In a heart-stopping clash at a packed stadium, England's Lionesses triumphed over Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in Euro 2025. The match, which ended 1-1 after extra time, saw goalkeeper Mary Earps emerge as the hero with two crucial saves.
Nail-Biting Penalty Drama
The tension was palpable as the teams stepped up for penalties. Alessia Russo coolly slotted home the decisive spot-kick after Earps' heroics, sending the England bench into raptures. Italy's valiant effort wasn't enough as the hosts held their nerve when it mattered most.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
- Lauren Hemp's early opener gave England the perfect start
- Italy's second-half equaliser forced extra time
- Earps' double save in the shootout proved decisive
- Russo kept her composure to convert the winning penalty
What This Means for England
This victory marks another milestone for Sarina Wiegman's rapidly improving side. Having reached the World Cup final last year, the Lionesses are now firm favourites for Euro 2025. The team's resilience under pressure continues to impress, with this performance showcasing their growing maturity in high-stakes situations.
Road to Euro 2025
With qualification secured, England can now focus on fine-tuning their squad ahead of next year's tournament. Several fringe players staked their claim during this campaign, giving Wiegman welcome selection headaches. The Lionesses will be among the teams to beat when the tournament kicks off in Switzerland.
