Home Euro 2025 semi-final build-up: Fans gather in Geneva before England v Italy

Euro 2025 semi-final build-up: Fans gather in Geneva before England v Italy

· July 23, 2025 · 0 Comment
  1. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  2. That’s all for this live page, but the page for tonight’s match is just about to get started.
  3. You will be able to follow full live text and radio commentary in there as well as full build-up to the semi-final.
  4. Thanks for joining us and bye for now.
  5. Head this way for the live page for tonight’s match action.
  7. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  9. I’d love to say this game will be much more straightforward for England and that they will sail through, but I think we’ve already learned that it won’t be that easy.
  10. If you had offered England a semi-final against Italy before these Euros started, they would have taken it. Also, if I was predicting a game between the two teams back then, I would have been very confident and said I could only see a Lionesses win.
  11. However, it is a very different scenario now. We have seen Italy grow as this tournament has gone on, including their self-belief. They will think they can beat England and they are going to be very dangerous opponents.
  12. Fatigue could be one factor – the Azzure have had one day’s more rest than England – who also had to get through extra-time and penalties – and the way Italy play is going to cause England problems too.
  13. I don’t expect them to hold back at all here. They will probably come absolutely flying out of the blocks after seeing how Sweden’s fast start opened up Sarina Wiegman’s side.
  14. I do think England will be better defensively than they were against Sweden, they will have to be.
  15. It is going to be a very tough 90 minutes for all Lionesses fans as well as the players on the pitch, but I am backing England to get the job done in normal time.
  16. England to win 2-1.
  18. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  19. England are still in the running to defend their Euros title but how did Sarina Wiegman’s team get there, which player is standing out and what are their chances of lifting the trophy in Basel on 27 July?
  20. Goals scored: 13. Goals conceded: Five. Wins: Three. Best Euros performance: Winners in 2022.
  21. Chance of winning Euro 2025 (according to Opta): 36.5%.
  22. Key player: Chelsea forward Lauren James has long been predicted to be a top player for England and she has once again shown why that is the case at this tournament.
  23. She stepped up in the 4-0 group-stage thrashing of the Netherlands, following criticism in the opening-game defeat by France, then impressed again against Wales.
  24. “There is no ceiling on her talent – we are looking at a potential global star,” England and Brighton forward Nikita Parris said.
  25. Standout stat: England became the first team to progress from a knockout tie at the Women’s European Championship having trailed by two or more goals.
  27. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  28. Dan Roan
  29. BBC sports editor
  30. The Football Supporters’ Association says it’s backing a planned round of applause in the 16th minute of tonight’s match by England fans as a show of support for Jess Carter.
  31. It comes after it was revealed the England defender had received racist abuse online during the tournament.
  32. Media caption,
  33. Racist abuse received by Carter ‘disgusting and disgraceful’ – Wiegman
  35. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  36. Image source, Getty Images
  37. After England defeated Sweden on penalties in the quarter-finals, Lucy Bronze said her love of maths helped her decide where to place her penalty.
  38. She said that goalkeepers are more likely to dive than not, so penalties taken down the middle of the goal are statistically more likely to be successful.
  39. Well, Bronze’s auntie – Julie – told BBC Radio 5 Live that her sister, Bronze’s mum, is a maths teacher. Not only that, Bronze’s mum used to host ‘maths parties’ when Bronze was a kid.
  40. Little did she know that those parties would end up helping England in a Euros quarter-final.
  42. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  43. More from Lucy Bronze’s auntie, Julie, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about the England right-back: “She’s fearless, absolutely fearless.
  44. “When I took her to play at 10 years old, this little boy said ‘ew it’s a girl’.
  45. “I was really cross, we talked about it afterwards. But Lucy didn’t feel like that, she was just playing with her friends. The boys on her team loved playing with her, she was the best player.
  46. “I smiled when Lucy tackled the boy and took him down.”
  48. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  49. Our colleagues at BBC Radio 5 Live have just had a chat with Lucy Bronze’s auntie, Julie, and grandma, Gloria.
  50. They’re having a watch party with friends at Julie’s house tonight, along with Italian food, wine, and two cardboard cut-outs of England’s right-back.
  51. Julie’s hoping for a less stressful match than the quarter-final against Sweden and said: “Lucy is very special, but I hope she doesn’t have to do what she did in the quarters – that was too near the mark.
  52. “When she scored that goal [against Sweden] you could see her go up a gear. I’ve seen her do that so many times in the past, when her team are falling behind she goes up to top gear and tries to win it on her own.”
  53. Gloria added: “Lucy was less than four years old when she was playing football around the house. When asked what she wanted to do when she grew up, she said she wanted to play football.
  54. “She’s a caring, lovely person, she has such a passion for football and a passion to win.”
  56. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  57. Another player who has been used as a substitute and made an impact is 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang.
  58. Goalkeeper Khiara Keating has lavished praise on fellow Lioness Agyemang, calling her “a joke” in the most complimentary way after another standout performance.
