If you’re a fan of the England women’s football team, chances are you’ve been on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.
An agonisingly close quarter-final against Sweden ended with a tense penalty shootout, while an equalising semi-final goal from Michelle Agyemang only happened in the 96th minute.
“I feel like I’m going to have to go to the doctors when I get home,” says Jenny, from Kent, who watched it all from the stands.
“They are putting us through the ringer.”
“I basically bit all my nails off,” says Sophie, who is in Switzerland with her sister, Charlotte.
Meanwhile, Nicola, from Basingstoke, describes feeling shaky. “I had to take some time to decompress.”
Even if you weren’t watching the action with thousands of other jittery fans in the stadium, chances are you’ve felt some of the same effects. But whether you’re in the stands or on the sofa, why do football matches produce such intense physical reactions?
‘Stress reponse’
The answer lies in our hormones says Dr Martha Newson, Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Greenwich.
Testosterone, she explains, goes up on match days, as does adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol. The most loyal fans have the biggest stress response, she says, and that’s the same for men and women.
During peaks in the game – like a nail-biting penalty shootout – the adrenaline rush, or fight or flight response, prepares the body for action, says Dr David Crepaz-Keay, Head of Research and Applied Learning at the Mental Health Foundation.
While it can feel scary, there’s nothing to be alarmed about – it’s a sign that you care.
“You are just completely there with them and it’s like you’re walking up to the spot, ready to take that penalty… your senses are just going into overdrive.”
The heart rate rises as it rushes to send more oxygen around the body. And if you feel buzzy, he says, that’s because the effects can act as stimulant.
They can last for hours, affecting our sleep as we come down from our excitement and can even influence our behaviour the following day. Don’t be surprised if you feel like eating more after the match or getting out the credit card.
“Fans consume more calories after a loss,” says Dr Newson, explaining that they’re responding to a psychological need to replenish their reserves after a time of hardship.
On the flip side, fans might feel an urge to splurge after a win. “We can see the evolutionary mind working like, okay, I’ve won so I can spend money, I can accumulate resources,” she says.
All this for a sport that’s supposed to be about fun and bonding. So what can fans do to manage these very real side-effects?
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Dr Joseph Barker, a clinical psychologist for the NHS and Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Norwich Medical School, advises getting a good rest the night before.
Having a clear match day plan of where you are going, what you are doing and what you are likely to do afterwards will also help alleviate stress.
“As we’ve got no control during the game, if we can find things to control before and after the game that can build our emotional resilience to cope.”
It’s important to eat well, he says, and as much as it might be tempting, he advises against drinking alcohol, because it gives us less ability to regulate our emotions.
If things get too tense, he says fans can always take a break and rejoin the match a bit later.
Dr Crepaz-Keay says movement is key to help manage that adrenaline surge – when your body is geared up for action, there’s nowhere for that energy to go if you stay on the sofa. But just remember to keep anything breakable out of arm and leg reach.
Be part of something bigger
Most of all, the experts advise trying to reframe the nerves and jitters as an enjoyable experience.
“In England particularly, we are not necessarily brought up to express our emotions. And sport gives us the excuse to do that. Sport gives us licence to shout, to scream, to dance, to cheer, to sing,” says Dr Crepaz-Keay.
“Even if we don’t win, you’re still part of something bigger… that’s something that we can all take pride and joy in.”
It’s a view shared by Jenny and Charlotte in Geneva.
Charlotte advises embracing the stress and having patience as “anything can happen in the last second”.
“You’re going to get overwhelmed and your heart rate will go up… but this is really exciting.”
Additional reporting by Elise Wicker and Yazmina Garcia
Who: England vs Spain What:UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final Where: St Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland When: Sunday, July 27, at 6pm (16:00 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 3pm (15:00 GMT) in advance of our live text commentary stream.
If the women’s football players of Spain have gone from nobodies to title contenders in less than a decade, it hasn’t come easy.
The national team has had to fight for better coaching, decent travel conditions, and modern training facilities.
It paid off with a World Cup title in 2023, the Nations League crown last year, and they face England on Sunday in the European Championship final.
“It has been a constant with the national team that we have had to fight for acceptable work conditions that would allow us to play at our best,” former Spain defender Marta Torrejon said on Friday.
Where did the rise of Spain’s women begin?
Torrejon lived through the lean years, the time when playing for her country felt like, in her words, a “waste of time”.
Torrejon retired from international football after the 2019 World Cup as Spain’s then most-capped player with 90 appearances. The 35-year-old has since helped Barcelona win three Champions League titles and a slew of other trophies.
She also played a part in one of the revolts Spain’s women have staged to demand more from the men who run the game.
After the 2015 World Cup, Torrejon and other players successfully pushed for the removal of coach Ignacio Quereda, who had run the team for nearly three decades, for his poor preparation before the team’s first appearance in the competition.
Quereda was later accused by former players of verbal abuse, an allegation he denied.
“I enjoyed playing for the national team, but the preparation and attention to the player was minimum. It felt, to put it bluntly, like a waste of time,” Torrejon said. “The level of practice and the level of physical training both plummeted compared to what we had [at Barcelona]. It was like taking a step back.
“I am told that isn’t the case now, and I am very glad to hear that.”
Torrejon said she saw steps in the right direction under former Spain coach Jorge Vilda, who replaced Quereda, but felt there was still more untapped potential in the team when she retired.
President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, right, kisses Jennifer Hermoso of Spain, left, during the medal ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 final against England [Noemi Llamas/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images]
What was the Rubiales controversy for Spain?
After Torrejon quit the team, some players announced in 2022 that they would no longer play for Vilda unless he ran a more professional operation. He was backed by the federation. Some players returned to play for him, and the team made history by winning the 2023 World Cup.
The celebrations were overshadowed by the behaviour of then-federation President Luis Rubiales, who, without her consent, kissed a player on the lips during the awards ceremony in Sydney.
Vilda supported Rubiales initially, and he was swept away with his boss when the players stood up to force change, from the removal of Rubiales to improving the travel conditions and handling of the team. Vilda is now coaching Morocco, which is playing Nigeria in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final on Saturday.
