EURO 2025: Who are the players to watch in the semi-finals?
Reigning champions England have had quite the mixed bag in the defence of their title, from losing their opening game to France, then blowing away the Netherlands and Wales, to a breathless penalty shootout against Sweden to book a spot in the semi-finals.
It has been far from smooth sailing, requiring many of their stars to step up in the key moments. Lauren James, Lucy Bronze, Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton have all arguably been their most important players, yet a certain teenager coming off the bench has seemingly had the most influence. Michelle Agyemang was a breath of fresh air in that loss to the French, injecting the pace and energy needed for a side chasing a game.
Up against Sweden, coming on when the Lionesses were 2-0 down, she did the same again to great effect. A player unafraid to get stuck in and take the game to the opposition was bound to get on the scoresheet, netting the all-important equaliser that brought Sarina Wiegman’s side back from the brink.
Agyemang is only 19, so the pressure does not weigh solely on her shoulders, but she has certainly made her mark in Switzerland, and Italy will be wary of her should she start or come on as a substitute.
Speaking of Le Azzure, they have arguably been the surprise package of the tournament. Whereas the rest of the semi-finalists were expected to make this stage, Italy have fought tooth and nail to be here.
Getting to this stage has been nothing short of a team effort, though there is no denying they have unlocked quite the partnership in forwards Sofia Cantore and Cristiana Girelli. The former’s creative flair has proved the launchpad for the latter’s deadly finishing. The duo linked up for both goals as they beat Norway in the quarter-finals, the second being the winner with 90 minutes on the clock.
If they are able to continue to find each other on the pitch in the way they have done so far, the two could prove a real handful for England.