England Women’s captain, Leah Williamson has described the Lionesses’ semi-final comeback over Italy as “inspirational” for fans.
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, before substitute, Michelle Agyemang struck in the sixth minute of injury time to restore parity.
Williamson post-match reflected on the tense finish to normal time as she admitted that she was nervous towards the end but felt that Agyemang’s equaliser was more a case of how and when it could be achieved before the final whistle.
“Whilst there’s are seconds on the clock, they are seconds that we are just waiting. Less ‘if’ and more ‘how’ or ‘when’.”
England eventually reached a third consecutive final in major competitions which left Williamson “proud” at their comeback which she believes is inspiration for both the squad and supporters alike.
“I think everybody that plays for this team knows how lucky they are to have stepped into a time when we are so successful, but also just being a part of it, how inspirational it is for us, let alone everybody watching.”
Williamson however was critical of how England allowed themselves to again fall behind through defensive miscommunication, but acknowledged that her teammates deserve credit for snatching victories from the jaws of defeat in their last two matches.
“I am annoyed that we get ourselves into certain situations with miscommunications or not doing exactly what the plan says, but to bounce back like that, you can’t take anything away from the team or those girls, it is incredible.”
England needed penalties to beat Sweden in the Quarter-Finals prior to their semi-final win in extra time which Williams admitted is a reflection of how their plans haven’t unfolded smoothly throughout the tournament.
“It has not been smooth sailing and I feel like things haven’t necessarily gone to plan,” acknowledged the 28-year-old who believes that the level is continuously rising with no team having had a smooth tournament.
“We said before we came in and I said I am intrigued to see the level just keeps rising and there are more and more unknowns and you have to be ready for everything.
“And I don’t think it has gone smooth sailing for anybody yet, which is the point. It makes a great tournament and it shows what is going on. We just have to keep rising as well, this new England has to find their feet quicker, which is good.”
England now await either Germany or Spain in the final on Sunday 27 July (5pm BST kick-off) in Basel, Switzerland, which will mark a rematch of either 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro or 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final respectively.
“We have one more to go,” commented Williamson as she vowed that the team will leave everything on the pitch to retain their crown. “I promise you we will give it everything we can but I will enjoy watching that game tomorrow, let’s say that.”