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England vs. Italy team news, lineups, score prediction: Lionesses boost as Leah Williamson trains before Euro 2025 semifinal

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semifinals are set, and a thrilling encounter awaits as reigning champions England face a resurgent Italy in Geneva.

Both teams navigated dramatic quarterfinal clashes to earn their spot, promising a captivating battle for a place in the final.

Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses have shown immense resilience throughout the tournament. After an opening defeat to France, they bounced back with convincing wins over the Netherlands and Wales in the group stage. Their quarterfinal against Sweden was a true test of character, with England coming from two goals down in the final minutes to force extra time and ultimately triumph in a nail-biting penalty shootout. This dramatic victory, secured by Hannah Hampton’s heroics in goal and Lucy Bronze’s decisive spot-kick, underlines their determination to defend their title.

Italy have emerged as one of the tournament’s standout stories, reaching their first Women’s Euro semi-final since 1997. Andrea Soncin’s team has displayed unity and tactical flexibility, inspired by the evergreen Cristiana Girelli.

Italy secured their semifinal berth with a late 2-1 victory over Norway in the quarterfinals, with Girelli netting a crucial 90th-minute winner. They navigated a tough group that included Belgium, Portugal, and Spain, demonstrating their ability to compete with top-tier opposition.

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England vs. Italy starting lineups, team news

The Lionesses have some injury concerns following their arduous quarterfinal. Captain Leah Williamson (ankle), Lucy Bronze (hamstring tightness), and Lauren James (knock) all suffered damage of some sort against Sweden. There is optimism surrounding their fitness, though, with the full squad out to train on Monday.

Changes in defence could see Esme Morgan or Niamh Charles feature if Williamson is unavailable, or if Wiegman opts for a reshuffle following their statement on the racist abuse suffered by Jess Carter.

England predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Hampton (GK) — Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Charles — Walsh, Stanway — James, Toone, Hemp — Russo

Injured: Williamson (ankle, doubt), Bronze (hamstring, doubt), James (knock, doubt)
Suspended: None
Misses next match if booked: Toone, Kelly, Agyemang

Full England squad

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse

Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy

Midfielders: Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh

Forwards: Michelle Agyemang, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo.

MORE: Full results and bracket for Euro 2025 | All-time winners of the Women’s Euros


Italy have no reported injury concerns or suspensions. Their strength lies in the midfield with the technical ability and movement of Manuela Giugliano and Arianna Caruso, and the clinical finishing of Cristiana Girelli, who is among the tournament’s leading scorers.

Italy have shown the ability to switch between a 3-4-3 with wingbacks or a 4-3-3 with wide forwards.

Italy predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Giuliani (GK) — Oliviero, Salvai, Linari, Di Guglielmo — Caruso, Giugliano, Severini — Cantore, Girelli, Bonansea

Injured: None
Suspended: None
Misses next match if booked: Linari, Giugliano, Lenzini, Di Guglielmo, Cantore

Full Italy Squad

Goalkeepers: Laura Giuliani, Rachele Baldi, Francesca Durante

Defenders: Elisabetta Oliviero, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Elena Linari, Julie Piga, Valentina Bergamaschi, Lisa Boattin, Martina Lenzini, Cecilia Salvai

Midfielders: Eva Schatzer, Manuela Giugliano, Emma Severini, Annamaria Serturini, Eleonora Goldoni, Arianna Caruso, Giada Greggi

Forwards: Sofia Cantore, Martina Piemonte, Cristiana Girelli, Barbara Bonansea, Michela Cambiaghi.

England vs. Italy head to head

This will be the 33rd meeting between England and Italy in women’s football and their fifth encounter in the European Championship.

While England have a strong recent record against Italy in friendlies (unbeaten in their last five, including a 5-1 victory in February 2024), Italy hold the historical advantage in competitive Euros fixtures, having won all four previous tournament meetings, including a 2-1 victory in the 2009 group stage and a 6-2 aggregate win in the 1993 quarterfinals.

England vs. Italy score prediction

England, as reigning champions, will be determined to reach another major final. Their resilience and depth were evident in the quarterfinal comeback. However, Italy’s impressive run, led by the prolific Girelli and their strong collective spirit, makes them a formidable opponent.

Italy have consistently scored first in their Euro 2025 matches, which could pose a challenge for England. Expect a tightly contested match with goals from both sides, given the teams’ recent scoring records.

Score prediction: England 2-2 Italy; England 2-3 Italy after extra time

How to watch England vs Sweden: Live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this Euro 2025 semifinal match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:

Region TV Streaming
USA FOX Fubo, Fox Sports, ViX
Canada TSN+
Australia Stan Sport
India FanCode, tabii
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