The Lionesses will look to return to the Euros final but face a tricky Italy side after surviving a penalty shoot-out to stay alive at the tournament

The England team is "very optimistic" that captain Leah Williamson will be ready to face Italy in the semifinals of the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro. Williamson had to come off during extra time of England’s dramatic quarterfinal victory over Sweden on Thursday and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches,

The European Championships quarter-final clash between England and Sweden is a repeat of the 2022 semi-final in the same competition, a game England won 4-0 en route to lifting the trophy. The English will hope it’s a similar story here after a mixed bag at the Euros thus far.

With Italy waiting for England in the semi-finals of Euro 2025, BBC Sport looks at how the Azzurre could threaten the Lionesses' quest to retain their title.

Lucy Bronze was hailed as "one of a kind" by Sarina Wiegman after England's penalty-shootout win over Sweden. Bronze, in her seventh major tournament, was exceptional for England as she helped them battle back from 2-0 down to force a penalty shootout.

As a bloodied Hannah Hampton saved two penalties to send England into the Euro 2025 semi-finals, it was all the more impressive given she was advised at a young age against pursuing football because of an eye condition that affects her depth perception.

With seven places between the two sides in the world rankings, England are definite favourites coming into the match, although Italy do have the advantage of an extra day of rest and winning their quarter-final in normal time.

Raw emotion and a never-say-die attitude came to the fore as the European champions somehow made it into the semi-finals