Torrejon said she had heard from Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes, stalwarts of Spain and Barcelona, that things are better since Rubiales and Vilda left.
England wary Rubiales incident may fire Spain
England’s Ella Toone admits Spain may have extra motivation going into the final after their World Cup triumph two years ago was overshadowed by the events at the end of the game in Sydney.
Spain beat England 1-0 in 2023 to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal of the game.
However, the headlines later were dominated by the forced kiss by Rubiales on player Jenni Hermoso.
Rubiales was eventually fined 10,800 euros ($11,670) for sexual assault in February this year.
“It was a difficult period for the Spanish players and for what they did in the World Cup, for that to then be the main talking point, was really tough and something they shouldn’t have had to go through,” Toone told reporters in Zurich on Friday.
“They should have celebrated what was an amazing tournament for them.”
England’s Chloe Kelly celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates [Denis Balibouse/Reuters]
How did England reach the Euro 2025 final?
England’s place as a powerhouse of women’s international football has long been established, but the last-four clash with Italy nearly provided an upset.
Barbara Bonansea gave the Italians the lead, and only a 96th-minute equaliser by Michelle Agyemang forced the game to extra time.
Chloe Kelly then left it late to settle the match with penalties looming.
The English also had to come from behind to beat Sweden in their last-eight clash.
How did Spain reach the Euro 2025 final?
New coach Montse Tome has enhanced the training methods. Spain leads the way at the Euros for goals scored, ball possession, passing accuracy and clean sheets.
In Spain’s 1-0 semifinal win over Germany, Aitana Bonmati leaned on the team’s analysts, who informed her that the opposing goalkeeper tended to leave her near post unprotected. The result was an exquisite winner from a tight angle.
Torrejon said that sort of tactical insight from the staff was unthinkable a decade ago.
Spain’s Irene Paredes, Spain’s Jana Fernandez, Spain’s Maria Mendez and Spain’s Leila Ouahabi celebrate after the match [Matthew Childs/Reuters]
How Barcelona played their part in Spain’s rise
Spain midfielder Patri Guijarro agrees with Torrejon that the sustained investment Barcelona has provided for the past decade in the women’s game has boosted the national team.
“Each and every day, we work well in our clubs and I think that is reflected in the achievements of the clubs, but also in the national team,” Guijarro said at Spain’s camp in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday.
Guijarro also credits the professionalisation of Spain’s women’s league in 2021, which allowed players “to dedicate ourselves fully to football”.
Guijarro is one of 11 Barcelona players on Spain’s 23-member squad. The Barcelona contingent includes Bonmati and Putellas, who have split the last four Ballon d’Or awards between them.
Former Barcelona official Xavier Vilajoana oversaw the women’s team and the club’s training academy from 2015-2020. During that time, the club dramatically increased its funding for women’s football and built a training programme for girls.
Vilajoana said one critical decision was having the same coaches train the boys’ and girls’ teams. That way, the Barcelona style was instilled in all the kids, and that ball-possession, short-passing and pressure became fundamentals of the women’s teams as well.
“Let’s not fool ourselves, we spent many years in a very sexist society, and that was reflected in women’s football. So clearly the change in the mentality of society has helped,” Vilajoana said. “But I also believe that Barca’s style of play has helped us see women players in the same way [as men].”
In the background, Spain’s strong feminist movement helped get the public behind the players as they made strides for equality and success.
“There were many of us players who gave it our all for the national team but weren’t able to get this far,” Torrejon said. “The one thing we knew is that we had talent. We just needed more support.”
England team news
Lauren James faces a race to be fit after picking up a knock in the semifinal against Italy.
Beth Mead could take the attacker’s place on the wing should James fail to recover.
Esme Morgan was given her first start in tournament football alongside captain Leah Williamson in defence and is set to retain her place.
Spain team news
Laia Aleixandri returns from a one-match ban for yellow card accumulation in the tournament. The defender is set to immediately return to the backline.
Athenea del Castillo is pushing Mariona Caldentey and Claudia Pina for a place on the flanks after a goal and an assist last up.
Collapsing to the ground, hands covering her eyes, Michelle Agyemang was overcome by the occasion. In a moment when England desperately needed a lifeline, the 19-year-old, whose surname fittingly means “saviour of the nation”, rose when it mattered the most.
A little-known teenage player just weeks ago, her name now lingers on every England football fan’s lips after her 96th-minute equalising goal against Italy dragged the team from the jaws of defeat, as the Lionesses roared back into the UEFA Women’s Euro semifinal in Geneva.
Although Chloe Kelly sealed the comeback with her extra-time winner, the spotlight belonged to Agyemang, who stepped up when no one else did, showing a composure that belied her age.
Agyemang’s goal in Tuesday’s win against Italy – a sensational double-nutmeg finish – was the second time in five days she had rescued England with a “super-sub” performance, after also coming off the bench to score a late equaliser in their quarterfinal victory over Sweden.
“Big Mich at it again!” Kelly told ITV Sport. “She’s an unbelievable player and she’s got the world at her feet. A young player with a bright future. I’m absolutely buzzing for her.”
From the stands of Stade de Geneve to the roar at Wembley Boxpark, Agyemang has stirred belief in thousands of English fans when everything seemed lost at Euro 2025. With her black braids trailing behind her blazing runs on the pitch, the striker is must-watch TV as she surges forward with a combination of power, poise and unselfish play.
“She plays beyond her years,” said Ellen White, England’s Euro 2022 winner, on BBC. “The way she holds the ball up, brings others into play… What she’s done with limited minutes, she’s turned England’s history on its head and helped them reach another final.”
With three goals in four international appearances, Agyemang has added a new scoring dimension to the Lionesses [Martin Meissner/AP Photo]
A star is born
Included in the England squad as a wild card selection, Agyemang, who is of Ghanaian descent, has proven to be one of the breakout stars of the tournament, playing a crucial role in the reigning champions’ run to Sunday’s final against Spain in Basel.
She earned a call-up for the European Championships despite having played just one international match for the Lionesses, becoming the youngest player on the squad. Watching her glide through defenders and finish with such calm at Euro 2025, it’s difficult to believe Agyemang only made her international debut three months ago.
