GENEVA; England’s reign as European champions continues into Sunday’s final of the UEFA Women’s Euro after a goal in stoppage time then a penalty in extra time overturned Italy 2-1 in Geneva. The holders will face Spain or Germany in defence of their crown.

The latest dramatic recovery followed the shootout comeback triumph over Sweden in the quarter-finals – and once again the substitutes played the key roles.

Italy took a 33rd-minute lead through Barbara Bonansea and England were rescued only in the sixth minute of second half stoppage time by substitute Michelle Agyemang. The 19-year-old even hit the bar in extra time before a foul on Beth Mead provided another replacement, Chloe Kelly, with the opportunity of a winning penalty shot.

In fact goalkeeper Laura Giuliani dived right to parry the kick but Kelly followed up to stab the ball home for the decisive goal. England coach Sarina Wiegman is thus within reach of a third straight Euro title as a manager while her side are into a third successive major final.

Wiegman said; “It’s a relief. Having to come from behind against Italy we knew we had a problem and some serious challenges. In the first half we didn’t play well, we didn’t have the energy but in the second half we did better but they defended aggresively so we’re even more happy now we are going to the final.

“We never give up and we always say we can win by any means. We take risks but that gives us something too.”

######