The Lionesses are defending their 2022 title, which they won under coach Sarina Wiegman. She had previously won the title with the Netherlands in 2017 and is leading England into battle again this year.
This made England's opening match against France, which ended in a 2-1 defeat, all the more shocking, and it was Wiegman's first ever defeat at the Euros. Moreover, it was the first time ever that the reigning champions had lost their opening match. They were also missing traditional stalwarts such as goalkeeper Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, who decided to end their international careers just before the tournament. Defender Millie Bright did not travel to Switzerland due to injury.
After their humiliating defeat, England knew they had to win their next matches if they wanted to advance from the group stage. To everyone's surprise, Sarine Wiegman made only two changes to the starting lineup - Jess Carter moved from the wing to the center and Beth Mead was replaced by Ella Toone.
The Lionesses easily dealt with their other opponents, beating the Netherlands 4-0 and Wales 6-1. The turning point came in the quarter-final against Sweden, when England were still trailing 2-0 in the 80th minute and their chances were slowly fading. But as Leah Williamson said, "England is never done." And so it proved.
The Lionesses managed to equalize within two minutes, with substitutes Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang playing a big part. After a goalless extra time, penalties followed. Out of 14 shots, only five were converted. Two for Sweden and three for England, which sent the English women to the semifinals.
The semifinal against Italy was just as thrilling. Although England was the favored team, it was unclear until the last moment whether injured captain Leah Williamson would play due to an ankle injury sustained in the last game. Jess Carter replaced Esme Morgan in defense after Carter was criticized for her poor performance. Unfortunately, there were also frequent racist insults.
Italy celebrated its first semifinal appearance since the 1990s and it almost looked like a historic final. However, substitute Michelle Agyemang thwarted their plans, saving England for the second time. In the last minute of stoppage time, she equalized and sent the match into extra time.
The job was finished by England's second savior in this championship - Chloe Kelly. In January, she wanted to quit football, but now, thanks to her, England is in the final. After a foul on Beth Mead, England was awarded a penalty. Although Kelly missed the penalty, the ball rebounded off the Italian goalkeeper and Kelly was quick to kick it into the net. All this happened in the final minutes of extra time, and the match narrowly avoided another penalty shootout.
England has had a very complicated path to the final. In the quarterfinals against Spain in 2022, they were also losing 1-0 until Ella Toone equalized in the 84th minute. At that time, Leah Williamson said the memorable phrase, "England is never done," and this year's journey only confirms her words.
If England wants to defend its title, it must defeat Spain. The two teams have met twice this year in the Nations League. The last match Spain lost was against England, on their home turf at Wembley. However, the Spanish women won the rematch at home.
England's key player Lauren James was injured in last match during the match and it is uncertain whether she will play in the final.
Who will be the European champion? Watch today at 6 p.m. Central European Time.
