England’s late show and Italy heartbreak at Euro 2025: Women’s Football Weekly

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1:23Hello, I'm Faye Carruthers and welcome to the Guardian Women's Football Weekly. Well, the Lionesses love to leave it late. Do they even want the fans to survive this tournament? Not sure my blood pressure can. The substitutes scrape England through again. This team never give up. If they're going to successfully defend their European crown, they're going to do it the hard way. Two minutes from crashing out of Euro 2025 and Michelle Adjumang smashes home to take it to extra time. Then two minutes before it goes to penalties, they get a penalty. Chloe Kelly steps up, it's saved, but she scores the rebound and manages to make the semifinal even more dramatic than their win in the quarters.

2:04But spare a thought for Italy, the dark horses were stallions in Geneva, but ultimately pulled up short in the final furlong. So much to dig into, plus we'll take your questions, and that's today's Guardian Women's Football Weekly.

2:24Susie Rack, are you surviving? I mean, I said my blood pressure was high, but up in that press box, how are you doing? Oh yeah, I'm a broken human being, but a happy one. I mean, that's good. That's good. The happiness is the most important part. Carla Ward, it has been a long time. How are you? Very well, thank you. Lack of sleep. I think the first few days of school holidays, along with the games, it's been, yeah, I'm sure you're all aware with kids in the house, it's bonkers. But yeah, I'm very well, thank you. Excellent. Freddie Cardy, nice to see you again. How are you doing? Yeah, you too.

3:00I'm good. My summer job is filming county cricket and I need that today as a way of decompressing just a whole long day of a nice, slow, relaxed sport with maybe a little bit less on the line. So, yeah, still coming down from last night. Yeah, it's going to take a little while, isn't it? I mean, Serena had said that she wanted to decompress after the quarterfinal. I wonder how she feels after that one, because it seems as if England just love the drama. Another tense night, another comeback victory, more late goals salvaging their chances and a third straight major tournament final appearance.

3:36It was a breathtaking night in Geneva. Just a word for those beautiful shots with the mountain in the background of the stadium. I'm sure every single camera operator who works in television was getting very excited when they set that up. England come from behind to book their spot, though, in the final of Euro 2025 with a 2-1 win in extra time over Italy. And it had seemed for such a long time that Barbara Bonansia's first half goal would be enough to send the Italians through to their first final since 1997. But England, and actually more particularly, Michelle Adjimang, had other ideas firing home an equaliser in the 96th minute of normal time.

4:18Extra time then followed. And when Beth Mead was brought down by Emma Severini in the box, Chloe Kelly stepped up. Her penalty was saved, but she was the quickest to react to turn home the rebound. Of course she was, big game player. Once again, I don't even know where to start, Susie. But let's start with England putting us all through it. How do you sum it up? Yeah, how do you sum it all up is the question.

4:43Suzy Wrack:I mean, I think there's a point at which you say that the other team like dropped the ball, you know, particularly the goalkeeper on the penalty, like not immediately smothering the ball you've just saved, I think is a big mistake. they went ahead and then basically hunkered down and prepared to weather the storm for the rest of the match which is an okay tactic unless you're facing an England team that have a bench of incredible substitutes because I think that's the difference here is when you're looking at the development of all of the teams across Europe what's the difference between England now and the rest who are all sort of catching up from Euro 2022 big time.

5:30Suzy Wrack:And it's the depth of that squad. So for me, like that's the key. It's the depth of the squad that is pulling them through this tournament by the skin of their teeth. I actually thought the first half was better than it was against Sweden. They looked a little bit more organised. I thought Esme Morgan coming in was good. She had a couple of errors, but overall, I thought she played really, really well for her first start in a major tournament. But then in the Swede game, you sort of saw them really step it up in the second half and go for it. And I don't think we really saw that in this game. So that was what alarmed me for much of that 90 minutes, was there was no escalation really until the very, very, very late subs came in, which, yeah, please, please Serena make subs earlier.

