Lionesses Diary - Day 18: England prepare for Italy while Switzerland leave legacy

As England prepare for a trip to Geneva on Tuesday for their semi-final clash in Italy, they will analyse and train to beat their upcoming opponents.

After a tough battle that went to extra-time against Sweden, recovery included yoga sessions and media duties for the Lionesses on Saturday.

Here is everything you need to know from day 18 at Euro 2025…

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Today in camp

The Lionesses showed they were keeping their mobility up to scratch with the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) from an arduous encounter with the Swedish at its peak.

Players have been taking part in a stretching session in the grounds of The Dolder Grand hotel with the scenic views of Lake Zurich bound to wash away any remaining tension.

No doubt there will also be a training session for those players at an appropriate stage in their recovery, with six outfield players and two goalkeepers hitting the grass yesterday.

But recovery will remain the priority with Esme Morgan admitting to the press that she is yet to fully process that chaotic night at the Stadion Letzigrund as England defeated Sweden on penalties in the semi-final.

“Sleep is still a little hard to come by because I’m just still so excited by all of the chaos and the drama,” she said.

“It was a really fun evening in the end although a little stressful at times. But the vibes are good.”

Team news

Doubt still hangs over the fitness of captain Leah Williamson who had to depart the field early during extra-time after landing awkwardly.

While Williamson left the stadium on crutches and in a boot, her replacement Morgan was optimistic her captain would be back fit for the England game.

"She seemed in very high spirits this morning. I want what's best for the team, and that's absolutely having our captain on the pitch," she said.

"It is the same as every single game - be prepared to play if I'm needed, know the role, just be absolutely ready and train at a high level over the next few days. But we're very optimistic that Leah will be fine."

Trending topics

While the Lionesses did not turn in a vintage performance against Sweden, with much to be criticised about their opening 70 minutes of football, their grit was certainly on display.

It was a night memorable for the belief England showed in face of what seemed like inevitable defeat as they sat 2-0 down and looked unable to produce chances.

Turning it around inside three minutes to level the scores and going onto win in a penalty shoot-out brought out the hero in many of the players, with Lucy Bronze, Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton all producing iconic moments.

Whether it was Bronze strapping her own leg before diving head-first into a challenge, Kelly smiling at the Sweden ‘keeper before burying her penalty or Hampton saving two in the shootout with a tissue stuffed up her nose to stem the flow of blood, the Lionesses proved themselves as fighters.

“I don’t think one single person here wanted to go home and we knew all it would take is one moment,” said Alessia Russo on That Lionesses Podcast.

“We have players that can make a difference and show up and we definitely did that. Chloe came on and assisted two, Mich [Agyemang] scored, Lucy stepped up with her goal too.

“We have players that can find a moment and they did in the game, [Hannah] did it in the shootout and we went through.”

What are the pundits saying?

“Sometimes it just takes a big old smack down the middle,” Lucy Bronze told Izzy Christiansen after scoring the penalty that helped England through to the Euro 2025 semi-finals.

It was a message her former teammate believed epitomised Bronze’s old-school performance that hauled England past Sweden and makes her the force of nature she is.

“During a shoot-out in which nine penalties were not converted and several takers tried too hard to be precise, Lucy just hammered hers down the middle,” Christiansen told The Times.

“The squad’s oldest and most experienced player cut right through modern football with that spot-kick.

“I expected her to score. Lucy has an incredible mentality and regularly drags her team out of the ashes.”

Christiansen remarked at the particular ability of Bronze to galvanise her side from a defensive starting point, as she scored the goal that put England back in reach of Sweden.

Her header at the back-post made it 2-1 and, as she kicked the advertising board in celebration, she knew that it made the game and momentum swing in England’s favour.

“Normally, it is a striker or attacking player who carries their team, but she manages to do so from right back,” Christiansen added.

“She encapsulates what hard work can achieve. She trains fiercely, looks after her body expertly and has unwavering self-belief.

“Her decorated career is far from over, as she has displayed at Euro 2025 and by winning the domestic treble with Chelsea last season.”

Quote of the day

“I really had a sense throughout the game, even when we were down, that it wasn’t our time to go.

“I always had faith we were going to be able to turn it around and thankfully that’s what happened.

“We just have so much character, grit and determination within the group that we’re never beaten.” - Esme Morgan

Best of the rest

Hosts Switzerland saw their remarkable run at the tournament come to an end at the hands of world champions Spain, but their legacy will reach far beyond their exploits on the pitch.

It was a gutsy performance from the Swiss who held off Spain with a determination reflected in their fans who pledged their commitment that women’s football is here to stay.

While Athenea del Castillo did finally break the deadlock in the 66th minute before Claudia Pina added a second to see Spain win 2-0, the real stars were those of the home nation.

It is evident across the country that more people have been inspired to take an interest in the sport with the legacy of the tournament clear to see.

As signs were held aloft that asserted the sport would remain far longer than just the major tournament it showed that, while Switzerland did not progress, the hosts had made their mark.

Lia Walti led her team to their first-ever European Championship quarter-final, played in front of a sold-out Stadion Wankdorf, and in doing so inspired a nation as the reach of women’s football continues to grow.

For Spain, their progression marks a first European Championship semi-final since 1997.