while Girelli will lead the line. Soncin is likely to stick with his trusted XI.
Predicted Lineups:
- England: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood; Stanway, Walsh, Toone; James, Russo, Hemp
- Italy: Giuliani; Lenzini, Salvai, Linari, Boattin; Caruso, Giugliano, Severini; Cantore, Girelli, Bonansea
Off-Field Context
The build-up has been marred by racist abuse directed at England’s Jess Carter, prompting the Lionesses to forgo their pre-match tradition of taking the knee in favour of standing to spark conversation on the issue. Georgia Stanway said, “It’s brought us together as a team.”
Final Thoughts
England are favoured, but Italy’s fearless approach and clinical finishing make them dangerous underdogs. With Wiegman’s tactics facing Soncin’s spirited side, this semi-final promises excitement. Will the Lionesses roar into the final, or will the Azzurre continue their fairy-tale run? Tune in tonight to find out.