  60. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  61. Emma Sanders
  62. BBC Sport women’s football news reporter
  63. England forward Beth Mead’s role at Euro 2025 is very different to the one she enjoyed three years ago.
  64. Named player of the tournament and winner of the Golden Boot, Mead played a starring role in England’s success at Euro 2022. Her stunning performances were capped off with six goals and five assists – the most in the tournament.
  65. It led to countless honours including being named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, as well as coming runner-up in the Ballon d’Or and Uefa Player of the Year Awards.
  66. But 30-year-old Mead has started just one of England’s four games in Switzerland, scoring once in the 6-1 win over Wales.
  67. She has adapted to a new role as one of Sarina Wiegman’s ‘finishers’ – a term the squad use to express the importance of the substitutes.
  68. “You’ve got to be ready to go into the moment,” Arsenal forward Mead told BBC Sport. “You’ve got to be ready to go into a position that you might not want to play or don’t normally play in.
  69. “You have to expect the unexpected and be willing to do what you need to do for the team and the greater good.”
  70. England’s substitutes have played a key role in Switzerland, scoring three goals en route to the semi-finals.
  73. BBC iPlayer
  75. Join us for live audio coverage on BBC Sounds of the highly anticipated semi-final between England and Italy.
  76. When the final whistle blows, the conversation is just getting started.
  77. Join Alex Scott, Fara Williams and fellow football fans stream as they give their reaction and breakdown to game over on BBC Iplayer and the BBC Sport Website and App.
  78. Whether you’re cheering from home or on the move, don’t miss out on any of the action.
  80. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  81. There are plenty of football fans that have made solo trips to Switzerland for Euro 2025. Some are just there to follow the Lionesses’ campaign, but others have been forging friendships outside of the stadiums too.
  82. Kate and Simone became friends after meeting in a hostel in Zurich, ended up going to the Sweden v England quarter-final together, and have travelled to Geneva for tonight’s game.
  83. “A lot of people travel to games alone, but then you end up meeting people who are like-minded and who want to go and watch football,” Kate said.
  84. “We both follow Arsenal so we have already spoken about following the Champions League away games together, and possibly travelling to and from those games together,” Simone added.
  86. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  87. Italy are the lowest-ranked team left in the tournament at 13th in the Fifa rankings but, after flying under the radar in Switzerland, Andrea Soncin’s team have reached their first European semi-final since 1997.
  88. So how did they get there, which player is standing out and what are their chances of lifting the trophy in Basel on 27 July?
  89. Goals scored: Five. Goals conceded: Five. Wins: Three. Best Euros performance: Runners-up in 1993 and 1997.
  90. Chance of winning Euro 2025 (according to Opta): 8.9%.
  91. Key player: Captain Cristiana Girelli scored both goals in the 2-1 victory against Norway, with the winning goal coming from her dramatic stoppage-time header.
  92. Former England defender Anita Asante said it was “special” for a “senior veteran in the team” to deliver in that moment.
  93. “They are reflecting the growth of Italian women’s football. Italy found a bit of quality when it really mattered and capitalised,” Asante said.
  94. Standout stat: At the age of 35 years and 84 days, Girelli became the oldest player to score more than once for a European nation in a single match at a major tournament.
  96. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  97. Sophie Brown
  98. BBC Sport
  99. England began their quarter-final against Sweden with a slew of errors and found themselves 2-0 down at half-time for the second time this tournament.
  100. Their defence will need to be on the ball from the off against Italy, who have opened the scoring in all four of their matches at Euro 2025.
  101. The Italians could become just the fourth team to score first in each of their first five games at a women’s European Championship, after Norway in 2013, the Netherlands in 2017 and Germany in 2022.
  102. Le Azzurre also scored first the last time they appeared in a major semi-final, when Silvia Fiorini struck in the 11th minute against Spain at Euro 1997. Italy won that match 2-1 but ended up losing to Germany in the final.
  104. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  105. Even Sarina Wiegman is joining in with the pre-match festivities in Geneva. Sort of.
  106. Image source, Getty Images
  108. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  109. We are getting closer and closer to kick-off at Stade de Geneve – and the atmosphere is definitely building in the streets of Geneva.
  110. The sun is beaming and the fans are out in full force to support the Lionesses in Switzerland.
  111. Image source, Getty Images
  112. Image source, Getty Images
  113. Image source, Getty Images
  115. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  116. Karen Bardsley
  117. Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live
  118. Lucy Bronze is one of a kind, isn’t she? She is this physical and psychological monster and she is so competitive.
  119. She will do anything the team needs, whether that is getting forward or getting back or going on the inside or taking penalties. She strapped her own leg up the other evening, so I’m sure she would do physio roles if needed.
  121. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  122. England defender Lucy Bronze’s brother Jorge Bronze has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live ahead of tonight’s semi-final: “I don’t feel confident at all in any of these things, I just feel pure and utter trauma at all times. I think last Thursday was the epitome of that.
