Reigning European champions England produced yet another thrilling comeback on Monday night, snatching a dramatic 2-1 victory over Italy in extra time to book their place in the Euro 2025 final.
In a match that tested every ounce of England’s resilience, it was teenage sensation Michelle Agyemang who kept the dream alive, coming off the bench to fire home a 96th-minute equaliser after the Lionesses trailed deep into stoppage time.
But the final word came from another substitute, Chloe Kelly, the heroine of England’s Euro 2022 triumph who struck in the dying moments of extra time. After her penalty was saved by Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani, Kelly showed quick reflexes and ice-cold nerves to smash in the rebound and send England fans into raptures.
“This team never gives up,” Wiegman said post-match. “They keep fighting until the final whistle and tonight was proof of that spirit.”
For Michelle Agyemang, 19, it was another fairytale moment in a breakthrough tournament. Scoring her second goal of the competition both as a substitute, the Arsenal forward showed remarkable composure as she slotted past Giuliani with the kind of poise beyond her years.
“I just wanted to make an impact,” said Agyemang. “When the ball came, I knew I had to take my chance and I did.”
