Here we are, on the brink of another massive game for the Lionesses. The Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy is more than just a match; it's a test of resilience. While England are the defending champions and favourites on paper, the build-up has been overshadowed by the disgusting racial abuse aimed at defender Jess Carter, forcing the team to navigate immense pressure both on and off the pitch.
Key Highlights
- ✓ England's semi-final preparations have been rocked by racial abuse directed at defender Jess Carter.
- ✓ Manager Sarina Wiegman has made a key tactical change, starting Esme Morgan over Carter in defence.
- ✓ Captain Leah Williamson is declared fit to play after an injury scare saw her wearing a protective boot.
- ✓ Italy, in their first semi-final since 1997, have scored first in every match of the tournament so far.
- ✓ The Lionesses are battling defensive "wobbles" after being challenged by the pace of France and Sweden.
A Test of Character Before Kick-Off
You can't talk about this game without first addressing the horrible situation surrounding Jess Carter. The racial abuse she's suffered has cast a dark cloud over what should be a purely exciting moment for the squad. It’s forced the players to rally around their teammate while trying to stay laser-focused on defending their European title.
Manager Sarina Wiegman, who never minces her words, called the abuse "disgusting and disgraceful." She’s had to manage not just tactics, but the emotional well-being of her team. Wiegman praised Carter's strength, noting, "Although it's a hard situation, Jess is a very strong person and wants to move on. She also felt we had to address this. You can't just let it go." It's a powerful statement that speaks volumes about Carter's character and the unity within the camp.
Amidst all this, Wiegman made a huge call for the semi-final: starting Esme Morgan in defence and resting Carter. While she confirmed Carter is "ready to perform and to compete," the decision was explained as a purely tactical one. "The decision is based on the tactical challenges we have, and we think that in this game, it is best to put Esme in," Wiegman stated. It’s a bold move, especially given the circumstances, but one that shows Wiegman is willing to make tough choices for the good of the team.
The Defensive Question Mark
Let's be honest, a recurring theme for England this tournament has been the shaky moments at the back. Both France and Sweden managed to expose some weaknesses, particularly with their pace in transition. As former England international Fran Kirby pointed out, against Sweden, "We were losing every second ball. Sweden killed us in the transition moments with their pace." This is something that absolutely has to be tightened up.
Wiegman has been trying to find the right formula, shifting Carter between right-sided centre-back, left-sided centre-back, and left-back. Alex Greenwood has also been moved from the centre to full-back. Now, with Esme Morgan getting the nod after impressing from the bench, it’s clear the manager is still searching for that perfect defensive balance. As forward Beth Mead put it, "I'd like to think we've got all the wobbles out of the way... we've got to be on it."
There was more defensive drama when captain Leah Williamson was spotted on crutches and wearing a protective boot after the Sweden match. Thankfully, Wiegman confirmed the ankle injury wasn't serious. "She really wants to play and she did everything to recover as quickly as possible - and she has. It means she is available," the manager announced, a huge relief for the entire squad and its fans.
Don't Sleep on Italy
While England grapples with its challenges, Italy comes into this game riding a wave of confidence. Reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 1997 is a massive achievement for a team that has steadily grown since its domestic league turned fully professional. They've already exceeded their pre-tournament goal of simply reaching the knockouts, which means they’re playing with a certain freedom.
They are not a team to be taken lightly. Beth Mead described them perfectly: "They have got a never-say-die attitude. They are a very aggressive, hard team to play against." A key statistic to watch? Italy has opened the scoring in all four of their matches so far. They come out of the gates fast, and England can't afford another slow start like the one against Sweden.
Their biggest threat is undoubtedly captain Cristiana Girelli. The 35-year-old veteran is in fantastic form, having already scored three goals in this tournament, bringing her international tally to an impressive 61. She’s the kind of player who can change a game in an instant. Even though England dominated their last two meetings—a 2-1 win in the Arnold Clark Cup and a 5-1 friendly victory—this is a knockout semi-final, and past results mean very little.
Pressure Cooker vs. Free Hit
The dynamic heading into this game is fascinating. For England, the pressure is immense. As Alex Greenwood said, it has become an "expectation" for the Lionesses to reach at least the semi-finals of major tournaments. They are the defending champions, the World Cup finalists, and everyone expects them to be in that final. They've shown they have the tournament smarts to get this far even without playing their best football.
On the flip side, Italy are the clear underdogs. Fran Kirby noted they'll "have seen England's performances and think that there's an opportunity there." They have nothing to lose and everything to gain, which makes them incredibly dangerous. Wiegman is acutely aware of this, warning that "complacency is the biggest mistake you could make." She was adamant about respecting their opponents, saying, "I don't think there is any way we can think that we might be favourites. We have to be at our very best to win."
Conclusion
So, it all comes down to this. England enters the semi-final in Geneva having shown incredible heart and grit, both in overcoming a two-goal deficit and in handling a difficult off-field situation with unity. Yet, questions about their defensive solidity remain, and they'll need their most focused performance of the tournament to get the job done. Against them is a passionate, aggressive Italian side playing with house money and led by the lethal Cristiana Girelli.
While the Lionesses have the experience and the talent, this match will be a true test of their mental fortitude. It’s the defending champions against the surprise package, a tactical chess match where one mistake could be the difference. It promises to be a nervy, dramatic, and utterly captivating night of football.
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