  123. “I tried to eat some breakfast this morning over here in Zurich, before we head over to Geneva, but I can’t stomach anything whatsoever. I’ve watched the penalties back a few times to see if that makes me feel any better – it hasn’t.
  124. “Thursday epitomised Lucy [Bronze] in a nutshell. She is a complete and utter warrior and she is going to drag them through this no matter what. It’s great to see her doing that on the big stage yet again. Her calmness through it all is just amazing to watch.”
  126. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  127. Ellie Thomason
  128. BBC Sport at Stade de Genève
  129. England fans will continue their tradition of a fan walk to the stadium before tonight’s game.
  130. Lionesses supporters are gathering at Lancy-Point Rouge to make the short 900m trip to Stade de Geneve.
  131. They are due to arrive at the stadium no later than 18:20 BST so they have plenty of time to soak up the pre-match atmosphere.
  132. Image source, Getty Images
  134. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  135. Image source, Getty Images
  136. After Alessia Russo scored the opening penalty of the shootout, Sweden goalkeeper Jennifer Falk made three saves in a row.
  137. Chloe Kelly arrested England’s slide with a superb spot-kick, before Falk blazed over the crossbar when presented with the chance to secure victory.
  138. Falk made another save, but Hannah Hampton stepped up with a brilliant stop before Lucy Bronze cannoned her penalty into the roof of the net.
  139. When Smilla Holmberg put her effort over the crossbar, England’s players mobbed Hannah Hampton, Bronze and Kelly.
  140. Four penalties out of seven missed, but it mattered not.
  142. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  143. Image source, Getty Images
  144. What followed was one of the most remarkable major tournament knockout games ever.
  145. England couldn’t cope with Sweden in the first half and found themselves 2-0 down after 25 minutes.
  146. Sweden could have killed the game, but England survived and began to perk up in the second half.
  147. The Lionesses still trailed with 12 minutes to go, before Sarina Wiegman’s second half substitutes came up trumps.
  148. First Chloe Kelly whipped in a wicked cross for Lucy Bronze to head home at the far post, and 103 seconds later, 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang swept home from close range after another Kelly cross had caused chaos.
  149. Nobody could break the deadlock in extra-time, so the tie was decided by penalties.

Page 2

  1. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  2. Image source, Getty Images
  3. England have been on quite the journey to get to the semi-finals.
  4. The group stages began with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to France, a performance and result that sparked concerns about how far in the tournament the Lionesses could actually go.
  5. They answered the sceptics with a thumping 4-0 victory against the Netherlands in a must-win game, before thrashing Wales 6-1 to qualify for the knockouts as runners-up in Group D.
  6. Group C winners Sweden awaited them in the quarter-finals.
  8. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  9. Emma Sanders
  10. BBC Sport women’s football news reporter in Geneva
  11. “Complacency is the biggest mistake” said Sarina Wiegman when I put it to her that England, on paper, are favourites and asked how they intend to avoid a slip-up against a lower-ranked nation.
  12. She was, as expected, strong in her response that Italy are not to be underestimated and she stressed her players will not be complacent.
  13. Everyone knows football is not won on paper – as the cliche goes – so this really is a battle of the minds as well as on the pitch.
  14. Italian players have come across almost starstruck to be at this stage in interviews with their media so it will be interesting to see how they cope with the occasion.
  15. England are used to it. Italy are not.
  18. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  19. We are favourites but Italy can be a banana skin so we still need to perform well to get through. The Lionesses cannot think they can just turn up and win tonight. Come on you Lionesses. Let’s get down to business tonight and get to the final. 👍
  21. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  22. Not long to go now. Team news will be dropping in about three hours and kick-off is in four hours in Geneva.
  23. What a night it could be for the Lionesses.
  26. Another hour down, but who’s counting?
  27. The atmosphere is building and fans are out in full force to show support to the Lionesses in Switzerland.
  28. Image source, Getty Images
  29. Image source, Getty Images
  30. Image source, Getty Images
  32. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  33. Siobhan Chamberlain
  34. Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 live
  35. Look at even the experience that comes off the bench, Chole Kelly, she scored you the winner in the last Euros and she’s not even playing. Beth Mead who was one of the best players or the best player in the last Euros thats coming off the bench.
  36. The experience that England have got across the board is so beneficial.
  37. You look at the players that are starting for England, Alex Greenwood won her 100th cap, you’ve got Lucy Bronze that’s got a phenomenal number of caps. There’s experience all the way through.
  38. There’s experience all the way through, whether that’s on the bench, on the pitch, management, Sarina Wiegman’s run it time and time again. So, that ultimate helps you in these big moments.
  41. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  42. I can see England progressing and no disrespect to Italy but this is the easier side of the semi final. However, we can’t afford to be complacent and still worry about the defence. Just shows us how vital Millie Bright was to the team which we badly miss.
