England take on Italy tonight in Geneva for a place in the Euro 2025 final as the Lionesses look to defend their European Championship crown.
It’s been a nervy tournament so far for England, who came from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Sweden on penalties in the quarter-finals.
Build-up to this semi-final has been marred by the news that Jess Carter has been the subject of online racist abuse, with the defender announcing she would be stepping back from social media as a result.
The Lionesses have also confirmed they will no longer take the knee before matches, saying: ‘It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism.’
Sarina Wiegman has a couple of selection dilemmas to deal with, including whether or not to drop Carter who struggled in the victory over Sweden.
Captain Leah Williamson came off with an ankle injury during the quarter-final and returned to training on Monday but it remains to be seen if she is fit enough to start.
Follow the Metro’s LIVE blog for the latest build-up, team news and goal updates for England vs Italy:
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Italy threat
Italy have made one change from the side that beat Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals, with Emma Severini dropping out for Martina Lenzini.
Captain Cristiana Girelli bagged a brace against Norway, has three goals at the tournament and is chasing the golden boot.
Keeping her quiet will be a tough but very necessary job for the Lionesses.
Confirmed Italy starting XI
Italy Starting XI: Giuliani, Lenzini, Salvai, Linari, of Guglielmo, Caruso, Giugliano, Bonansea, Oliviero, Girelli, Cantore
Subs: Baldi, Durante, Schatzer, Severini, Piedmont, Piga, Bergamaschi, Serurini, Goldoni, Boattin, Greggi, Cambiaghi
Jess Carter dropped
One change to England’s line-up and it’s a big one – Jess Carter has been dropped to the bench.
Taking her place is Esme Morgan who makes her first start at a major tournament.
Putting aside everything that’s happened off the pitch, Carter endured a terrible game in the quarter-final win over Sweden, though she wasn’t the only Lionesses to struggle.
We’ll bring you more on the change when we hear from Wiegman ahead of kick-off.
Confirmed England starting XI
England starting XI: Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood, Walsh, Stanway, Toone, James, Russo, Hemp
Subs: Keating, Moorhouse, Charles, Mead, Le Tissier, Clinton, Carter, Agyemang, Kelly, Beever-Jones, Park, Wubben-Moy
Wright returns to ITV
Arsenal and England legend Ian Wright is set to join ITV’s punditry team tonight – returning to the role for the first time since his fallout with fellow pundit Eni Aluko.
Aluko accused Wright of ‘blocking’ opportunities for female broadcasters and said that the former Arsenal and England striker is ‘dominating’ the women’s game.
The former Lioness later apologised for the comments – but Wright has not forgiven her.
Read more here:
Lionesses will not take the knee
In response to the abuse aimed at Jess Carter, the Lionesses have announced they will not be taking the knee before kick-off.
‘It is clear we and football need to find another way to tackle racism,’ the team said in a statement.
Furthermore, a round of applause from England fans is to take place in the 16th minute of tonight’s match in support of Carter.
Carter abuse ‘ridiculous and disgusting’
Sadly, the build-up to tonight’s match has been dominated by the news that Jess Carter has been the subject of online racist abuse throughout the tournament.
Sarina Wiegman called the abuse ‘ridiculous and disgusting’ but praised Carter’s character and suggested the defender will start against Italy tonight.
Read more on the story here.
Wiegman faces tactical dilemmas
Sarina Wiegman has named the same starting XI for the past three games but after a nervy encounter against Sweden, is it time for changes?
England’s 4-3-3 formation hasn’t looked very strong this tournament while certain players aren’t performing at their best.
We take a look at the key decisions has had to make before tonight’s clash:
Kick-off time and how to watch
Tonight’s huge clash is taking place at the Stade de Genève in Geneva, Switzerland, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.
The match is being broadcast live on ITV and streamed live on ITVX with their coverage beginning at 7pm.
Or better still, you can follow all the action right here on the blog!
Welcome!
Good evening and welcome to Metro’s LIVE coverage of England’s Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy.
The Lionesses are just one win away from a third consecutive major tournament final.
Kick-off is at 8pm and the all-important team news is on its way…
MORE: The Ian Wright vs Eni Aluko beef explained as Arsenal legend returns to ITV coverage
MORE: Why the Lionesses will not take the knee before Italy Women’s Euros semi-final
MORE: England vs Italy: How to watch Euro 2025 semi-final on TV and live stream tonight