6:16Suzy Wrack:I mean, I know it's worked, so can we doubt it? But yeah, I just think we could all do without another 120 minutes. Yeah, I mean, we could. Maybe they like it. Maybe they like this kind of push to the final. Based on Alex Greenwood's face in the mix zone, she had not enjoyed that 120 minutes. She looked absolutely dead. I don't think they'd enjoyed the Sweden 120 minutes either. I wonder what it's like as a coach, Carla. I can't even imagine when you can't kick the ball yourself you're just having to watch it all unfold literally right in front of your eyes but I want to talk about the mentality of this England team because this is what Lucy Bronze had to say afterwards I don't think you'll find a team in world football with more fight and resilience than this England team to come back and never give up on this game the same as we did in the previous game to fight until the end and score with seconds left in normal time to keep our dreams alive and then finish it in extra time.

7:17It's just unbelievable. I mean, they don't know when their race is run, do they? No, and I think, look, I think Serena deserves an awful lot of credit. And, you know, I think she's come in when she took over. Let's just remember where we were when she took over and what she's built internally in terms of a culture, togetherness, a willingness, and also a belief. Like, she's been there, she's done it. Players feed off that. And, you know, you talk to players very early on when she came in and around what she does within the environment. And I think actually that's put them in a good position. And honestly, it was funny.

7:51I was watching it with a group of friends and I said, they'll win this. And they're like, no, even on 90 minutes, the seven minutes, we'll get a goal. And I think everyone thought I was joking, but you just don't stop believing when Serena's in charge and you only have to look at her record. So yes, the team never rolls over. And I think that comes from the very, very top. I actually saw seven minutes come up and I thought that's plenty of time that's plenty of time for them to get two and do it in normal time but it did go to extra time and Michelle Adjumang to the rescue once again with that goal in normal time Freddie, three goals in four England appearances at 19 years of age is quite the stat Serena Viegman says she's really mature already brings something different and that's what she showed today The ball she hit against the crossbar as well was a great shot.

8:43It was spectacular. And it was. We thought she'd leveled it with that. But, I mean, obviously she's going to be remembered for her goals in this tournament. But she brings so much more to the table when she comes on. Yeah, I've spoken to a few of her former teammates, actually, in the last week. You played with her as young as sort of even under 10 level. And they were saying physically then she was a different beast. but actually what she's really improved on is her all-round game. And as much as we talk about her physicality, you know, her instincts around the box, she is a well-rounded striker now at the age of 19.

9:17And Arsenal threw her in at quite a young age to train with the first team. And from what I've heard, she's really benefited with that. And there's just this composure about her. I think she's got really good people around her. And, you know, it's a lot, it's a quick rise. And that's quite hard for a player like that. And suddenly, you know, you've got the whole world watching you basically. and you've got the hopes of a nation on you because now you have this expectation. She scored one goal for Arsenal and three goals for England. It's just, it's insane. And now Arsenal, and I'm really keen to ask you about this, Carla, as well, because Arsenal have this situation where maybe a player who before the tournament they're looking to send out on loan again, her rise is almost happening so quickly.

9:57You know, how do Arsenal manage her now when they've got Russo, they've got Blackstenius, they've got this forward line. But I guess all of the Arsenal fans of Inca, if we need Michelle Ajemang in our team, why would you let her go? But what do Arsenal do with her now? I personally still think she'll go on loan. I think that she's still got an element. Look, we're talking about just a couple of games. This is where, as a nation, Arsenal are very good at this, but we have to keep her grounded, continue to work on her development. I think a couple of games, she's been unbelievable. Look, it clearly shows her potential, but let's just remind ourselves it is still potential that needs a lot of work.

10:33and Arsenal will know that better than anyone. They're one of the best at this. So I think what will happen is they'll put her on loan, they'll continue her development, but they'll have a clause that they can get her back, I'm sure. But long term, they've got an unbelievable player. But in the short term, they'll want to continue this development and they'll be smart with who they loan her to, let's be clear, because they're not going to be loaning her to anyone in and around them. So I think it'll be a smart move to loan her out, continue that, continue building, and they'll get back one hell of a player.

