England vs Italy semi-final preview: Where to watch, kick-off time, predicted line-ups

All you need to know about the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 semi-final between England and Italy.

Where to watch England vs Italy on TV

Fans can find their local UEFA Women's EURO 2025 broadcast partner(s) here.

What do you need to know?

Italy are through to their first semi-final in 28 years, and while they may be underdogs against the holders, there's a sense of destiny – "the best is still unwritten" is their mantra. Inspired by Cristiana Girelli's double, the Azzurre stunned Norway in Geneva with a late win in the quarter-finals having negotiated a tough group including Belgium, Portugal and Spain.

England triumphed 5-1 when these sides met in a friendly last year but have run hot and cold in Switzerland. They lost their opener to France, bounced back with impressive wins against Netherlands and Wales, then trailed Sweden 2-0 with 12 minutes of their quarter-final remaining. Sarina Wiegman's well-stocked bench forced extra time and an epic shoot-out.

Starting line-ups

England: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood; Toone, Walsh, Stanway; James, Russo, Hemp

Italy: Giuliani; Lenzini, Salvai, Linari; Oliviero, Caruso, Giugliano, Di Guglielmo; Cantore, Girelli, Bonansea

Reporters' views

Faye Hackwell, England reporter
England demonstrated their characteristic resilience and self-belief to reach a sixth successive major tournament semi-final. The Lionesses will want less of a white-knuckle ride than they endured against Sweden, so preventing Italy – who have scored first in all four of their games – from making a fast start will be key. With strength in depth and tournament experience among their ranks, expect "proper England" to give their all for the opportunity to retain their title in Basel.

Francesco Corda, Italy reporter
Standing between Italy and a totally unexpected place in the final are the reigning champions, England. The revelation of this tournament thanks to their unity and the goals of evergreen captain Cristiana Girelli, Andrea Soncin's side are chasing another big result after reaching their first semi-final since 1997. They're clearly the underdogs, but if they can deliver the "perfect game" – as nearly every one of the 23 players has said – then their exciting dream might just keep going.

What the coaches say

Sarina Wiegman, England coach: "It would be disrespectful to Italy to think we're the favourites. They made the semi-finals on merit and complacency would be the biggest mistake we could make. You've all seen them; we'll have to be at our very best to win the game. They can play very compact in defence, they're hard to beat, so we have to be really tight on the ball when we have [possession]."

Andrea Soncin, Italy coach: "It's a wide-open match, and we're incredibly proud to be here. But our real goal is the 27th – and to get there, we'll need full belief and determination. Of course, we have the utmost respect for England's strength. But the passion these girls bring to the pitch, and the energy that's built up around us, give us a huge boost of confidence heading into this semi-final."