England midfielder, Ella Toone is anticipating a “tough” UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final after the Lionesses claimed a comeback semi-final win over Italy.
Chloe Kelly scored the 119th-minute winner on the rebound after Laura Giulliani blocked her penalty following Emma Severini’s foul on Beth Mead.
England however had stared the end of their title defence down a barrel after Barbara Bonansea put Italy ahead in the 33rd minute from Bronze’s glanced clearance, before substitute, Michelle Agyemang struck in the sixth minute of injury time to restore parity.
Germany or Spain will now meet the Lionesses in the final and Toone believes that they’re in for a difficult test irrespective of who they ultimately meet in the showpiece.
“Of course, it is going to be a tough game no matter what – it’s a final and people put on big performances in a final and that is what we are going to have to do,” said the Manchester United ace.
“It’s going to be a tough game but one we are really looking forward to, we turn up in finals and we are excited about it. We’ve got to make sure we recover from 120 minutes again, but we are over the moon and dead on our feet.”
Toone added that the team knew that Italy wouldn’t be easy opposition but were keen to “fight” to continue their title defence.
“We said that when we stepped out on the pitch today, that we would give absolutely everything and by the end of it we would be dead on our feet and that is exactly what we are,” explained Toone who felt that the team showed their grittiness and spirit.
“We grafted and we got the goal that we needed at the end and we’re buzzing we’re in another final.
“You always believe it, we are England, we fight right to the very end and you have seen that in this tournament.
“And when we have got players that can come off the bench and impact a game like we have, you have always got that belief.”
Toone previously found herself used as an impact substitute in previous tournaments under Sarina Wiegman as she praised Agyemang and Kelly for stepping up in that role.
“Mich deserves that, she has been a star this tournament at coming on and changing a game and it is an amazing feeling for her but for the whole team as well,” spoke Toone of Agyemang’s performances in the 19 year-old’s first major senior tournament with England.
Kelly is considered “a game changer” by Toone who is confident that Kelly was the right player to take the spot-kick and follow up on the rebound, despite marginally beating Toone to the winning rebound goal as Giulliani spilled her save.
“We are very confident when Chloe steps up and takes a penalty and even though she missed the first one, she was right there and took it off my toes!
“I was almost there, some of the girls thought it was me but she can have it, she deserves it. She has been amazing this tournament for us, coming on, changing the game and that is what the whole squad is about and we are absolutely over the moon.
“We are delighted with that and off to a third final in a row.”
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