SPECIAL EDITION

France knocked out by a ten-player Germany, England in the worst penalty shoot-out of all time, Spain and Italy quietly getting the job done. The Quarter-Finals were pure drama. Bring on the Semi’s.

Keep reading for our Quarter-Final round-up and Semi-Final previews. Plus all the usuals - kit drop, headlines, transfers and more. Let us know what you think – we read everything!

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⚽ PICKS FROM THE PITCH

Quarter-Final Round-Up

The Euro 2025 quarter-finals delivered on chaos, heartbreak, and a few moments of pure magic. Italy saw off a flat, uninspired Norway, nicking a dramatic winner at the death to snatch their first semi-final spot in decades. Spain had to be patient but, in typical fashion, eventually found the breakthrough to dash host Switzerland’s dream run – credit to the Swiss for pushing them until the hour mark before quality told.

England’s clash with Sweden was a genuine nerve-shredder: flashes of sloppiness and fatigue, some clinical Swedish breakaways, and then a revival led by Chloe Kelly, who changed the tempo off the bench and set up both of England’s second-half goals in three minutes. The game went to a wild, error-strewn penalty shootout, with Lucy Bronze showing her trademark nerve to edge England through.

France v Germany brought the drama and then some – a red card, crunching tackles, two disallowed French goals, and a heroic display by Berger in the German goal, including an outrageous save to prevent an own-goal. In the end, Germany held their nerve in the shootout, knocking out a French side who never truly made their dominance count.

Catch up on the highlights:

• Norway 1-2 Italy

• England 2-2 Sweden (3-2 pens)

• Spain 2-0 Switzerland

• France 1-1 Germany (5-6 pens)

RESULTS ROUND-UP

🎥 Watch this if you only click one thing: THAT Ann-Katrin Berger save

👋 KNOCKOUTS

Semi-Final Match Preview

England v Italy

While the Lionesses have battled through a tough group and a gritty escape against Sweden, their performances have been a blend of resilience and vulnerability. Moments of sharp attacking play (often sparked by Toone in midfield or Chloe Kelly off the bench) have kept England moving forward, but spells of sloppiness and fatigue have exposed frailties at the back. They’ve shown they can dig deep in tough moments, but reaching the final will demand a more consistent, controlled display.

Italy shouldn’t be underestimated. They deserved their win over Norway and have shown impressive tactical discipline, a creative midfield, and a habit for scoring first in games. Their approach is measured and pragmatic, with Giugliano and Caruso using the ball smartly and Girelli providing a cutting edge when it matters most. They may not dazzle, but their conviction and focus (especially late in matches) make them tricky opponents.

What to look out for:
Will England’s resilience outweigh their vulnerabilities, or can Italy’s tactical shape and midfield creativity spring another surprise?

Spain v Germany

Spain enters this semi-final with confidence, bolstered by a tournament-best scoring record and the competition’s most dominant possession stats. They’ve controlled territory and tempo in nearly every match, combining slick passing moves with midfield dynamism and attacking flair. Yet Spain’s high line and aggressive full-back positioning have occasionally left them open to fast breaks, and their aerial weakness at set pieces is noted as a rare vulnerability opponents may look to exploit.

Germany has showcased steely resilience and a willingness to adapt under pressure. Despite losing players to injury and navigating high-stress moments (like the dramatic penalty win over France), they remain dangerous, direct, and difficult to shake. Ann-Katrin Berger’s heroics in goal and the drive from wide players have kept them alive in tight contests; the squad’s collective determination to overcome setbacks is a trait Spain cannot underestimate.

What to look out for:
Spain’s control and creativity versus Germany’s ability to absorb pressure and strike back when the stakes are highest.

👟 KIT DROP

The Indie Euros Merch that caught our eye

From Croc charms, to fundraising tees, to reversible bucket hats, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite indie makers creating cool stuff for Euro 2025.

Check them out here

🔎 IN FOCUS

Jess Carter targeted by racist abuse

Jess Carter has become the latest target of racist abuse during Euro 2025, another reminder that racism in football is far from “kicked out.”

What happened?

• Throughout the tournament, Carter has received a wave of racist abuse online and in response, she made a statement saying she was stepping back from social media to protect herself.

• The Lionesses have decided to stop taking the knee before games, explaining that the gesture no longer feels powerful or effective given the reality of persistent abuse.

• Lucy Bronze said the players felt the message “isn’t hitting home” if Black teammates like Carter continue to be targeted.

The response

• England’s squad issued a joint statement condemning the abuse as “unacceptable and abhorrent.”

• Teammates, fans, and campaigners rallied in support of Carter, pushing social media companies and football authorities for action beyond words.