11:04Yeah, that's going to be fascinating, isn't it? If she does go out on loan, perhaps going abroad might really help. We've seen so many players go abroad and really become more rounded by the time they get back. But in terms of her getting carried away, I just don't think she's that kind of character at all. Even in her interview, she was so humble. I saw Alex Greenwood and Beth Mead pushing her forward to the fans, like, go and take the plaudits. and she was just super embarrassed about it and didn't want to. Gosh, what can she achieve in the future? What she's achieved already is quite incredible.

11:39Let's try and go through the game as kind of systematically as we can now that we've had an overview. But again, England started brightly enough, but then just dropped off again, didn't they? They struggled to break down Italy's back five in commentary. Lucy Ward was suggesting, and Ian Wright did at halftime, that England should maybe match Italy up and go 3-5-2. They didn't. And Italy capitalised with a quick break. What did you make of the two game plans, Susie? I just thought Italy was so well organised

12:11Suzy Wrack:and it was really quite incredible to see how much they developed as a team and as a unit under Sonson in this sort of period of time. Like after they burst onto the scene in 2019 at the World Cup, They really sort of tailed off in Euro 22 and the World Cup in Australia. And so to see them kind of come back as this really, really organised force is hugely impressive. And that sort of back three that was in a back five for most of the game, you know, when they're out of possession was so, so difficult to break down. I was looking at it at one point. The press box is really high up in that stadium.

12:52Suzy Wrack:You have actually a really, really nice. It's still quite a small stadium. So you're still close, but you've got a really great view of the pitch. And they almost look like they were in like geese formation flying back when they were defensive with Cecilia Salva as like the central goose, like heading all heading backwards in a V as England tried to break. And it was just so many bodies behind the ball, but it wasn't like chaotic. It was really, really structured. and I think that is what England have lacked through this entire tournament is any kind of sort of like consistent structure and identity like footballing identity really.

13:35Suzy Wrack:I mean like they've got through this tournament kind of on grit and like Hail Mary substitutions and like just an unbelievable will to do it and belief that they will do it regardless of what time is left on the clock. So, yeah, it would be nice in the final to see some kind of more organised plan. I think we also forget that Italy against Spain weren't overrun. They had a really, really good game then. They were a very, very good team and it was never, ever going to be easy. And I think a lot of people underestimated them. They're a relatively straightforward run to the semi-final, but it's not easy to get to a major tournament semi-final, regardless of who you're facing.

14:22Suzy Wrack:And they built up some real, real, real good momentum. But I think that was, yeah, in a big part down to their structure and sort of, yeah, that kind of game plan of them tactically. England actually dominated almost every attacking or possession-based statistic, particularly in the second half. We had this email from James Clark in the early hours. Hi all, could England perhaps practice hitting barn doors with banjos before the final? obviously a great result but I don't feel the Italian keeper had many difficult saves to make, we'll need to be better for the final or maybe we don't need to be, we keep winning anyway Adjumang to start is his question and then he says one of the best cheeses I've had is Latour a soft three milk cheese from Italy cow, sheep and goat.

15:10Carla just to update you and Freddie if you've not been listening throughout the tournament we discussed cheese quite a lot and Susie He has now five days to go and find Latour or come up with a better cheese example. Adjumang, to start, do you think, I mean, why do you think England in particular struggled to find that bit of quality in the final third? I wouldn't start just yet, no. I'm being honest, I think, look, you saw when England won the Euros last time out, Rousseau was coming in at 60. And that was game changing. I think what I'd like to see is a come in a little bit earlier and have the ability to make an impact far earlier.

15:51I think then we're in a better position. Would I start just yet? No. I think Russo is very, very good at managing the game. I would like to see us be more aggressive. I would like to see play far, far quicker. But look, I think overall, I wouldn't start just yet. No, I would just utilise her way earlier. What did you make of Italy's goal, Freddie? again it came from our throw-in didn't it and again punished on the left-hand side made it a little bit too easy for them Yeah I thought Morgan did well for the most part as Susie said but it does ask a lot of her to sort of come in at the semi-final stage I sort of understood the reasons behind dropping Carter who struggled against Sweden but suddenly I know Morgan would have played a lot with Greenwood at Manchester City but not so much with Williamson and having to develop that new partnership but such a crucial stage in the tournament was asking a lot of her but Italy have scored first I think in all of their games in the tournament so England knew this comeback ability I was thinking about Arsenal's Champions League run and actually some of those games where they didn't play particularly well and still won and then actually when you come up against this brilliant side in the final you then have that mentality to go and win and there are almost similarities between the two here without maybe discrediting Arsenal, who perhaps played a little better along the way than England have.