As late as 2021, she stood on the sidelines as a ball girl at the famous Wembley Stadium in London and tossed the football to some of England’s current superstars during one of Sarina Wiegman’s first games as national coach.
“Four years ago, I was a kid, throwing balls to some of these girls, but now I’m here playing with them. It’s a great opportunity and I’m so glad I’m here,” Agyemang said.
“To be doing this at this level, to be helping out this team, is more than what I could have wished for, so I’m so grateful to be here.”
Agyemang’s composure on the grandest stage has been remarkable, but not surprising.
Making her international debut in April, the 1.69-metre (5ft-6.5in) forward fired off a brilliant volley to score within 41 seconds of coming off the bench – and giving Wiegman a first glimpse of her immense talent.
“I said with the squad announcement already that she brings something special,” Wiegman recalled. “She is only 19, but she is very mature. She knows exactly what she has to do. If she continues like this, she has a very bright future.”
Agyemang, #17, who is the youngest player in England’s Euro 2025 squad, has been used as a super-sub by coach Sarina Wiegman, left, during the tournament [Martin Meissner/AP Photo]
‘Crazy season’
Born in Essex to a family of Manchester United, Chelsea and West Ham United supporters, Agyemang is a lifelong Arsenal fan and joined the North London club’s academy at the age of six.
Making her senior debut for the Gunners in 2022 as a 16-year-old, Agyemang enjoyed some first-team experience before being loaned to second-tier side Watford for the 2023-24 season.
Five goals in 10 appearances at Watford earned her a first professional contract at Arsenal, and in September 2024, she joined Brighton & Hove Albion on loan in the top-tier Women’s Super League (WSL).
Although she scored only three goals and made as many starts, Agyemang was named the Women’s Young Player of the Season – a nod to the potential that was about to explode.
When she watched her parent club Arsenal lift the UEFA Women’s Champions League trophy in Lisbon on May 24, Agyemang had no idea she would soon receive a FaceTime call from Wiegman for Euro 2025, which is the second-largest female football tournament on the planet.
The first person she told? Her dad, who ran around the house in disbelief and pride.
“It’s been a crazy season for me being on loan and then getting the call-up at such a late time in the season. But, you know, everything happens for a reason,” Agyemang said.
“It’s easy to come here and not really be connected to a team because of the short amount of time, but they have really taken me in and I’m so grateful.”
Agyemang’s sensational 96th-minute equaliser against Italy in the Euro 2025 semifinal has turned her into a household name in England [Piroschka Van De Wouw/Reuters]
England will look to defend their European title when they take on Spain on Sunday in the Euro 2025 final.
The Lionesses, who won the Women’s European Championship in 2022, beat Italy and Sweden in the knockouts to book their spot.
Spain reached the final thanks to an extra-time win over Germany on Wednesday.
The game will be broadcast live on BBC One, the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, with TV coverage getting under way at 15:40 BST. The match kicks off at 17:00 BST.
Radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
Aitana Bonmati’s strike in injury time downs Germany to send Spain into Women’s Euro 2025 final against England.
Aitana Bonmati netted the only goal of the game late in extra time as world champions Spain edged Germany 1-0 in their Women’s Euro 2025 semifinal to set up a title decider this weekend against England.
A tense game in Zurich on Wednesday was ticking down towards penalties, when reigning Ballon d’Or Bonmati struck in the 113th minute, surprising the usually reliable German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger at her near post.
It was not one of Barcelona star Bonmati’s most influential performances, yet she still delivered when it mattered to keep Spain on course to win their first European Championship crown.
They were also grateful to goalkeeper Cata Coll for some vital interventions, including a spectacular double save to deny Klara Buhl and Carlotta Wamser right at the end of normal time, as Germany were agonisingly eliminated.
Spain’s Aitana Bonmati scores their first goal [Matthew Childs/Reuters]
If Montse Tome’s side come out on top again, they will become the first nation to hold both the world and European titles at the same time since Germany, almost 15 years ago.
Spain had never beaten Germany before, and now, they advance to their first-ever Euro final, with the chance to cement their status as the leading force in international women’s football.
They should have been the fresher of the two sides here, having played their quarterfinal against hosts Switzerland a day before Germany got the better of France on penalties, after playing almost the whole game with 10 players.
Germany were also missing three of their starters from that match, with Kathrin Hendrich and Sjoeke Nusken suspended and right-back Sarai Linder injured.
Christian Wuck’s team did unsurprisingly have the majority of the 22,432 crowd behind them at Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadium, and they had Berger in goal.
A star of the win over France, she made a fine save to keep out a shot from Spain’s Esther Gonzalez – her teammate at Gotham FC in the United States – just before the midway point in the first half, tipping the ball over for a corner.
Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger saves a shot from Spain’s Esther Gonzalez during the Women’s Euro 2025 semifinals [Alessandra Tarantino/AP]
Spain captain Irene Paredes headed against the post from a Claudia Pina corner, and Gonzalez was again denied by Berger before half-time.
It was then Germany’s turn to have the best chances in the second half, but Coll made a crucial block from Buhl just after the hour mark, and the Bayern Munich player also curled a free kick just wide late on.
Then came the stunning double save from Coll right at the end of the allotted four minutes of injury time, as the Barcelona goalkeeper kept out a deflected Buhl shot that was looping in and quickly got up to stop Wamser’s follow-up.
That was perhaps a sign that it would not be Germany’s night. They then saw defender Sophia Kleinherne come off in tears early in extra time after overstretching while trying to stop Salma Paralluelo going clean through on goal.
Spain’s winner arrived in the 113th minute, as Bonmati let a ball from Athenea del Castillo run past her in the area before beating Berger at the goalkeeper’s near post with a shot from a tight angle.
There was still time for Coll to excel again, flying to her left to save from Lea Schuller as Spain held on.
A sense of anticipation and excitement was building outside the Stade de Geneve as the semi-final between England and Italy was about to begin.
Supporters streaming through the gates wore curly red and white wigs, while others carried England flags or wore them around their shoulders. A group of children with Union Jack face paint carried a sign with the word “pizza” crossed out and replaced with “fish and chips”.