  44. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  45. Emma Sanders
  46. BBC Sport women’s football news reporter
  47. Though the top division of women’s football in Italy was established in 1968, it’s only in recent years that their domestic game turned fully professional.
  48. The national team have never dropped below 19th in Fifa’s world rankings – but they did fail to qualify for four successive World Cups between 2003 and 2015.
  49. So what kind of challenge will Italy pose England when they meet tonight?
  50. “They have got a never-say-die attitude. They are a very aggressive, hard team to play against,” said England forward Beth Mead. “They can be frustrating and they have individual quality.
  51. “It’s going to be a tough game and I know they are very much going to be up for it. They have something to prove, as do we.
  52. “We are defending champions but we’ve got to go out there and put the performance in. We’ve got to be at the races to beat this Italian team.”
  53. In recent meetings, England have come out on top. Sarina Wiegman’s side earned a 2-1 win in the Arnold Clark Cup in February 2023, before inflicting a 5-1 defeat in a friendly 12 months later.
  56. Image source, Sophia Hartley
  57. Fans from across the globe are flocking to Switzerland to watch the Euros. Some fans came just to watch the Lionesses campaign, but others are making friends for life too.
  58. Three new friends, Chrissy, Kerry and Charlotte all met whilst attending the tournament alone but have been inseparable since:
  59. “Charlotte was wearing a Lionesses t-shirt and I really like it so I went over to her at the boarding gate and said ‘oh I really love your shirt, are you out for the Euros?,’ said Kerry.
  60. “She went ‘yes’ and we traded Instagram and from there stayed in contact.
  61. “I find with this sport, you can be yourself and go out alone, there’s going to be so many other people around as well and we’re all in the same boat so we can just be together.”
  62. According to Chrissy she met the other two [Kerry and Charlotte] whilst in Zurich outside waiting for the fan walk and they all happened to be eating ice cream and started bonding over ice cream flavours, when they realised they were all out there by themselves:
  63. “We basically joined the fan walk together after talking about ice cream. We found each other again in Zurich stadium and stayed in touch ever since,” said Chrissy.
  66. Just joining us? Maybe you’ve slipped off from work early in preparation for tonight’s game.
  67. We’ve been going for a few hours already but don’t you worry, we’ve got plenty more left in the tank.
  68. Here’s a look at all the best bits so far:
  71. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  72. I’ll be watching it at home with my partner, both looking forward to it! Just hope my little lad goes stays asleep as my partner gets a little over excited when the Lionesses play!
  73. Good luck England. Will be a close one. I’ll be watching using my new projector for a giant view.
  74. Will be watching from our local sports pavilion bar tonight. Hoping that the lionesses roar to victory. I do think Italy may cause problems though and should be underestimated. Nerves are building. Come on England!
  76. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  77. Karen Bardsley
  78. Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live
  79. I’m feeling pretty good about tonight, if I’m being honest. I’m feeling very confident in England.
  80. Italy have been a bit unpredictable, so I do think they have their own vulnerabilities, but ultimately it will depend on which England shows up.
  81. Italy will offer less of a transitional threat going forward. Their talismanic striker Cristiana Girelli doesn’t tend to run in behind as much, so I don’t think England’s backline will be as stretched. They can still whip in a great cross though. Sofia Cantore links up really nicely and puts some good deliveries into the area.
  82. It will be interesting to see Sarina Wiegman’s team selection as well, in terms of how she handles their threat in physicality.
  84. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  85. Let’s see if we can ease those nerves with a little exercise in positive visualisation.
  86. England have reached at least the semi-finals in every Euro and World Cup competition since 2015.
  87. So let’s revisit some of their most memorable major tournament semi-finals…
  88. Image source, Getty Images
  89. Former England midfielder Jill Scott celebrates with team-mate Karen Carney after scoring the winning goal during England’s semi-final match against the Netherlands at Euro 2009.
  90. Image source, Getty Images
  91. England forward Alessia Russo celebrates scoring the Lionesses’ third goal during their Euro 2022 semi-final against Sweden at Bramall Lane.
  92. Image source, Getty Images
  93. England attacking midfielder Ella Toone celebrates opening the scoring in the Lionesses’ semi-final win over Australia at the 2023 World Cup.
  96. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  97. Will be watching from our local sports pavilion bar tonight. Hoping that the Lionesses roar to victory. I do think Italy may cause problems though and should not be underestimated. Nerves are building. Come on England!
  98. Image source, Getty Images
  100. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  101. BBC Radio 5 Live
  102. Here is another option for the extended dog walk Jim…
  103. BBC Radio 5 Live will have full coverage of tonight’s semi-final live from Stade de Geneve.
  104. You can listen to and follow the match on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.
  105. Build-up starts at 19:00 BST, with full match commentary from 20:00 BST, followed by a special Euro 2025: 606 show with presenter Natalie Pike and former England forward Toni Duggan.
