England's route to the final: Who do the Lionesses need to beat to defend their Euros crown?

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England have reached the semi-finals but who else stands in the way of defending their trophy?

Lauren Hemp of England celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's third goal during the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Group D match between England and Wales at Arena St. Gallen on July 13, 2025 in St Gallen, Switzerland.
England came through Group D with two wins and a loss (Image credit: Getty Images)

England's route to the final continues in the semi-finals of Euro 2025 after getting out of the group of death and defeating Sweden in the quarters.

The Lionesses found themselves in Group D with France, the Netherlands and Wales. They lost their opener to France 2-1 but bounced back to win 4-0 and 6-1 against the Dutch and Welsh respectively.

England then beat Sweden on penalties in the last eight. But who do they face in their last four match? And if they win that who will be their final opponent? Find out all you need to know below.

England's route to the final: Italy next up

Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead celebrate a goal against Wales

Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead have mainly been used off of the bench this tournament (Image credit: Getty Images)

As England were runners-up in Group D faced the winner of Group C in their quarter-final, which was Sweden.

Sweden raced to a 2-0 lead but England got back into it with goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang. They pushed it to penalties which the Lionesses won 3-2.

Leah Williamson celebrates

Leah Williamson is captaining the Lionesses at the Euros (Image credit: Getty Images)

As they overcame Sweden, they will face Italy in the semi-final.

Italy beat Norway 2-1 in the quarters to progress to the last four.

Cristiana Girelli has been the star for the Italians and so England will have to keep an eye out for her.

The Italian captain has scored three goals so far, including two in the quarter-final.

Ella Toone celebrates

Ella Toone has scored two goals so far at the Euros (Image credit: Getty Images)

If England manage to win their semi-final they will face one of two teams on the other side of the draw.

Germany and Spain are the potential final opponents with Spain the favourites to make it there.

If it is England v Spain in the final it will be a replay of the 2023 World Cup final. Spain came out 1-0 victors in that game and so far at Euro 2025 they have been the dominant team.

England's route to the final

Quarter-final

17 July 2025

Sweden 2-2 (2-3 on pens) England, 8pm, Stadion Letzigrund

Potential semi-final

Tuesday 22 July

England vs Italy, 8pm, Stade de Geneve

Potential final

Sunday 27 July

England vs Germany or Spain, 5pm, St. Jakob-Park

Sarah Rendell
Sarah Rendell
Women's football editor

Sarah joined the FourFourTwo team in September 2024 in a freelance role. She also writes for The Guardian, BBC and Rugby World where she specialises in women's football and rugby. Sarah has a bachelors degree in English and a master's in newspaper journalism.

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