17:15But I was really impressed with Italy, and I thought actually for the most part their game management was pretty solid. You know, if they get over the line there, I think we're all probably praising how well they did to maybe run the clock down. Of course, when it goes against you, everyone's saying, you know, what were you thinking? But I think with five minutes to go, England had made 15 fouls and Italy two, and there were a lot of frustrated fouls and sort of niggly fouls. And I know there's a load of Italians perhaps not happy with the referee, but I think a lot was going their way for the most part and they are a well organised side they've got a good head coach and I just think actually the fact England did have to play extra time again and Italy haven't in this tournament and maybe actually played into England's advantage even with an incredible formation of about seven attackers and a back three with sort of I think it was Kira Walsh holding it all together and maybe that's where Italy will ruin missed opportunities actually in terms of not being able to hit England on the counter-attack and not having those fresh legs later on.

18:10Suzy Wrack:One of the things I was thinking about in the decision to start Morgan was like thinking ahead to the final a little bit, because I actually think Jess Carter could have held her own against Italy, sadly. That, you know, Girelli is 35. She's not the fastest anymore. Credibly, like, skilful, clever player, potent. But I think Jess can match her pace wise. But when you think ahead to that final and, you know, possibly going up against either the Germans or more likely, as I'm sure most of us would predict, you know, the likes of Salma Paraluello, you know, Claudia Pina, Itana Bonmati, like you need someone, I think, a little bit quicker in that position.

18:51Suzy Wrack:And you wouldn't want to throw Esme Morgan into the final for her first start in a Euros. So I feel like it was probably partly, you know, where Jess is at mentally, given the you know the horrific um like time she's had away from the pitch from the start of the tournament with the racist abuse and probably partly performance based in that you know she has had a very mixed tournament and then also partly probably thinking ahead to the final and preparing Esme Morgan for that who is a different style of player to Jess and has just a little bit more pace to her game to yeah sort of blood her basically was my thinking.

19:32A couple of things to ask you Carla from a coach's perspective first of all in what was it the fourth minute of added time in normal time Hannah Hampton comes up for a for a corner and I'm thinking oh gosh this could go Italy's way she's coming up for that and if they and they just didn't seem to realize it and capitalize on it at all that could have gone horribly wrong it didn't but But in terms of the finishes, as England like to call them, 77 minutes Chloe Kelly came on, which actually isn't that late for Serena Vigman at all. But Aguimang in the 85th, what did you make of the timings? Would you leave it that late?

20:17I was screaming at the TV. One, when Hannah went up, I would have put her up there 100 % because if that ball comes in, I've said it time and time again, Hannah is technically one of the best players I've worked with. and if the ball drops in and around Hannah, she's making it. So she can head the ball. Her technique is unbelievable. So yes, right decision in that respect. Substitutions, I would just like to see them earlier. I think that I genuinely think if they're made earlier, I don't think it goes to extra time. I think we've got so much world class on the bench that, you know, there's the ability to go and win the game.

20:54So I'll be honest, on 65, I was thinking, make the change but look there's got to be method behind the madness you can't doubt Serena she's done it she's won it all but 220 minutes this week there's going to be some tired bodies out there so it's going to be now really really important in recovery because look the final we are going to have to be way better way better to beat the likes of Germany or Spain without a doubt and actually we may miss one of our impact subs because Beth Mead may have to start because we don't know how Lauren James is she had ice around her ankle when she came off. And I don't think that Mead would have come on at halftime had that not been the case.