  108. Craig Nelson
  109. BBC Sport reporter
  110. Jim has got it all mapped out there.
  111. Maybe just remember to have a back story planned for extra-time and penalties!
  114. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  115. I’ll be taking the dog for a walk at around 7.45pm and she may or may not want to go and rest her bones in the local hostelry, and if they happen to have the game on there….well, it’d be rude not to stay and watch.
  117. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  • England became the first team to progress from a knockout tie at the Euros having trailed by two goals [eventually beating Sweden 3-2 on penalties after the match ended 2-2].
  • Italy have opened the scoring in all four of their matches at Euro 2025.
  • The Lionesses have won seven of their last 10 games against Italy in all competitions.
  • England are playing in their seventh Euros semi-final, progressing to the final twice in their last three tries.
  • Italy, who are ranked 13th in the world, are playing in their first Euros semi-final since 1997.
  2. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  3. No doubt who are the favourites in this young England fan’s eyes – it’s written all over her face!
  4. Image source, Nick Waterworth
  6. England v Italy (20:00BST)
  7. Siobhan Chamberlain
  8. Former England goalkeeper on BBC 5 live
  9. Italy being underdogs takes that pressure off.
  10. They can just go out there and enjoy the game tonight. No one’s expecting them to win the semi-final.
  11. No one expected them get to the semi-final so that allows you as a player to just go out there and enjoy yourself.
  12. Embrace the moment, you might not get to a semi-final again.
  13. It’s a fantastic opportunity, they have got good players – nobody gets to this stage to a tournament without having good players.
  14. England undoubtedly are the favourites and rightly so, they should win this game, more comfortably than they did the quarter-final.
  15. But a semi-final of a major tournament, you never know what’s going to happen.

Page 3

  1. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  2. Dan Roan
  3. BBC sports editor
  9. Craig Nelson
  10. BBC Sport reporter
  11. BBC sports editor Dan Roan has caught up with some England fans congregating in Mr Pickwick’s Pub in Geneva, soaking up the atmosphere.
  14. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  15. We’ll be watching from the couch in Melbourne, with yet another 5am kick-off. Tournament football always presents a challenge as the nerves make it hard for die-hard expats to get any sleep beforehand. I’m tipping the Lionesses to win, LJ and Russo to score. Get in!
  16. Watching at home with my dad
  17. I’ll be watching from the clubhouse at Felixstowe & Walton Utd FC. Pre-season friendly against Lakenheath, but all eyes on events in Geneva. Come on England!
  19. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  20. Tom McCoy
  21. BBC Sport journalist
  22. Image source, Getty Images
  23. England will be hoping it is third-time lucky against Italy tonight, with the Lionesses having lost both of their previous games against Le Azzurre at the Euros.
  24. The first came in 1987, with the Italians winning 2-1 in a third-place play-off despite falling behind to an early Kerry Davis penalty, and, as mentioned in the previous post, it was a similar story when the sides met in the group stage in 2009.
  25. Fara Williams’ spot-kick put Hope Powell’s side in front but second-half goals from Patricia Panico and Alessia Tuttino earned Italy victory.
  26. However, England comfortably came out on top in the most recent meeting, winning 5-1 in a friendly in February 2024, when Lauren Hemp scored two of the goals.
  28. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  29. Sophie Brown
  30. BBC Sport
  31. Image source, Getty Images
  32. Image caption,
  33. Italy celebrate beating England at the Euros in 2009
  34. So what are England’s chances against Italy?
  35. Well, the Lionesses have won their last five meetings, a run of games which stretches back over 16 years.
  36. However, Italy did win the last time the sides met in a major tournament, which was in their opening match at Euro 2009 in Finland.
  37. England took the lead, despite having captain Casey Stoney sent off in the first 30 minutes, but Italy fought back to claim a 2-1 victory.
  40. England v Italy (20:00BST)
  41. Image source, Getty Images
  42. Alan recommending Sarina Wiegman drops Ella Toone in favour of Chloe Kelly, which is awkward as we were just about to introduce Ella’s boyfriend Joe Bunney, who has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live.
  43. Joe says he is optimistic about England’s chances, but does not expect an easy ride against semi-final opponents Italy.
  44. “You’ve got to be optimistic to try and get through, but if you’re over confident then the opposition are up for that and will smell that,” he said.
  45. “The girls are relaxed, obviously taking it seriously. It’s a big tournament and you’ve got to beat everyone to end up winning it like they did in 2022. They’re well prepped and we’ll see how tonight goes.
  46. “I’m a typical English fan so I think we’ll win. However, it won’t be easy, nothing’s easy in a tournament, especially at this stage.
  47. “It’s difficult, there are difficult circumstances, for example, new stadium – the girls have played in the Zurich stadium for two or three games now so there’s load of different factors coming into it.
  48. “Italy are a strong side themselves, so yeah I’m not sure but I’m hoping for an England win.”
