Dark horses in Lionesses' way

WOMEN'S EUROS: HOLDERS EYEING A SPOT IN THE FINAL

- ESME MORGAN Picture: Getty Images

Having come back from the brink of elimination against Sweden in the last eight, England will hope to live up to their billing as favourites when they face Italy in the semifinals of Women's Euro 2025 tonight.

The holders are tantalisingly close to another major tournament final, with a showdown next Sunday against either Germany or world champions Spain the reward for Sarina Wiegman's team should they get the better of the Azzurre in Geneva.

The Lionesses could be forgiven for feeling that their name is on the trophy after the dramatic nature of their victory over Sweden in Zurich last Thursday.

England were 2-0 down late on but two goals in the space of three minutes forced extra time before they eventually triumphed 3-2 in a remarkable penalty shoot-out.