21:34So I'm sure we'll get an update on that throughout the rest of the week. But as Freddie mentioned, Susie, Serena Vigman put all her attacking cards on the table, which led to quite a chaotic extra time period. Grace Clinton was England's holding midfielder. Lauren Hemp was playing at left back. Beth Mead and Ella Toon kind of switched between the 10 and the 8 roles, which in so many ways actually shows the versatility to these England players. Was it that or was it just a consequence of just having to find something in that game?

22:07Suzy Wrack:Both can be true. I think once you go into extra time and you've made all those changes you have to work with what you've got on the pitch and that's what they did. I think that it's one of the big strengths of the team and it's one of the reasons why they pick some of the players for the squad is the fact that they've got the ability to play in multiple positions and can switch between them and there's a lot of fluidity there. So it does appear chaotic, but when you ask the players about it, I asked Beth Mead about it after Sweden when she was playing at the six and had been asked to go on and play the six and she was like, I felt okay, I felt comfortable, I knew the job I needed to do in that position, like I felt all right doing it and you know did a decent job and I think that you know ultimately when you look at the fact that there were barely any defenders on the pitch in the like final half hour of the game for that period of extra time and yet England defended pretty well in that period like that's a huge hugely impressive collective effort to ensure that they had some semblance of sort of structure at the back, despite the fact that there was almost every attacker in the squad on the pitch.

23:21Suzy Wrack:So I think that's, yeah, that versatility is a massive, massive strength alongside that sort of like never say die attitude. Yeah, we have to talk about the penalty decision, Freddie. I mean, I think it's fair to say it was soft. However, you get what you're given, Italy. If you're going to play these kind of tactics throughout the game and go down like a sack of spuds every time you're clipped ever so slightly, then you can expect it to happen back again, can't you really? What did you make of the decision? Was it the right one for you? I think I'd say that when you give the referee a decision to make, then, you know, particularly when the ball's on the other side of the penalty area, I think I can see both sides, to be honest.

24:11I've seen a lot of people bringing up the Giorgio Chiellini-Bakayo Saka incident in the men's Euro final and saying this is our revenge, which has been quite entertaining. I was hoping you wouldn't ask me. I just think in the modern game, when you give the referee a decision to make, when there is contact, I just don't think VAR can overturn that for one. And I just think, actually, did she have to make the tackle? I think maybe Beth Mead did have a hand as well. So look, soft, but once there's contact in the penalty area, when the referee's got a good view, I don't see VAR overturning it. And then the penalty's saved as well.

24:46It couldn't be much more heartbreaking for Italy in terms of ways to lose a game. Yeah, it's incredible. But you've got to give credit to England for just giving themselves the chance to win it and be in the final. You had a wry smile on your face then, Carlo. Listen, if you're the Italy head coach, you're losing your marbles, right? Because let's be honest, nine times out of ten, they're not given. You see that week in, week out, and you see that quite a lot of the Euros, it's not given a lot. So I think we were fortunate, is what I would say. It's interesting because it literally was right in front of Ivana Martincic.

25:24So she almost had to, she had a split second choice and, you know, VAR, as Freddie said, can't overturn it. Susie, what did you, you think it was a stonewall penalty, don't you? me absolutely so much

25:39Suzy Wrack:she drags her to the ground she drags her to the ground completely impedes her being able to get anywhere near the ball like never getting anywhere near the ball but you just don't bring the player down in the box you just don't bring him down in the box a question for you Susie hands all over her if the ref doesn't give it do you think VAR are looking at it and saying I think they're calling the ref over to the screen yeah I think they're calling the ref over to the screen yeah no I don't I don't I don't agree I think it's soft I do. You don't bring someone, you don't drag someone down in the box.

26:12Suzy Wrack:Like she had no intention of trying to get near the ball or play the ball and drags the player down in the box. For me, that's like, it's the rules of the game. That's Stonewall for me. It is the rules of the game, but it happens a lot and nothing pays face. It happens a lot, but they're never given, is my point. It's the game. But also the law says it's, you know, the denying of a clear and obvious goal-scoring opportunity and whether or not it was a clear and obvious goal-scoring opportunity, I think is the question to ask. But, you know, this is an official who refereed Arsenal's win over Barcelona in the Champions League.