From time to time, a burst of Three Lions or Sweet Caroline could be heard from loudspeakers, or an almighty roar would erupt from those who had already taken their seats inside.
“Is it coming home?” I asked England fans who had no time to stop and talk as they rushed to join the queue to get in.
“Of course,” some yelled back, while others simply replied “Ingerland”. I took that to mean yes.
Earlier, about 5km (3 miles) away in central Geneva I stood outside a pub with large crowds of England fans. I have never been to Geneva before but I imagine such a sight on a hot, sunny Tuesday afternoon, if at any time really, is not the norm.
I arrived to excited chants of “come on England”, accompanied by a drum, followed by trumpet song and shouts of “Sarina” in homage to England manager Sarina Wiegman.
I first met Lisa and Jen, who had been in Geneva since Thursday after having spent four days hiking in the Alps.
“Down here it’s a bit busier, as you can imagine, but we’re really enjoying it,” said Lisa, who turns 50 next week and may be celebrating the milestone on the same day that England play in the final if they beat Italy.
“Fingers crossed eh,” she says.
Both women were among those lucky enough to have tickets to the semi-final and said they were very excited to support the team.
“I’m probably going to be get quite emotional,” she said.
Also looking forward to watching the semi-final match at the stadium were Kerry, Chrissy and Charlotte, who had all met as a result of the tournament.
“Everyone’s really friendly, so you can sort of just talk to anyone,” said Chrissy.
“It’s been more emotional than I was expecting. Last week’s game [the quarter-final] really took it out of us,” she added.
Chrissy was not alone in feeling that the nail-biting quarter-final match against Sweden was hard for the nerves. Other England fans I spoke to also described it as an “emotional rollercoaster” but they were thrilled the Lionesses came out on top.
Charlotte said she developed a real love of the sport when she attended the Euro 2022 final, when England beat Germany.
“I’m just really excited to kind of go through those emotions again and this time be really passionate about it,” she said.
Also meeting for the first time at the Euros were Manish, who lives in the Swiss city of Bern but supports England, and Stephen, who is British and said he thought Switzerland was a great location for the tournament.
“It’s an amazing place. Great country, great people, great hospitality, it’s been wonderful.”
Italy, who have not beaten England since 2012, appointed Soncin in September 2023 despite having only ever worked in men’s football, yet he has gradually won over his critics.
“There was a fair bit of scepticism about Soncin because he came in as someone who only had experience in the men’s game and who mostly coached at youth level,” Bandini says.
“But he has really brought something positive over the last couple of years and you can see that here.
“I felt like coming into this tournament, the energy around the group was much, much better than it had been at past tournaments.”
And on the pitch in Switzerland the team have delivered, finishing second in their group behind tournament favourites Spain with performances which have shown tactical flexibility and an ability to capitalise on opponents’ weaknesses.
“[Against England] it is going to be a technically fascinating game,” says Bandini. “I’m really curious to see how Italy approach it, because one of the strengths of Italy, one of the strengths of the coach at this tournament, is that he’s shown he can change things up.”
Italy have switched formations depending on the opposition, playing with a back five against the formidable Spain and a back four against Norway.
Against the Norwegians, it was a move to target their weakness at full-back – a strategy that worked to perfection and could be tested against the Lionesses too.
“When we talk about England, we talk all the time about the left-back position being one major headache that’s consistently come up for Sarina Wiegman,” Bandini says.
“Even when you look at the opposite side, Lucy Bronze likes to go forward. That’s part of her game.
“So I can very much see the wide areas being a focus in this game. They really are the strength of this Italy team – the options they have there are really strong.”
If Italy go to a back three, Bandini expects the wing-backs – Lisa Boattin and Lucia di Guglielmo – to threaten England with their dribbling skills.
“Italy have so many players who are confident running with the ball,” she adds.
Goals scored: Five Goals conceded: Five Wins: Three Best Euros performance: Runners-up, 1993 and 1997
Chance of winning Euro 2025 (Opta): 8.9%
Italy are the lowest-ranked team left in the tournament at 13th in the Fifa rankings, but after their impressive performance against Norway in the last eight it would be foolish to underestimate them.
They failed to qualify for four successive World Cups between 2003 and 2015 and have flown under the radar in Switzerland to reach a first European semi-final since 1997.
Progressing behind Spain in Group B they were the underdogs heading into the quarter-final against two-time European champions Norway, but they impressed with their pace, control in possession and natural width.
Key player: Captain Cristiana Girelliscored both goals in the 2-1 victory with the crucial winning goal a dramatic stoppage-time header.
Former England defender Anita Asante said it was “special” for a “senior veteran in the team” to deliver in that moment.
“They’re reflecting the growth of Italian women’s football. Italy found a bit of quality when it really mattered and capitalised,” she said.
What the pundits said: Houghton said defending champions England would need to be “mindful” of Italy’s underdog status.
“Knocking out Norway, who were higher ranked than them, that probably was not the expectation from the outside,” she said.
“They have experience in their team. They have some threats, especially in wide areas, and really good midfielders.
“This is monumental for them. They’ve made another historic progression so they’re going to be well up for it.”
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.
Holders England face Italy while world champions Spain take on Germany as the Women’s Euro enters its final week.
A last-minute winner, two thrilling shootouts, missed penalties and countless saves – the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Euro delivered everything one could ask for.
The drama now rolls on to the final week with four teams left in the hunt for the European crown.
Here’s how the Euro 2025 semifinals line up:
⚽ First semifinal: England vs Italy
When: Tuesday at 9pm (19:00 GMT) Where: Stade de Geneve, Geneva
A long-cherished dream became a reality for Italy on Wednesday when captain Cristiana Girelli’s 90th-minute header ended their 28-year wait for a place in the semifinals of the Women’s European championships.
Coming into the contest as the underdogs, Italy stunned Norway 2-1 as Girelli scored twice while Ada Hegerberg netted once for the Norwegians after missing a penalty for the second time in this year’s tournament.
