Four integral players in the UEFA Women’s EURO Semi Finals
With the semifinals upon us, each nation relies on their key players to deliver when it matters most. From experienced leaders to rising stars, these are the standout names to remember as the final fixtures unfold.
In Switzerland this summer, the last four nations remaining have a wealth of talent: Italy, England, Spain and Germany. Only two will reach the final, but all four countries have something to be proud of.
Italy: Martina Lenzini
Martina Lenzini is an Italian defender who plays her club football with Juventus. Regarding international football, she is a versatile player who can operate both in the centre and right flank of the pitch. With almost half a century of caps for Italy, her experience stands out amongst her teammates.
She offers tactical flexibility wherever she's deployed. Known for her ability to read the game, strength in duels, and composed distribution, she brings reliability and intelligence to every phase of play. As an impact substitute, she provides energy, control, and the kind of adaptability coaches value deeply in tight knockout matches.
In the semi-final, Italy faced a fierce England side. Although they suffered a narrow defeat to the reigning Champions, the nation relied on Lenzini’s calmness, leadership and ability to deliver in clutch moments.
There is so much to value about the defender’s game. Lenzini brings more than defensive solidity: she is a tactical leader, able to use her experience in pressure moments and unshakable consistency to her advantage. Against Norway in the quarterfinals, she played a key role in Italy’s advancement to the final four.
England: Chloe Kelly
Chloe Kelly is England’s super substitute of this tournament. The winger plays for Arsenal FC during the season and steps up for the Lionesses when it matters most. The Lioness delivered England's EURO 2022 glory with an unforgettable extra-time winner; this moment remains in the history books internationally.
Kelly remains a clutch performer with an unmatched energy and mentality. In her role as a dynamic winger, she showcases her acceleration, direct running, and pinpoint deliveries. Her technical ability is matched by her football intelligence, making her a constant threat on the flank. Kelly is not just a player: she is a spark that lifts the entire team and drives them to success.
The Lionesses have already booked their spot in the final, for the second consecutive EURO. Introduced in the second half, Kelly’s dynamic play was instrumental in England's comeback against both Sweden, in the quarterfinal, and Italy in the last four. Against the Swedish side, she provided crucial assists when needed and displayed composure in the penalty shootout, reinforcing her reputation as a game-changing performer. However, her legacy continues with a winning goal for England in the one-hundred-and-nineteenth minute against an almost flawless Italian squad.
When it matters most, Kelly has the ability to change a game. As an impact substitute, she brings a blend of pace, creativity, and clinical finishing. Her adaptability offers England valuable tactical flexibility and a reliable attacking threat throughout matches. Having overcome serious injuries and setbacks in her career, she's shown remarkable resilience: a trait that's vital in the high-pressure environment of knockout football. The midfielder is a Lionesses’ legend and always puts her body on the line for her country.
Spain: Clàudia Pina
Clàudia Pina plays domestically for the Spanish Champions, Barcelona FC. However, her breakthrough season has continued into her first major tournament this summer.
One of Spain's brightest attacking talents, Pina is a creative force with an eye for the spectacular. Known for her quick feet, sharp football brain, and fearless mentality, she plays with a confidence that elevates those around her. Whether she's threading a perfect pass or curling the ball into the top corner, Pina consistently delivers moments of brilliance. She is not just a player: she is a key figure in the Spanish squad.
Pina excels at exploiting tired legs and disorganised defences. If the match tightens, her vision and creativity could be the key to unlocking a stubborn back line. She has a knack for producing that crucial goal and thrives in high-pressure moments.
Spain’s attack certainly becomes stronger when she is present. Her ability can be shifted to suit a role in the starting eleven or as an impact substitute. Having overcome injuries and the challenge of breaking into a star-studded Barcelona side, she brings hunger and resilience; these qualities are essential in the sharp end of tournament football.
Germany: Ann-Katrin Berger
For Germany, Ann-Katrin Berger has a rich history and background of success. Domestically, she resides in America and is the goalkeeper for Gotham FC. A goalkeeper built for high-pressure moments; Berger brings nerves of steel and world-class reflexes to both her club and country.
Renowned for her penalty-saving prowess, she consistently makes incredible saves that keep her team in the game. If a match goes into crunch time or penalties, Berger is the keeper you want between the sticks. She saved two penalties in the quarterfinal shootout, proving her composure under pressure.
Germany is set to face the World Champions, Spain, in the semifinal. With a high-pressure and dominance in attack, this will be an intense shift for the experienced number one. Her leadership anchors Germany’s defence, and her game-changing presence will be called upon in this all or nothing fixture.
She is the definition of resilience. After battling thyroid cancer earlier in her career, Berger came back stronger than ever, determined to lead her team to the final. That blend of leadership, elite ability, and unwavering resilience is exactly what Germany needs to progress to their second consecutive European final.