England Battles Italy in Thrilling Women's Euro Semifinals Showdown - Complete Viewing Guide and Match Preview

Destination: Geneva, where England and Italy will clash in a Women's Euro 2025 semifinal in southwestern Switzerland. The current European titleholders will meet an Italian squad reaching their first semifinal appearance since 1997.

Although the Lionesses enter as strong favorites, they barely escaped elimination in their quarterfinal against Sweden. After falling behind 2–0 within 25 minutes, England mounted a second-half rally and ultimately prevailed through a thrilling 14-kick penalty shootout.

Italy's quarterfinal saw the Azzurre defeat Norway 2–1 in regulation time. Cristiana Girelli netted twice, including the decisive goal in the 90th minute. New Washington Spirit acquisition Sofia Cantore provided both assists for Girelli's goals.

The recent matchup history strongly favors England between these nations. The Lionesses have secured four victories and one draw in their past five encounters with Italy, including a commanding 5–1 triumph in their most recent clash in February 2024.

Nevertheless, historical records paint a contrasting picture. Throughout Italy's dominant era in the 1980s and 1990s, the Azzurre frequently outplayed England. Italy maintains an unbeaten European Championship record against England. This streak encompasses a 2–1 victory in the 2009 group phase, a 6–2 triumph in the 1993 quarterfinals, and a 2–1 success in the 1987 third-place match.

Italy has already exceeded expectations at Women's Euro 2025, but ousting the reigning champions and reaching their first final since Women's Euro 1997 would represent an even greater accomplishment.

What time does England vs. Italy kick off?

How to Watch England vs. Italy on TV

England team news

Following the exhausting victory against Sweden, England faces several potential lineup concerns. During that match, captain Leah Williamson was forced to exit early after twisting her ankle. Williamson participated in Monday's training session, with teammate Esme Morgan expressing she was "very optimistic" about Williamson's availability against Italy.

Lauren James completed the entire 120 minutes versus Sweden, but questions remain about her stamina and whether manager Sarina Wiegman will choose to deploy her as a substitute. Lucy Bronze required thigh strapping due to muscle tightness but isn't anticipated to be sidelined.

Defender Jess Carter revealed on Sunday that she had endured online racial harassment during the tournament and would be stepping away from social media. Carter was substituted for Morgan in the Sweden victory but has featured in every England starting lineup at Women's Euro 2025.

Wiegman has established a pattern of maintaining consistent lineups. The likelihood is that she will stick with her preferred starting eleven.

England predicted lineup vs. Italy

England (4-2-3-1): Hannah Hampton; Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter, Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze; Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway; Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone, Lauren James; Alessia Russo

Italy team news

Manager Andrea Soncin should have his complete roster available for selection. No players are dealing with injuries or suspensions. The primary tactical consideration is whether he will revert to a more conservative formation compared to the setup used against Norway.

In the group stage match against Spain, Soncin rotated significant portions of his squad and employed a 5-4-1 formation, providing additional defensive support on the flanks with three central defenders. Against Norway, there was greater attacking freedom for Cantore and Barbara Bonansea to support Girelli in the forward line.

Italy predicted lineup vs. England

Italy (4-3-3): Laura Giuliani; Lucia Di Guglielmo, Cecilia Salvai, Elisabetta Oliviero; Emma Severini, Manuela Giugliano, Arianna Caruso; Barbara Bonansea, Cristiana Girelli, Sofia Cantore