England’s Lionesses have once again penned a thrilling chapter in their recent history, securing a spot in the UEFA Women`s Euro 2025 final. Their 2-1 extra-time victory over Italy in the semifinal was not merely a win; it was a testament to their unwavering resilience, a display of nerve-shredding comebacks that have become a trademark of Sarina Wiegman’s tenure. While their progression is undeniably celebrated, a nagging question lingers: Is this penchant for high-stakes drama a calculated strategy or a perilous habit?
The Art of the Slow Start: A Recurring Narrative
The semifinal against Italy, an underdog squad making their first Euro semifinal appearance since 1997, unfolded with a familiar script. England found themselves trailing by the 23rd minute, a scenario that has become unsettlingly common. Their journey through the knockout stages saw them claw back from a 2-0 deficit against Sweden in the quarterfinals, following a group stage opener against France that also saw them fall behind 2-0 and ultimately lose. One might begin to suspect a peculiar fondness for an uphill battle, perhaps to maximize the viewing experience for neutral spectators.
Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly an ankle injury plaguing Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze’s struggles against Italy`s rapid counterattacks, left the Lionesses vulnerable. By halftime, a goal down and with minimal attacking presence, the alarm bells were certainly ringing. Yet, just when the narrative seemed set for a shock exit, England’s intrinsic ability to find a gear most teams don’t possess kicked in.
Sarina Wiegman`s Calculated Patience: A Managerial Paradox?
Head coach Sarina Wiegman has faced her share of scrutiny regarding her approach to substitutions and initial team selections. Critics often point to her reluctance to rotate starters or make early adjustments, particularly after the nail-biting penalty shootout against Sweden. However, the results speak for themselves, albeit in the most dramatic fashion. Her decisions, whether borne out of strategic patience or a touch of stubbornness, have repeatedly paid dividends.
Against Italy, a forced halftime substitution due to Lauren James` ankle injury brought Beth Mead into the fray. Yet, the decisive changes came later, as has often been the case. Wiegman`s philosophy appears to be rooted in a deep belief in her squad`s enduring spirit: “We never give up. So until the referee whistles, has a final whistle, you have an opportunity to score a goal. And we sub to win. We had to, because we were one-nil down. Sub to win, and we played to win.” This unwavering faith, combined with the players` ability to execute under immense pressure, creates a unique alchemy.
The Rise of Young Stars and the Stamina of Veterans
The heroes of England`s comebacks are often a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience. Nineteen-year-old Michelle Agyemang, a former ball girl for some of her current teammates, has emerged as a breakout star. Her back-to-back equalizers in knockout games, culminating in her 85th-minute tap-in against Italy, showcase a composure far beyond her years. Her journey from the sidelines to the spotlight is the stuff of dreams, offering a refreshing narrative amidst the tactical chess.
“It means the world to me and I`m so grateful. I`m so grateful to God. 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.”
— Michelle Agyemang
Then there`s Chloe Kelly, the heroine of the Euro 2022 final. Given just 13 minutes to make an impact, Kelly not only earned the extra-time penalty but converted the rebound after her initial shot was saved. Her persistence and quick thinking exemplify the mental fortitude ingrained in this squad. While some might label it luck, it`s a luck born from relentless effort and a refusal to yield.
Looking Ahead: Can They Afford Another Near Miss?
For Italy, their valiant run, exceeding all expectations, concluded with heads held high. For England, the focus immediately shifts to the final, where they await the winner of the highly anticipated clash between World Cup champions Spain and a resurgent Germany. This will be England`s third consecutive major final appearance – an extraordinary achievement that speaks volumes about their consistency at the elite level of women`s football.
The question that now looms is whether the Lionesses can afford to flirt with elimination again. Against a team like Spain, renowned for their technical prowess and control, or Germany, known for their disciplined efficiency, a slow start could prove fatal. The “proper England escape act,” while thrilling, carries inherent risks. The final will undoubtedly test their belief, their quality, and their ability to produce a dominant performance from the first whistle, rather than relying on another dramatic, heart-stopping, and ultimately triumphant, rescue mission.
