England came from behind to beat Italy 2-1 after extra-time to reach the UEFA Women’s EURO final.
Lauren James got a shot on target, Alessia Russo went close but when a Sofia Cantore cross reached Barbara Bonansea she controlled the ball and volleyed into the roof of Hannah Hampton’s net.
Laura Giuliani pushed away an effort from James and Keira Walsh curled a shot wide of the far post, before Italy finished the half stronger.
Lauren Hemp had a header onto the roof of the net and a shot saved, before Cantore got in at the other end but Hampton made the stop.
Three successive England corners going into the last ten minutes did not change the scoreline, Lucy Bronze having a header back across goal nodded clear.
Hampton made a double save in the dying minutes to keep the Lionesses’ hopes alive, then with stoppage time running out Michelle Agyemang squeezed in a dramatic equaliser.
An Ella Toone almost forced a own-goal, Chloe Kelly fired high and wide after a great run in the box.
Giuliani just managed to tip away a Kelly corner during the second period of extra time, Agyemang clipped the crossbar from a difficult angle.
With time running out again, Beth Mead won a penalty which Kelly saw her spot-kick saved but she was first to the rebound to put England ahead for the first time.
England await the winners of Wednesday’s tie between Germany and Spain in the final at 5pm BST on Sunday.