  51. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  52. I can see an England 2-1 win in the 90 minutes but Wiegman must start with Chloe Kelly instead of Ella Toone, Chloe looks so fresh and eager to win…
  53. England have a point to prove in today’s game against Italy so 3-1 England.
  54. 3-1 win for England, though a narrowly contested game with two goals in the last 10 minutes to decide it.
  56. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  57. Emma Sanders
  58. BBC Sport women’s football news reporter in Geneva
  60. It’s a been a lovely day by Lac Léman – known as Lake Geneva to us – as England fans have been gearing up for the big day.
  61. The fanzone was just getting things ready when we walked there earlier this morning.
  62. A big screen was in the centre of the fan zone, surrounded by huts and benches alongside food stalls.
  63. Supporters get a stunning view of the Jet d’Eau when they walk over the bridge from the main high streets – where giant Euro 2025 footballs are dotted across the city.
  64. It’s a tourist hotspot but its bustling with English fans, sporting white and navy blue shirts, as well as bucket hats and flags.
  65. I didn’t meet a single fan who predicted an Italian victory – but they are of course biased.
  68. Craig Nelson
  69. BBC Sport reporter
  70. You can’t blame the England players for wanting to get out and about to soak up the sights and sounds of Geneva.
  71. BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders has been doing just that, and has painted a serene picture of the Swiss city for those not lucky enough to have made it out there themselves…
  74. England supporters might be “feeling nervous” – well, isn’t it our nature? – but the players were looking relaxed as they went out on a walk around Geneva today…
  75. Image source, Getty Images
  76. Image source, Getty Images
  77. Image source, Getty Images
  79. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  80. Pete Allison and Srosh Khan
  81. BBC Newsbeat
  83. That quarter-final against Sweden had everyone on the edge of their seats and BBC Newsbeat has been catching up with some England fans who are feeling a bit apprehensive about tonight’s match.
  84. Caitlin, 19, says she was more worried about the Lionesses’ prospects going into their quarter-final game, but the nerves are still there.
  85. “I’m feeling nervous,” she says. “You can’t write Italy out as a team. The fact they have got this far in the tournament and are showing no signs of stopping – I’m worried.”
  86. But Kelly, 19, is feeling a bit different. “I feel more confident than I did when they were playing against Sweden,” she admits.
  87. Caitlin’s sister Chloe, 17, says England are “expected to win” but she thinks there will be more pressure on them than their opponents.
  88. She hopes her namesake – Chloe Kelly – who came off the bench to transform the quarter-final, can make a similar impact in tonight’s semi-final.
  89. But we might have to wait to see it – “With the impact she made, it almost makes her more likely not to start,” says Chloe. “Because you know you have got players like that who can come on and get an assist in a minute.”
  92. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  93. The outcome of this game depends a lot on player selection and if Sarina is wise, she picks either Morgan or Niamh Charles over Jess Carter. Also, she needs to see that Agyemang and Beever-Jones are dangerous weapons!
  94. For me, it is impossible to make a prediction until I see the starting XI. Sarina should be making a change or two to the starting XI based upon the form of some players, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she sticks to the same team.
  96. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  97. Emma Sanders
  98. BBC Sport women’s football news reporter in Geneva
  99. Image source, Getty Images
  100. All the discussions among journalists here in Switzerland has been about who might start for England tonight.
  101. Defender Jess Carter, who has obviously had a difficult few days in light of the racial abuse she suffered, could be left out of the team, with Esme Morgan among those to have been pushing for a starting place.
  102. Sarina Wiegman has been known to switch to a back three on occasions but to do so in the semi-finals, having played the same formation throughout and the same starting XI for three successive matches, feels like a stretch.
  103. Super-sub Chloe Kelly has staked a claim for a place too – but there’s a strong feeling that she has made such a significant difference off the bench that changing that might not be the best thing for the team.
  104. And how can you drop Lauren James, who is clearly one of the world’s most talented players and is a match-winner?
  105. It would be very surprising if Wiegman makes more than two changes to her starting XI – if any.
  108. Craig Nelson
  109. BBC Sport reporter
  110. Not that Sarina Wiegman has inspired blind trust in the England fanbase.
  111. The Lionesses’ form has been somewhat inconsistent since their defeat in the 2023 World Cup final, during which time the England head coach’s judgement has been questioned.
  112. But time and again Wiegman has come up with the right answers…
  114. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  115. Ellie Thomason
  116. BBC Sport in Geneva
  117. I spotted Jean walking around Zurich wearing a gold bucket hat which says ‘In Sarina We Trust’ on the front, so I had to grab her for a chat.
  118. She then showed me the amazing coat she has made with the same slogan on the back.
  119. Jean and her friend Jackie have made a limited number of hats and t-shirts to sell to supporters in Switzerland.
  120. “40% of football shirts go into landfill and people think wearing shirts is the main way to do your fandom,” Jean said.
  121. “But our message is you don’t need to spend £75 on a shirt, you can design your own and it defines the women’s game as different from the men’s game.
