England's Women take on their Italian counterparts in the first semi-final of Euro 2025 on Tuesday and Ella Toone could shine for the Lionesses in Geneva.
Tuesday provides a huge clash in the first UEFA Women’s Euro semi-final as reigning champions England take on Italy at Stade de Geneve in Switzerland.
Both sides had dramatic routes to the final-four with England needing penalties to see off Sweden, while Italy progressed against much-fancied Norway courtesy of a 90th-minute winner.
The Lionesses go into the match as favourites in the football odds but the Italians are no pushovers and a competitive tie is in store.
England v Italy tips
England to win and over 2.5 goals @ 23/20
Ella Toone to score @ 21/10
Both teams to score @ 3/4
Bet Builder pays: 11/2
England to progress in close match
England’s tournament began poorly with a defeat to France, but the Lionesses have responded well since. Two emphatic wins over the Netherlands and Wales saw them progress as Group D runners-up.
In a dramatic quarter-final, Sarina Wiegman’s side came from 2-0 down to force penalties. In a low-quality shootout, England eventually prevailed to book a place in the semi-finals.
Italy should not be underestimated but are likely to offer less resistance than England’s previous knockout opponents.
The Italians scraped through the group stage with just four points but pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over Norway in the quarter-finals, sealed by a 90th-minute winner.
Le Azzurre have scored in every match, and their last two games have seen over 2.5 goals, while England’s four matches have seen 18 goals in total.
Seven of Italy’s last 11 games have gone over 2.5 goals, while England’s last nine have all seen at least three goals. Only two of the past eight meetings between these sides have seen under 2.5 goals.
Leg 1: England to win and over 2.5 goals @ 23/20
Toone to continue goalscoring ways
England forward Ella Toone has scored twice and provided two assists so far this tournament. After starting the competition on the bench, she has forced her way into the starting line-up and made an impressive impact in the number ten role.
The Manchester United star found the net in the quarter-finals and final of Euro 2022, as well as the semi-final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, so she is clearly not fazed by the big stage.
Toone could well come up trumps again for Wiegman’s side.
Leg 2: Ella Toone to score @ 21/10
Go for goals in Geneva
England have won five of their past seven meetings with Italy, with one draw and one defeat.
Five of those encounters saw both teams score, and only two produced fewer than three goals.
Both teams have been regulars on the scoresheet in recent outings, with five of the Lionesses’ last eight matches seeing both sides hit the back of the net, while eight of Italy’s past 12 have followed suit.
With both teams showcasing excellent attacking talent, backing both teams to score appeals.
Leg 3: Both teams to score @ 3/4