“I felt something different, something special. I have seen in the eyes of my teammates a special light,” the 35-year-old Girelli said after the game. “If you have a flame, you have to continue to live. We suffered a lot, but we fought until the end.”
Their fairytale run now faces its next test against holders England, who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, winning 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout against Sweden on Thursday.
Eleven minutes from full-time the Lionesses – trailing 2-0 and on the brink of elimination – mounted a rapid comeback, scoring two goals in two minutes to send the match into extra time.
In the penalty shootout, which featured 14 attempts, defender Lucy Bronze slammed her spot kick into the roof of the net as the seventh penalty taker, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made two saves as England coach Sarina Wiegman breathed a sigh of relief as her side qualified for the final four at Euro 2025.
“It was hard. One of the hardest games I’ve ever watched. Very emotional. We could’ve been out four or five times during the game,” Wiegman said.
England are unbeaten in their last five matches against Italy, all friendlies, with four of those ending in victories. The winner of the first semifinal will face either Spain or Germany in the final.
Cristiana Girelli scored a 90th-minute winner, her second goal of a superb double, as Italy beat Norway 2-1 to book their spot in the semifinals at the UEFA Women’s Euro for the first time since 1997 [Alessandra Tarantino/AP Photo]
⚽ Second semifinal: Germany vs Spain
When: Wednesday at 9pm (19:00 GMT) Where: Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich
Spain kept their quest for a maiden Women’s Euro title alive by knocking out hosts Switzerland 2-0 in Friday’s quarterfinal despite failing twice from the penalty spot.
The world champions were made to work hard against a stubborn Swiss defence in the first half before super sub Athenea del Castillo scored the opener shortly after the hour mark, and Claudia Pina doubled the lead with a superb curling effort. Spain’s victory kept their 100 percent winning record at Euro 2025 intact.
“Maybe we’d prefer to face Germany again because of what happened at the Olympics,” del Castillo said after the match, referring to their 1-0 defeat to Germany in the bronze medal match at Paris 2024.
Athenea may just get the revenge she hinted at: Germany are through, and Spain will now meet their Olympic nemesis in the semifinals.
The Germans defeated France 6-5 on penalties in Saturday’s thrilling semifinal, pulling off a superb comeback from a goal down despite playing with 10 players for most of the match. In the 13th minute, German midfielder Kathrin Hendrich was issued a straight red card after she pulled the hair of France captain Griedge Mbock.
With the match tied 1-1 after extra time, the contest was decided on penalties. Germany’s goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was the hero, firing home from a crucial spot kick herself before pulling off a decisive penalty save to seal the upset victory against France.
“There is a very hard and tough opponent [Spain] we have to face [in the final]. Everybody really gave their ultimate effort here, and we need to regenerate. We have to make sure we recover,” said the 34-year-old Berger, who produced a string of outstanding saves throughout the match.
Germany are unbeaten in eight meetings with Spain, winning five and drawing three with a goal count of 18-3.
Germany won the shootout against France 6-5, thanks to the heroics of Ann-Katrin Berger, who saved two shots and converted a penalty kick herself [Martin Meissner/AP Photo]
England defender Esme Morgan discusses making her Euro 2025 debut in the victory over Sweden – and reveals what went through her head when the Lionesses were 2-0 down.
Buyers have the chance to snap up an idyllic and picturesque French home nestled in a small town for just €1 – but the houses come with some pretty strict conditions
Saint Jean church in the centre of Ambert(Image: Getty Images)
While the thought of snapping up a beautiful French home for just €1 sounds like a dream – there’s one huge catch. It’s the kind of deal anyone would snap up in a heartbeat – especially as the costs of housing is through the roof, and it’s in an attempt to boost the popularity of the dwindling town.
But these homes in Ambert, located in the southeast of France have some conditions to them. Buyers are expected to invest significantly in renovations and meet strict requirements if they want the keys – and there is a significant amount that needs doing.
Firstly, the cheap homes are only available to first-time buyers, as second-time buyers are prohibited from taking part in the scheme. The buyers also have to commit to staying in the home full-time for at least three years too.
According to The Local, those who purchase a €1 house in Ambert must commit to living in the property full-time for at least three years once it’s been made habitable. If they fail to do so, they risk financial penalties, including the repayment of any government grants given for refurbishment works.
One huge downside is that the houses need some serious work. From the roof to the wiring, and everything in between, the two homes on offer require a fair but of renovating. Due to the extensive TLC needed, potential buyers may even be asked to provide a written plan outlining the extent of the work and how long it will take to complete.
Emmanuel Chabrier garden in Ambert(Image: Getty Images)
Ambert has become the latest community to adopt the tactic in trying to boost it’s population and stop it from dying out – as it clings on to the 6,500 population.
It comes after a UK home was put up for auction with a starting price of just £1, but also came with considerable work needed for potential buyers. Promoted by estate agents Pattinson on TikTok, the pair of modest-size flats in Newcastle-upon-Tyne appear to have been ransacked inside, with the previous occupants’ belongings left behind in a somewhat sorry state.
Beginning at front of the building, Pattison’s clip shows an overgrown hedge concealing the majority of the building.
The living room contains piles of broken furniture and rubbish – with no carpet visible whatsoever thanks to the mess. A framed picture of Jesus sits on the floor of the room, which has also been littered with vinyl records, CDs and board game boxes.
The video, which has been viewed more than 1,000 times saw a handful of people respond to its caption of, “Would you buy this property for £1?” – all of whom said they would. However, while the starting price at auction may be low, the house is likely to sell for more.
England fans may had doubt but they did not show it at Stadion Letzigrund as those behind the goal to Wiegman’s right sang her name as they trailed 2-0.
When things eventually started going to plan, England still relied on plenty of luck.
The ball didn’t quite drop for Sweden on set-pieces, and as extra time wore on, momentum felt like it was with England.
But in the shootout, it was Sweden’s game to win. They had two chances to seal victory with penalties of their own and managed to squander both.
Sweden goalkeeper Falk wasted the first opportunity, blasting the ball over the crossbar, before Hampton dived low to save Jakobsson’s spot-kick.