  122. “It’s all female designers, female printers, it is all hand made and limited edition. What I love is that the young girls really like them. It’s very limited what I can bring in my suitcase, so I’m not going to make a lot of money but it’s just a project I enjoy,”
  126. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  127. England have reached the semi-finals in three consecutive European Championships for the first time.
  128. This will be their 10th semi-final at a major tournament, with two of those ties played over two legs, and they have won four and lost five of the previous nine.
  129. However, despite that losing ratio, this will be their third major semi-final in a row and many of the current squad will have happy memories of victories at this stage at both Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup, under head coach Sarina Wiegman.
  130. In contrast, reaching the last four will be a totally new experience for opponents Italy, whose last major semi-final appearance was back in 1997.
  133. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  134. Craig Nelson
  135. BBC Sport reporter
  136. Image source, Getty Images
  137. The work done by women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman in creating that spirit in the England camp cannot be overstated.
  138. The former Netherlands manager has helped take the team to the next level since her appointment.
  139. After guiding her home country to the European title in 2017, she made it back-to-back Euros titles when leading the Lionesses to victory at Wembley in the 2022 final against Germany.
  140. Her side also made it to the 2023 World Cup final, losing 1-0 to Spain, and are now just one win away from another Euros final.
  141. Before Wiegman’s appointment, England had lost in three consecutive semi-finals at major tournaments (Euro 2017 and World Cups in 2015 and 2019).
  142. The Lionesses’ subsequent record under Wiegman has inspired a strong bond, not just with her players but also the England fanbase…
  144. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  145. Former England forward Fran Kirby believes the Lionesses’ performances against France in the group stage and Sweden in the quarter-final prove you can “never write them off”.
  146. Speaking to BBC Sport’s Katie Gornall, Kirby said: “It shows the quality they have on the pitch and off the pitch coming in to make an impact. I don’t think every team in the competition has that.
  147. “They have shown they can come back from 2-0 down. Hopefully they don’t have to do it again, but it gives them the confidence to know that they are never done and they are never out.”
  150. Craig Nelson
  151. BBC Sport reporter
  152. The unity shown by the England team on such an important issue as racism is an extension of the bond they have shown on the pitch throughout Euro 2025.
  153. That is a view expressed by former England forward Fran Kirby, who was part of the Lionesses squad that won the Euros in 2022…
  155. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  156. England midfielder Georgia Stanway, meanwhile, told BBC Sport why the squad wanted to stand at kick-off, instead of taking the knee.
  157. “We feel like it has gone past that [taking the knee] now,” Stanway said.
  158. “We feel it is still happening even when we are taking the knee. We have decided that we will stand and we will not do that.
  159. “We think that is a way of making change in itself because we want to get people talking – we want to tell people that what is being done isn’t enough.”
  160. Media caption,
  161. ‘We want to create an environment where Jess feels safe’

Page 4

  1. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  2. England boss Sarina Wiegman added her support to the team’s decision not to take a knee, in response to the racist abuse suffered by Lionesses defender Jess Carter.
  3. Wiegman says her players have decided to stop taking the knee before matches because the impact of the anti-racism gesture is “not good enough”.
  4. “We have done that [taking a knee] for a while. The impact is not good enough, it’s not as big as we think,” Wiegman told BBC Sport’s Dan Roan on Monday.
  5. “When there is this form of racism we felt we have to do something else, something different, so that’s why we are not taking the knee.”
  6. Media caption,
  7. Racist abuse received by Carter ‘disgusting and disgraceful’ – Wiegman
  9. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  10. One response to the racist abuse suffered by defender Jess Carter has been a unified decision by the England players not to take a knee before tonight’s kick-off.
  11. Carter said that she would be taking a step back from social media for the remainder of the tournament and England are working with police on the matter.
  12. Her team-mates have since released a statement stating that they will not take the knee, an anti-racism gesture, saying that “it is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism”.
  13. Media caption,
  14. Alex Greenwood says team are “fully behind” Jess Carter after she received racial abuse.
  16. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  17. Image source, Getty Images
  18. England manager Sarina Wiegman has confirmed that defender Jess Carter is “ready to perform and compete”, despite being the target of racist abuse during Euro 2025 and deciding to take a step back from social media.
  19. Speaking in her pre-match news conference, Wiegman said: “Jess is a very strong person, she wants to move on too, but she and we felt we had to address this, we can’t let it go.
  20. “She is ready to perform and compete – that says a lot about her and the team.”
  21. All 23 squad players should be available for selection, including captain Leah Williamson, who has recovered from the ankle injury she picked up in the quarter-final against Sweden.
  24. Craig Nelson
  25. BBC Sport reporter
  26. While England have been enjoying themselves, for the large part, on the pitch, they have had to endure some difficult moments.
