Machine gun Kelly fires England into another final

England, somehow, do it again. The defending European champions are in a third consecutive major final after a second consecutive game where they needed a miracle late rescue. Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly were, once more, the heroes. Whether they can do it one more time is a big question but one that can wait - for tonight. There is an awful lot to fault about this team right now, but not their resolve. They keep going no matter what, which is why they keep getting through round after round of this tournament.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

England

Agyemang (90+6), Kelly (119) 2

Italy

Bonansea (33) 1

It isn’t always convincing. It isn’t always productive. But it does just keep happening.

It also fostered yet another absorbing drama. That is what really does wonders for the women’s game. Theatre that grips people, and then crescendo moments like this.

England do offer more of this than almost anyone, regardless of how they're playing.

That is to their immense credit, all the more so after the events of the week. Jess Carter, of course, got a cheer. That led into the raucous celebration at the end, something this side has offered their growing travelling support so often.

Sympathy should be spared for Italy, despite the needle so evident in this game.

They overachieved just to get this far, and you could see that in the manner they pushed themselves to the limit in the exacting final moments. It was like they could just go no further, as witnessed with how they couldn’t handle Agyemang for the 96th-minute equaliser, and then the absurd decision that led to Kelly’s penalty.

As if to reflect the entire match, as well as decide it, England still made it through. And Kelly pounced.

Wiegman’s substitutions had again worked, in the same way her starting lineup once more failed.