Why it matters

• These incidents keep happening, and that’s the problem. Nothing changes. There are campaigns and statements made, but every tournament that comes around invariably results in Black and Brown players being abused, and they shouldn’t be left to bear the weight of fighting racism.

• The responsibility for tackling abuse lies with those in power: governing bodies, clubs, and the platforms where this behaviour is allowed to fester. But society can’t shy away from the wider problem of racism – all of us have a part to play in dismantling racism in football and beyond.

🚨 ICYMI

Top Headlines

🏳️‍⚧️ The NWSL’s policy on transgender players, first introduced in 2021, has quietly lapsed since March 2022, leaving the league with no official inclusion rules while the US faces a wave of anti-trans legislation. The uncertainty leaves players in limbo and raises big questions about access, safety, and future competition. The NWSL says work on a new policy is ongoing, but progress has stalled for more than two years.

💬 Angel City and USWNT prospect Savy King has spoken for the first time about her frightening on-pitch collapse earlier this year. King is focused on her recovery and hopes to be back in action soon.

🏟️ Kansas City Current’s £50m training complex will be used as a World Cup base camp in 2026. Investment in their facilities always aimed to create steady revenue and benefits for the local community. There are lessons for European clubs that struggle to create financial sustainability. Clubs betting big on infrastructure are growing the game and their business at the same time.

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

• Women's Euros: One of the original Lionesses looks back on how far the team has come since 1972

• Flooded pitch. Torn boots. Little help. How a small school in Bangladesh is producing the best female footballers

• Agyemang's journey from ball girl to Euro 2025 supersub

• Special report: Girls, boys, and the thorny issue of mixed junior teams

🩼 INJURY UPDATES

• USWNT and Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman is back in team training after a lengthy spell out with a persistent back injury. Rodman, 23, took part in about half of the Spirit’s latest session (her first with the group in three months). Spirit owner Michele Kang says the club will “do everything we can” to keep Rodman, who will miss a chunk of the season but is edging closer to full fitness.

• Germany’s Sarai Linder has been ruled out of Euro 2025 after suffering a serious knee injury. The Hoffenheim defender, 25, picked up the injury in training and has since undergone surgery. Linder’s absence is a blow for Germany’s back line, and she faces months on the sidelines as she begins her recovery.

✍️ INSIDE TRACK

Transfer Round-up

Arsenal has officially set a new world transfer record, landing Canada forward Olivia Smith from Liverpool for a reported £1 million. At just 20, Smith arrives as Liverpool’s player of the year, with nine goals in 25 games last season. The move has been widely called a watershed moment for women’s football, joining the Gunners on a four-year deal. Smith said, “It’s a privilege and an honour to sign for Arsenal. It’s my dream to compete for the biggest titles here in England and in Europe”.

CONFIRMED MOVES:

• Aston Villa has signed Dutch midfielder Jill Baijings on a permanent deal from Bayern Munich after a successful loan last season. Meanwhile, Kirsty Hanson extended her contract until 2027, Lucy Staniforth to 2026, and defender Anna Patten commits through 2028.

• Everton have sealed a permanent deal for Young Player of the Season Martina Fernandez after her standout loan from Barcelona, and England international Katie Robinson joins on loan from Villa. Veatriki Sarri departs for Birmingham City.

• Leicester City are keeping it steady for 2025/26: captain Janice Cayman and Wales forward Hannah Cain have both signed new contracts.

• Liverpool has brought back Scotland midfielder Sam Kerr from Bayern Munich permanently after an impressive loan. They’ve also signed Germany goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe on a free from SC Freiburg.

• London City Lionesses, newly promoted to the WSL, welcome Hungary captain Sophia Poor from SKN St. Pölten. The dynamic midfielder adds creativity and experience as the Lionesses prepare for their first WSL campaign.

• Newcastle United are making some shrewd signings, bringing in former Manchester United defender Aoife Mannion on a free and securing the experience of Jordan Nobbs as they look to push for WSL football.

🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA

EURO 2025 Semi-Final Screenings

There are a crazy number of watch parties and screenings happening this summer. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of fan favourites and football community-led events, plus the best of the rest. Check it out here and find the perfect venue to watch the tournament.

Is there a screening happening near you that we’ve missed? Suggest a venue/event here.

++ 500 volunteers are needed to support the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 (17 October to 8 November 2025). Applications close on Friday, 25 July. More info here

📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST

What We’re Watching

Your what-not-to-miss Euros viewing guide (BST)

Euro 2025 Semi-Finals
Tuesday 22 July
SF1: England vs Italy [20:00, ITV1, ITVX]

Wednesday 23 July
SF2: Spain vs Germany [20:00, BBC One, iPlayer]

Euro 2025 Final
Sunday 27 July
TBC [17:00, BBC One, iPlayer, ITV1, ITVX]

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