Agyemang and Kelly the Supersubs as England Book Place in Euros Final
Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly were the heroes once more as Sarina Wiegman’s comeback queens secured a dramatic spot in the Euros final.
England delivered yet another late twist to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, having trailed deep into stoppage time after Barbara Bonansea’s 33rd-minute opener.
Agyemang, just as she did against Sweden, stepped off the bench to sweep home a 96th-minute equaliser.
Then, with another penalty shootout looming, the Lionesses were awarded a spot-kick after Beth Mead was bundled over in the box.
Kelly’s effort was initially stopped by Laura Giuliani, but the Italian keeper could do nothing to prevent the Arsenal forward stabbing in the rebound.
Wiegman’s side are now just one win away from becoming back-to-back European champions — and writing history as the first England team ever to do so.
What Were the Talking Points?
England captain Leah Williamson was declared fit to start. She was partnered by Esme Morgan in central defence, who replaced Jess Carter during the Sweden clash.
Italy made one change as Martina Lenzini replaced Emma Severini, reverting to the 5-4-1 shape deployed in their final group game against Spain.
There was no starting place for Michelle Agyemang or, perhaps more surprisingly, Chloe Kelly. The latter is yet to feature in Wiegman’s starting XI at the tournament, despite turning in a string of impressive cameos.
Kelly provided the assist for Lucy Bronze just a minute after coming on against Sweden, with Agyemang levelling the tie moments later to force penalties.
The duo once again proved their worth off the bench last night, sparking renewed calls for them to graduate from impact roles to starters.
England’s depth has undoubtedly been one of their greatest strengths — but they won’t want to rely on last-gasp theatrics again in Sunday’s final.
They’ll face either Germany or Spain, who contest the remaining semi-final this evening. On paper, both offer a far sterner challenge than Italy — who sit eight places below England in the world rankings.
The worry? If England fall behind again, they may finally run out of their seemingly endless lives.
Kelly, the hero of the Euro 2022 final, has a knack for delivering in big moments. And Agyemang, the nation’s blossoming icon, possesses the kind of stardust that rarely comes around more than once a generation.
Wiegman now has serious food for thought — and some big decisions to make.
Who Stood Out?
Wiegman was quick to credit the collective, but there’s one name fans can’t stop repeating.
Michelle Agyemang continued her fairytale rise with another clutch performance. The Arsenal striker — who spent last season on loan at Brighton — is turning Europe’s biggest stage into her own playground.
Once a ball girl at Wembley, she’s now a certified baller — and much of England’s progress in this tournament is thanks to her big-game brilliance.
The Game in Stats
- Michelle Agyemang is the first teenager to score twice at a Women’s Euros since Cecilie Pedersen (Norway) in 2009.
- Sarina Wiegman has now reached the final of every Women’s Euros (2017, 2022, 2025) and World Cup (2019, 2023) she’s coached at (with the Netherlands and England).
- Chloe Kelly’s 119th-minute winner was the latest goal ever scored at a Women’s Euros.
- Kelly became the 11th different scorer for England at Women’s Euro 2025 — a new tournament record.
- Lucy Bronze made her 35th major tournament appearance, equalling Jill Scott as England’s most-capped player across Women’s Euros and World Cups.
- Italy scored with their first shot on target — and their first touch inside England’s penalty area.
SEE ALSO: Everything You Need to Know About England’s Euro 2025 Hero Michelle Agyemang
