The Lionesses were on the verge of losing on Tuesday when they lost to Italy in Geneva thanks to Barbara Bonansea’s first-half goal.
But they did more heroics here after coming back from two goals down to defeat Sweden on penalties in last week’s quarterfinal.
Michelle Agyemang came off the bench and forced the 96th minute with an equalizer, while Kelly, a fellow substitute, completed the turnaround by scoring the winner after saving her penalty in the 119th.
The team’s third successive title at a major tournament is now held by Sarina Wiegman. The 2022 European champions travel to Basel for the showpiece on Sunday.
Both of their semifinal matches take place on Wednesday, with the hosts facing off against Spain in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
With this victory, England came back to defeat Sweden in the last eight, despite the cruel nature of Italy’s defeat.
The Azzurre, who are ranked 13th in the world and were not anticipated to advance this far, were left in tears at full-time, with many of their players shedding their tears.
Esme Morgan joined the defense in place of Jess Carter in the quarterfinal victory over Sweden, which was one change for England coach Wiegman.
In the run-up to the game, Wiegman and the England players expressed anger toward the latter because they had been the target of racial abuse during the tournament.
The majority of the 26, 539 people in Geneva were in support of England, and they had the match’s opening push.
Italy appeared to be the younger of the two teams, though. In the 33rd minute, Sofia Cantore, an impressive player, reached the right byline before sending a cross to the back post that reached the Azzurre.
The Juventus player was in charge before firing a close-range shot into the top of the net.
England and Alessia Russo were at odds with each other in the opening half, but Italy maintained their lead heading into the break. At the beginning of the second half, Wiegman sent on Beth Mead.
With just 20 minutes left in the match, goalkeeper Laura Giuliani was booked for time-wasting after an Alex Greenwood long-ranger was scuffled into the roof of the net.
The England coach introduced Kelly as the game was getting closer, followed by Agyemang, two players who had already had a big impact against Sweden.
In a clear sign of desperation, the Lionesses camp replaced captain Leah Williamson with Agyemang, the 18-year-old Arsenal forward.
In the 86th minute, Italy could have ended the match, but Hannah Hampton made a crucial double save to deny Michela Cambiaghi and Emma Severini at a corner.
At the conclusion of normal time, England equalized in the sixth of the seven added minutes.
After letting nothing pass her all evening, Giuliani failed to cross the England right into the box and fired a long ball into the target.
England would have to endure extradition once more. With 108 minutes left, Giuliani effectively stopped a Kelly corner that had already gained momentum.
With four minutes left, the remarkable Agyemang saw Giuliani recover from a lobbed effort with a crossbar.
Instead of a single spot kick, which was awarded when Mead was pushed over in front of the Croatian referee, penalties were looming.
Giuliani saved Kelly’s effort, but she was there to convert the rebound and set up another final for England.
Source: Aljazeera
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