As Sweden’s senior players missed their opportunities, England’s most experienced was ready to take her moment.
It was fitting that 33-year-old Bronze, playing in her seventh major tournament, delivered when it mattered.
Someone who epitomises England’s resilience, she stepped up, took a deep breath and thumped her penalty into the roof of the net.
A roar erupted from Bronze as she looked at the supporters behind the goal, ripping off tape – that she had put on herself during the match – in the process.
Around half an hour earlier, she had kicked the hoardings behind the same net – a release of emotion as she kickstarted England’s comeback.
“Lucy was chaotic in herself, right? There was a lot going on with her. She became a physio, she became a striker, she nailed the best penalty of the day,” said team-mate Mead.
“I think Lucy really showed her experience in those moments. She’s our most experienced England player and I think she was one of the players that very much got the determination out of us all today.”
Having failed to convert four penalties, Wiegman admitted she was “really concerned” that England were heading out.
But it was fitting that Bronze helped carry her team over the line.
“She is just one of a kind. I have never seen this before in my life. I have worked with so many incredible football players but what she does and her mentality,” said Wiegman.
“The penalty, the goal – that is not what defines her. What defines her is that resilience, that fight. The only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair.”
England won the toss, benefitting from a shootout in front of their own fans and took the first penalty.
Up stepped Alessia Russo, the Lionesses’ trusty goal threat. Jennifer Falk dived the right way, but her powerful effort never looked like being stopped.
“Russo has left nothing on the pitch so to strike that as sweetly as she did – Falk went the right way, nowhere near it,” former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis said on BBC One.
Sweden 0-1 England (penalty two)
Hampton stood on the line, her nose bloodied from a collision in the final moments of extra time.
Filippa Angeldahl took the first kick for Sweden and sent it towards the right but Hampton got her hands to it.
“She’s done her homework,” reacted Brown-Finnis. Hampton knew exactly where to go.
Sweden 0-1 England (penalty three)
England couldn’t make the most of their advantage.
Lauren James tried to place her effort in the bottom left corner but Falk palmed it away.
Sweden 1-1 England (penalty four)
Sweden issued the perfect response. “Emphatic, beautifully struck,” said Brown-Finnis.
Julia Zigiotti Olme showed no nerves and left Hampton with no chance. Her well-struck spot-kick went into the top corner and Sweden levelled.
Sweden 1-1 England (penalty five)
Were emotions not already running high enough, England fans were soon made even more anxious.
Beth Mead went for the same place as James and faced the same result – Falk saved. “It’s a cushty height for the goalkeeper,” said Brown-Finnis.
Sweden 1-1 England (penalty six)
From a moment of agony to sudden hope.
Magdalena Eriksson had the chance to put Sweden in front. Instead, her effort bounced off the far post.
Sweden 1-1 England (penalty seven)
By this point, Falk was beginning to look like Sweden’s saviour.
Alex Greenwood sent her penalty down the middle. Falk dived, the ball hit her and it bounced back out.
Three of the Lionesses’ four penalties saved.
Sweden 2-1 England (penalty eight)
Nathalie Bjorn put Sweden on the verge of victory, beating her Chelsea team-mate Hampton.
England had to score their next.
Sweden 2-2 England (penalty nine)
Who better than the player who had netted the winning kick in each of England’s other two shootouts under Wiegman to deliver when needed?
Chloe Kelly produced her trademark run-up, with a hop and a skip before firing past Falk.
“What a night she is having,” said BBC commentator Robyn Cowen.
Kelly had delivered the assist for England’s first goal, then the vital cross which led to their second. Now, she’d kept their hopes of a shootout victory alive.
Sweden 2-2 England (penalty 10)
Stepping up to take Sweden’s fifth penalty, to put them into the semi-finals, was none other than keeper Falk.
She had already saved three, taking one as well was “just being greedy,” said Brown-Finnis.
The Sweden goalkeeper could not produce another moment of jubilation for the her supporters and skied her kick over the bar.
Sweden 2-2 England (penalty 11)
Surely, after yet another miss, England would respond?
Not this time. Grace Clinton’s weak effort rolled to the left which Falk easily saved.
By this point, it looked like the shootout might never end. “I can’t believe how many penalties we’ve missed,” said Brown-Finnis.
Sweden 2-2 England (penalty 12)
Sweden once again had the opportunity to win the match. Sofia Jakobsson placed the ball on the spot with just four of the 12 penalties before her having been scored.
She also went to the left, but Hampton tipped it onto the post with her outstretched hand.
“These are cats with nine lives, the Lionesses,” Brown-Finnis said.
Sweden 2-3 England (penalty 13)
England’s most decorated player stepped up for the big moment.
Bronze had no intention of wasting her chance and delivered the perfect penalty, thrashing it down the middle as Falk dived to the right.
The Lionesses have talked throughout this tournament about producing “proper English” performances – and Bronze’s penalty was an “old school Stuart Pearce type” of kick, said Brown-Finnis.
She added: “Full of passion, full of heart, no nonsense penalty right into the roof of the net. Great strike, great player, great time.”
Sweden 2-3 England (Smilla Holmberg misses, England win)
Sweden had to score to keep their hopes alive. The job fell to 18-year-old Smilla Holmberg to try to level.
Holmberg didn’t even hit the target. She sent her strike soaring over the crossbar. The English players ran off in celebration.
Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani says they “don’t fear” England as the teams prepare to meet in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals on Thursday.
Defending champions England are ranked fifth in the world, just one place above Sweden, who finished top of their group.
Peter Gerhardsson’s side picked up the maximum nine points, ending their group games with an impressive 4-1 win over Germany.
Following England’s 6-1 victory over Wales, midfielder Ella Toone told ITV Sport Sweden “should be scared” – but Asllani disagrees.
“We respect England, the team they have and everything they have achieved so far. But fear? No. We don’t have the word fear in our dictionary,” said Asllani.
“We look up the word courage. Of course you have to respect one of the best sides in the world but we have the perfect gameplan for this match.
“We want to achieve the football we want to represent. In our minds there is only one outcome and that is to win the game.”
Sweden have been one of the standout performers in the tournament and England captain Leah Williamson said they “deserved a little bit more recognition”.
