Sarina Wiegman makes history as England reach third straight final in thriller

Dubai: No coach in football history—man or woman—has done what Sarina Wiegman just did.

With England’s dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Italy in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semifinal on Tuesday, the Dutch mastermind became the first manager ever to lead a team to five consecutive major international finals. The Lionesses’ place in Sunday’s title clash isn’t just another win—it’s the latest chapter in Wiegman’s astonishing legacy.

The reigning champions looked to be heading for a shock exit in Geneva after Barbara Bonansea gave Italy the lead in the 33rd minute. But England struck deep into stoppage time through teenager Michelle Agyemang, before Chloe Kelly—hero of the 2022 final—fired home a dramatic 119th-minute winner after her penalty was initially saved.

“I have many emotions again,” Wiegman said after the final whistle. “I feel relief, I feel happy—it feels a bit surreal. But we are here, and we are going to the final.”

Wiegman’s record across the last five tournaments—two with the Netherlands, three with England—is unmatched in the global game.

2017: Euro winners (Netherlands)

2019: World Cup runners-up (Netherlands)

2022: Euro winners (England)

2023: World Cup runners-up (England)

2025: Euro finalist (England).

“It does feel like a movie,” Wiegman smiled. “When it finishes like that, I enjoy it—but it was a little bit dramatic.”

It marked England’s second consecutive comeback of the tournament. In the quarterfinals, they overturned a 2-0 deficit against Sweden, equalised late, and advanced on penalties. On Tuesday, they repeated the feat—with Kelly once again writing her name into tournament folklore.

“We know with the players we have that we can always score,” Wiegman said. “We’ve shown that multiple times.”

Sunday’s final in Basel will be England’s third major tournament final in as many years, following their Euro 2022 triumph at Wembley and last year’s World Cup final loss to Spain in Sydney.

“That’s what happens when a great team comes together under an unbelievable manager,” said Kelly, who also scored the winner in the 2022 final. “Three consecutive finals—it’s incredible to be part of this special team.”

England will face either Germany or Spain, who meet in the second semifinal on Wednesday. However, they may have to do so without star winger Lauren James, who limped off at half-time with an ankle injury.

Italy, bidding to reach their first final since 1997, came heartbreakingly close under coach Andrea Soncin.

“It hurts, but we’re proud of all that we’ve done,” said Soncin. “We were a minute away from the final, and that can be encouraging. We’ll take a few days to process this but the goal now is to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.”