  27. Defender Jess Carter has been the target of racist abuse online, leading to a strong statement of unity from the England camp…
  29. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  30. Ellie Thomason
  31. BBC Sport in Geneva
  32. England fans are starting to gather in Geneva, with a meet up organised by Free Lionesses at a pub in the centre.
  33. Free Lionesses are the official England supporters’ club and have been organising events throughout the tournament, from fan walks to watch parties.
  34. “It’s been a lot of fun,” chair of Free Lionesses Deborah Dilworth said of her time in Switzerland so far.
  35. “We have seen plenty of familiar faces but a lot of new faces as well.”
  36. There are 2,000 England fans expected in the dedicated Lionesses section at the stadium tonight, but Deborah is expecting plenty more cheering on Sarina Wiegman’s side.
  40. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  41. Is it too early to predict 4-0 to England?
  42. Sorry, but I think this will be the end of the line for England. They haven’t looked like the same side from the last tournament and I fancy an upset here.
  43. So which camp are you in folks?
  • Thumbs up if you are like Sam – predicting a big win for England
  • Or thumbs down if, like Tom, you fear this is the end of the line for the Lionesses
  2. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  3. Alex Brotherton
  4. BBC Sport journalist
  5. If the expectations were that defending champions England would reach at least the semi-finals, the same cannot be said of opponents Italy.
  6. Italy, who are the lowest ranked side left in the tournament, progressed to the knockouts by finishing second in Group B behind world champions Spain.
  7. Their campaign began with a 1-0 win against Belgium, before conceding an 89th minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Portugal.
  8. A 3-1 defeat by Spain on matchday three mattered little because Portugal failed to beat Belgium.
  9. Italy were the better side for much of their quarter-final against favourites Norway, and spurned several chances before captain Cristiana Girelli broke the deadlock in the 50th minute.
  10. Ada Hegerberg equalised for Norway moments after missing a penalty, but Girelli headed home a dramatic stoppage-time winner for a historic victory for the Italians.
  11. Media caption,
  12. Cristiana Girelli scores late winner for Italy against Norway.
  15. If sporting drama is what you are after, then the Lionesses almost always deliver.
  16. But be warned, being a fan is not for the faint-hearted.
  17. If you missed England’s quarter-final win against Sweden, or simply want to put yourself through it one more time, then take a trip back to Stadion Letzigrund.
  18. Here are the highlights.
  19. A two-goal fightback in two minutes, nail-biting extra-time and an unpredictable penalty shootout – it had the lot. Enjoy!
  21. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  22. So how did we get here?
  23. England went into Euro 2025 as defending champions, but were instantly on the back foot after losing their opening game of the group stages to France.
  24. They went into their second game against the Netherlands knowing that defeat would end their chances, but responded with a resounding win, and followed that up with an equally emphatic victory over Wales to progress as Group D runners-up.
  25. Group C winners Sweden awaited in the quarter-finals.
  26. Sarina Wiegman’s side were immediately up against it, conceding two goals in a chastening first half, but responded yet again to draw level before winning through to the last four via a roller-coaster penalty shootout.
  30. It’s looking like a beautiful summer’s day in Geneva, with wall-to-wall sunshine forecast up to tonight’s kick-off and temperatures topping out at a pleasant 25C.
  31. England fans are making the most of it, already gathering in the Swiss city in good numbers…
  32. Image source, PA Media
  33. Image source, PA Media
  34. Image source, Getty Images
  37. get involvedClick ‘Get Involved’ at the top of this page to have your say
  38. Image source, PA Media
  39. Of course, we also want to hear from you…
  40. England fans are already gathering in Geneva as we build up to tonight’s Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy.
  41. Whether you are out there in Switzerland, back home in England or anywhere else in the world, we want to know:
  • How are you planning to watch the big game?
  • How are you feeling about England’s chances?
  • Which England side do you believe will turn up – the one that struggled in defeat to France, swept aside the Netherlands and Wales or battled back to be beat Sweden?
  1. Get in touch with your news and views using the Get Involved tab at the top of this page.
  2. We will publish a selection of your messages throughout the afternoon as we build up to tonight’s semi-final.
  4. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  5. Craig Nelson
  6. BBC Sport reporter
  7. Tonight’s semi-final is less than eight hours away, so we’ll be taking you through all of the build-up throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
  8. Stick with us as we bring you:
  • The latest news from both the England and Italy camps
  • Recap the tournament so far, looking at the Lionesses’ rollercoaster ride to the semi-finals
  • Analysis from our top pundits
  • Messages of support from the players’ friends and family
  • And a flavour of the atmosphere in Geneva as excitement builds throughout the day.
  2. England v Italy (20:00 BST)
  3. Image source, Getty Images
  4. All eyes will be on Geneva tonight, as defending champions England take on tournament dark horses Italy for a place in the Euro 2025 final.
  5. Sarina Wiegman’s side are looking to qualify for their third major consecutive tournament final and seal back-to-back Euros finals at the Stade de Geneve.
  6. But Italy, who have qualified for their first Euros semi-final since 1997, will certainly have something to say about that…

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