Alongside England and France, Sweden have reached the quarter-finals at all five major tournaments since 2017.
“I feel like Sweden are always flying under the radar. It kind of suits us,” said London City Lionesses midfielder Asllani.
“Obviously we think we’re one of the best teams in the world from what we have been doing. But people rarely speak about us as [a team] who can win gold.
“We know we can beat any team in the world when we have our best day. People should definitely talk about us more.”
Norway have avoided a third successive group-stage exit from the Euros and will instead contest their first knockout match at the tournament since their 2013 final defeat by Germany.
They are on what is being called the favourable side of the draw along with Italy, England and Sweden, avoiding facing world champions Spain – as well as other strong contenders in France and Germany – until the final.
“Because of the group stage and the teams they played against, it would have been a big fiasco if they didn’t go through,” Christiansen added.
“That was the minimum they had to do. I think people would see the development of the team and be happy if they go to the semi-final.”
To do that they must overcome Italy, who have impressed in Switzerland and will contest their first Euros quarter-final since 2013.
The sides met twice in 2024, with both Euro 2025 qualifiers ending in draws.
“Norway know it’s going to be tough but they are quite positive now,” Christiansen said. “They know they have drawn against them twice last year and know the strengths between the two teams are quite similar. They think they have a good chance to go through.
“I feel they are riding a wave, they have momentum and avoided Spain in the quarter-finals. Instead they got Italy which in a way it almost seems they have some sort of higher powers with them.
“It feels Norway have the luck with them and I hope it stays there.”
Jule Brand, Lauren James, Claudia Pina and Delphine Cascarino are all among the scorers of some of the best goals of the group stage at Uefa Women’s Euro 2025.
With close to half a million fans attending the group-stage games, the UEFA Women’s Euros has attracted attention like never before.
Now, the spotlight shifts to the knockout stages, where the stakes are high and the pressure even higher.
Eight teams remain in contention to lift the trophy, with hosts Switzerland reaching the quarterfinals for the first time. World champions Spain have lived up to their billing as the team to beat at the competition, while holders England advanced after overcoming an early scare.
Here’s how the Euro 2025 quarterfinals line up:
⚽ First quarterfinal: Norway vs Italy
When: Wednesday, July 16 at 9pm (19:00 GMT) Where: Stade de Geneve, Geneva
With a perfect nine points, Norway finished on top of Group A as expected, but they lack cohesion. The two-time European champions conceded five goals in the opening round – the most among the table toppers of the four groups.
Nonetheless, the experienced duo of striker Ada Hegerberg and winger Caroline Graham Hansen has proven to be vital for the Norwegians, who have an excellent opportunity for a deep run with Italy their quarterfinal opponent.
The Italians, who finished second in Group B, will be playing in the knockouts for the first time since 2013. Top-four finishers at six of the first seven Euro tournaments, Le Azzure have endured a barren spell since and have made the knockout round only twice in the 21st century.
But after surviving a tricky group stage – registering a win, a draw and a defeat – the Italians believe their best football is ahead of them in the last-eight.
“We have a great desire to do well, to continue dreaming, to continue writing important pages of a story that is only at the beginning,” midfielder Annamaria Serturini said before the quarterfinals.
The winner of this match will face either Sweden or England in the semifinals.
Italy finished second in Group B on four points, five behind Spain and one ahead of Belgium. Having survived a tricky group stage, Le Azzure are relaxed and full of self-belief ahead of their quarterfinal against Norway [Martin Meissner/AP Photo]
⚽ Second quarterfinal: Sweden vs England
When: Thursday, July 17 at 9pm (19:00 GMT) Where: Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich
After an opening match defeat which raised serious doubts about their title defence, England bounced back in style with consecutive statement wins, reaffirming their status as one of the heavyweights.
Thanks to the attacking prowess of Lauren James, Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway, the holders scored a combined 10 goals in their last two matches, finishing second in Group D.
In the quarterfinals, the Lionesses will be up against familiar foes, Sweden, whom they smashed 4-0 at the same stage during their Euro 2022-winning campaign.
“Sweden are a fantastic team, they’re relentless in the way they go about their game,” England captain Leah Williamson said.
“I think they sort of avoid the expectation of every tournament, and nobody really talks about them, [which is] slightly disrespectful, I think, because they always show up. They always seem to pose a threat to most teams, and normally come out with a medal or [be] a semifinal team, so they’re a strong team. We’re looking forward to the fixture.”
The Swedes laid down a marker with a sensational 4-1 win against a powerful Germany outfit on July 12, sealing the top spot in Group C and laying the groundwork for a revenge victory against England in Thursday’s quarterfinal in Zurich.
Defending champions England have found their goal-scoring form before the quarterfinals but will need to be at their very best to deny Sweden in the last-eight [Martin Meissner/AP Photo]
⚽ Third quarterfinal: Spain vs Switzerland
When: Friday, July 18 at 9pm (19:00 GMT) Where: Stadion Wankdorf, Bern
Playing in the Euro knockout stage for the first time, hosts Switzerland face their biggest test yet against reigning world champions and title favourites Spain.
La Roja, who topped Group B with three wins in as many games, looked unstoppable in the opening round, scoring a tournament-high 14 goals while conceding just three.
Twice Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas once again grabbed the spotlight with three goals and four assists, while striker Esther Gonzalez has led the scoring charts with four goals.
Switzerland, who finished second in Group A, are the underdogs in this contest but will undoubtedly count on passionate home nation support in Bern as their youthful side strives for an unlikely upset.
“I think none of us expected things to happen in Switzerland – sold out crowds… Everything is blowing up way bigger than we ever expected,” Swiss captain Lia Walti said.
“We couldn’t even imagine having this when we were little,” added defender Viola Calligaris. “And now it’s like this for every match. We felt the people cheering – that really gives you strength.”
The winner of this match will face France or Germany in the semifinals.
