Ella Toone disappoints but England Women through to Euro semis

England Women secured their place in the Euro 2025 semi-finals in a display of breathtaking resilience and a dramatic late comeback that will live long in the memory. Trailing by two goals with less than 20 minutes remaining, the Lionesses summoned their renowned fighting spirit to score twice in a frantic three-minute spell, salvaging a 2-2 draw that proved enough to progress. While the collective relief and jubilation were palpable, the night also cast a critical eye on the performance of Manchester United Women’s star midfielder, Ella Toone, who endured a challenging outing despite her team's heroics.

The match began with England appearing somewhat disjointed, struggling to assert their usual dominance in midfield. Their opponents, displaying sharp movement and clinical finishing, exploited early defensive vulnerabilities to establish a commanding 2-0 lead. The atmosphere grew tense, with whispers of an early exit circulating amongst the fanbase. However, true to their reputation as a team that never gives up, the Lionesses found another gear. The turning point arrived with a rapid-fire double strike; the first a powerful finish from inside the box after a period of sustained pressure, followed almost immediately by a sublime header from a set-piece, sending the home crowd into raptures. These two goals, delivered with such speed and precision, completely flipped the psychological dynamic of the game, transforming despair into an electrifying belief that propelled England through to the final four.

Amidst the collective triumph, Ella Toone's individual performance stood out for the wrong reasons. Often the creative heartbeat and a vital link between midfield and attack, Toone appeared uncharacteristically subdued. Her passes lacked their usual incisiveness, and she struggled to find pockets of space to dictate play. Several misplaced balls and turnovers in critical areas disrupted England's rhythm, particularly in the first half when the team was searching for an answer to their opponents' early dominance. While her teammates rallied around her and ultimately delivered the crucial goals, Toone’s personal battle to influence the game was palpable, a rare off-night for a player accustomed to delivering match-winning moments. Her struggles highlighted the immense pressure on key players in high-stakes encounters, even for those with her proven track record.

The dramatic draw not only secured England's semi-final berth but also served as a stark reminder of their incredible mental fortitude. The ability to recover from a two-goal deficit against a quality opponent speaks volumes about the squad's character and belief. However, the performance also exposed areas for improvement, particularly in midfield cohesion and defensive solidity. As they prepare for the semi-finals, the Lionesses will undoubtedly review the match with a critical eye, focusing on how to prevent similar early setbacks. For Toone, it will be an opportunity to regroup and rediscover the form that makes her one of England's most valuable assets. Her experience and talent suggest this was merely a blip, and the team will be counting on her to be back to her best when they face their next formidable challenge in pursuit of Euro 2025 glory.