Semi-final Preview

There was plenty of drama in the quarter-finals, including two penalty shoot-outs! Eight teams have now become four, and it’s time to have a look at the upcoming semi-finals, where England are up against Italy, while Spain face off with Germany!

England vs. Italy

Stade de Genève, Tuesday @ 21:00 CET

England and Italy both won their quarter-finals in dramatic fashion, with the former coming back from 0-2 against Sweden to win it on penalties after two goals in less than two minutes in the 79th and 81st minute of the game brought them back into the game and forced extra-time.

Chloe Kelly came on in the 78th minute of that match to provide the assist a minute later for Lucy Bronze, but Wiegman is expected to start with the same team as in the quarter-finals. That would mean Russo, Hemp and James up front, with Walsh, Toone and Stanway controlling the middle of the pitch. Leah Williamson has been struggling with some injury problems, but has been training with the team today and should be good and ready for the semi-finals, while England are hoping to see Hampton continue her good form between the sticks.

England have faced a few difficulties in this tournament, including their opening day loss to France, but they’re clear favourites against Italy, and will be expected to grab the first spot in this weekend’s final.

Italy have already exceeded their expectations in this tournament, having not only advanced from the group stage, but also won their quarter-final, much thanks to Cristiana Girelli, who scored both goals for the Italians. The striker has over 100 caps for the national team, scoring 56 goals, and she’ll hope to add to that tally tomorrow.

In addition to Girelli, Cantore and Caruso will be key for the Italians, with the former hoping to once again find Girelli with a decisive assist. Italy will be over the moon with having reached the semi-final, but they know they’re only one match away from their first final since they lost in 1997. They also lost the final in 1993, when they hosted the tournament. Can Italy cause a major upset here against the reigning champions?

Germany vs. Spain

Stadion Letzigrund, Wednesday @ 21:00 CET

Germany have had a dramatic route to the semi-finals, losing their last group stage match 4-1 against Sweden in a game where the Germans got an early red card. The quarter-final match against France was then off to a brutal start, with another red card for Germany, this time already in the 13th minute. France was unable to capitalize on their advantage, though, and it was German goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger who saved the day for the Germans, not only saving two penalties, but also scoring one in the penalty shoot-out.

Berger will probably need to be at her very best again against Spain on Wednesday, with the Spanish team famous for their goalscoring exploits. The red card for Hendrich means she is suspended for this one, whereas Carlotta Wamser is back from her suspension. Linder seems to be out with an injury for this one, and Nüsken will unfortunately also be out with a suspension due to yellow cards.

Brand and Bühl will need to be at their very best if the Germans are to have any chance of beating the world champions, while Schüller will be hoping to add to her two goals so far this tournament.

Spain have, despite their rising position in world football the last few years, never won this tournament, but they’re hoping this will finally be their year. Unlike Germany, Spain come into this match with no serious injuries or suspensions. This means they’ll be able to field a team including Alexia, González, Pina, Caldentey and Bonmatí, amongst others. It’s hard to see a Germany struggling with injuries and suspensions get the better of the world champions in this one, but there have certainly been bigger upsets than a German win here in this semi-final.

Either way, we should be in for two very exciting semi-finals as we approach the end of what has been a very entertaining tournament in Switzerland!

Please note that the odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.

Last updated: 21.07.25