The Switzerland team will be counting on their enthusiastic host nation fans to provide a boost when they play title favourites Spain in Bern on Friday [File: Sebastien Bozon/AFP]
⚽ Fourth quarterfinal: France vs Germany
When: Saturday, July 19 at 9pm (19:00 GMT) Where: St Jakob-Park, Basel
France enter the quarterfinals in scintillating form, advancing as table toppers in what many had dubbed the “group of death”.
Scoring 11 times in the opening round, including a 5-2 thrashing of the highly-touted Netherlands outfit, France proved why they are the dark horses at this year’s tournament. Attacking winger Delphine Cascarino and striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto are both in stupendous form and have scored two goals a piece in the group stage.
“When it comes to Germany, it’s a very big nation,” Cascarino said. “They won several trophies and they have already knocked out others, so we know it’s going to be a great game… we’re going to try to find the cracks and win.”
For the eight-time record champions Germany, who finished second in Group C, defensive frailties remain a concern, especially after their 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Sweden in the last group match.
The last time these sides clashed was in February 2024 with France defeating Germany 2-1 to reach the first UEFA Women’s Nations League final. A victory on Saturday would also avenge France’s painful defeat to Germany in the Euro 2022 semifinals.
France’s #20 Delphine Cascarino has been on a tear at Euro 2025 and hopes to send France through to the Euro 2025 final-four with victory against Germany in Basel [File: Sebastien Bozon/AFP]
Wales’ men qualifying for Euro 2016, their first major finals in 58-years, has transformed the way football has been viewed in Wales ever since.
Once undisputedly a rugby country, Wales’ men’s side are more than used to seeing ‘sold out’ signs at the Cardiff City Stadium and it is now more of a talking point when Wales don’t qualify for a major finals than when they do.
The fervour of that support has not, however, translated to the women’s side, until now.
Wales sold more tickets than two of their Euro 2025 group D opponents, Netherlands and France, with the Red Wall showing a commitment to Rhian Wilkinson’s side that has previously been missing.
Many supporters in Switzerland have attended their first women’s football matches and the hope is that the visibility of the tournament will add interest in the women’s game, with boss Rhian Wilkinson previously expressing disappointment that supporters prioritise watching the men’s side.
The Welsh support in Switzerland has caught people’s attention, both inside and outside of the Wales camp.
“The fans have been loving it, they have been superb this whole journey, they have been our 12th person,” captain Angharad James reflected.
“The fans have given us so many special moments with the noise they have created, there have been times when all we’ve seen and heard is that Red Wall, just a sea of red.
“Wales have been by far the best crowd that I’ve seen out in this Euros.”
Wales’ cap centurion Sophie Ingle revealed that after Wales defeat by the Netherlands, her former Chelsea teammate, Wieke Kaptein, messaged her to say how moving she found the rendition of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.
Wales will now hope that support will translate to bigger crowds for home matches, with Wales’ record attendance still not having even reached the 20,000 mark.
“Hopefully that’s what it’s going to do in so many ways,” former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon said.
“The game is growing. Football now is the most popular sport that girls are playing in Wales.
“That process has started, but it needs to continue. This is just the start for this team.”
The group stages showed the best and the worst of England as France exploited their defensive frailties and kicked them into gear for the remaining two matches.
Bruised by their opening defeat, the Lionesses vowed to do their talking on the pitch – and they did.
Emphatic victories against the Netherlands and Wales followed as they finished runners-up in the group, avoiding a heavyweight quarter-final tie with Germany in the process, and a potential meeting with world champions Spain or hosts Switzerland in the semi-finals.
Where they finished in the group did not concern manager Sarina Wiegman – outwardly at least – but she was pleased with the “urgency” that the France loss gave them.
“That really brought us together and everyone really wanted to perform and be successful,” she said.
“In the Netherlands game, we really created urgency and momentum by playing really well and to our strengths.
“With that loss, the urgency came and I think the team really responded well. Now hopefully we can show that again against Sweden.”
England were dominant in their wins over the Netherlands and Wales, scoring 10 goals in the process, and displaying some of their best free-flowing football.
Lauren James stood out with her individual quality, Ella Toone proved her worth in the starting XI and Alessia Russo was the glue up top.
“It doesn’t seem it at the time but [losing to France] was probably the best thing that could have happened to us as a team and it motivated us,” said England forward Beth Mead.
“We had hard conversations, we figured things out. You don’t win or lose a tournament in the first game.
“Now we are in a position where we are building quite nicely.”
Midfielder Keira Walsh said their “slow start” may have “kicked them into gear” but they found confidence and bravery that had been lacking in Zurich.
It would have been a huge disappointment had England failed to qualify for the knockout stages but having progressed from the toughest group in the tournament, Georgia Stanway said it was something worth celebrating.
“There have been many days in this tournament where we could have been going home. To be staying a few more days is something we can be proud of,” she added.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd says Sweden can go “the whole way” at Euro 2025 because “there is something different” about this squad.
Saturday’s thumping 4-1 win over Germany was a statement victory for Peter Gerhardsson’s side, who claimed top spot in Group C ahead of the eight-time champions.
Sweden won the inaugural Women’s European Championship in 1984 but have never lifted the trophy since – finishing runners-up on three occasions and last doing so in 2001.
It has been a recent tale of ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’, but this could be the year they finally shake off that tag after winning all three group matches, scoring eight goals and conceding just one.
“Of course we always want to win,” said Sweden’s Chelsea midfielder Rytting Kaneryd. “We always want to do better.
“We know we have been doing good in tournaments before, but we also know we haven’t gone the whole way.
“I have a really good feeling. You can see that in the squad there is something different this year and we always believe.
“We want to reach the final and with that being said we need to take every game for what it is. We can’t look too much ahead. It’s going to be a challenge but we are ready.”
While they turned in an impressive display for a first success in seven meetings against Germany at a Euros, Sweden were also lifted to victory by a sea of 2,500 supporters in blue and yellow, who did not stop singing throughout.
The players celebrated and danced to music with their fans afterwards, which was a special moment for Rytting Kaneryd.
“I couldn’t dream about more,” said the 28-year-old. “This is incredible. I can’t really explain the feeling.
“After the game you see all those yellow shirts, so many. We never thought it would be as big as it is. It’s a really good sign that we have the support from Sweden.”
