Sometimes, it only takes one spark to ignite a team—and that spark came in the form of 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang.
On a night when England’s women’s team looked flat, slow, and uninspired, the young Arsenal forward delivered a last-minute equalizer that breathed new life into the Lionesses and sent their Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy into extra time.
With the Italians already preparing to celebrate, Agyemang, calm and fearless, took her chance, smashing a powerful shot through a crowd of defenders and into the back of the net.
Just like that, the mood shifted entirely.
A Young Star Steps Up When England Needed It Most
It wasn’t just the goal that made Agyemang’s appearance special.
From the moment she stepped onto the pitch, her energy was undeniable.
Pressing defenders, hunting for chances, playing with no hesitation—she brought urgency that had been missing all night.
In extra time, she nearly grabbed a second goal, rattling the crossbar with a blistering shot.
That momentum eventually led to a critical penalty, drawn by Beth Mead and converted (on the rebound) by Chloe Kelly, sending England to the final.
A Question for Wiegman: Why Wait So Long?
It’s hard not to ask: why wasn’t Agyemang brought on sooner?
England had been struggling for most of the match, and it was clear they needed fresh legs and creativity up front.
Yet head coach Sarina Wiegman stood stoically on the sidelines as the minutes ticked by.
Even Chloe Kelly, a proven match-winner and hero of the 2022 Euros, didn’t enter the game until the 77th minute.
When she finally did, the crowd erupted—one of the loudest roars of the night.
Her presence helped turn the tide, adding much-needed attacking intent.
A Rough Start Under the Swiss Sun
The game started with promise. England showed early flashes of the dominant football that brought them the title three years ago.
Lauren Hemp linked up well with Georgia Stanway, and Italy looked shaky, with several unforced errors in the opening minutes.
But things quickly unraveled. Italy struck first after a slick one-two down the right side exposed England’s defense.
A mix of poor marking and hesitant decision-making gave Barbara Bonansea a clean shot, which she buried into the top corner.
It was a stunning blow—and fully avoidable.
England’s Attack Falters as Midfield Struggles to Connect
Despite having more possession, England lacked pace and intent.
Their attacks fizzled out, crosses flew harmlessly into the box, and chances were few and far between.
Alessia Russo came closest in the first half, but her shot curled just wide of the post.
The team sorely missed the flair of Lauren James, who didn’t return after halftime due to a foot injury.
Without her, the midfield lacked spark, and England drifted, passing without purpose.
Italy Punches Above Their Weight
Italy wasn’t expected to be a threat, but they came to fight.
Wearing pale green kits that looked more suited to a spa than a football pitch, they were disciplined, focused, and hungry.
Manager Andrea Soncin had said England were “not unbeatable,” and his team clearly believed it.
Their defensive setup frustrated the Lionesses, and their goal came as a reward for staying sharp and seizing one of their few clear chances.
Agyemang and Kelly Save the Day
When Michelle Agyemang finally got her chance, she made it count.
As the match slipped away in the 96th minute, she pounced on a loose ball in the box and scored a dramatic equalizer that gave England a lifeline.
Then came Chloe Kelly’s big moment.
After Mead was fouled in the box, Kelly buried the rebound from her own missed penalty, just as she had in the Euro 2022 final.
Her celebration, arms outstretched and full of fire, reminded fans of what this team is still capable of.
Eyes on the Final—But Big Questions Remain
With a showdown against either Spain or Germany awaiting in Bern on Sunday, England will need to improve drastically.
Their defense looked shaky, their buildup slow, and their tactics uninspired—until the late substitutions saved the day.
Sarina Wiegman now faces a big decision: does she finally start Agyemang? And can this team find their rhythm in time to lift the trophy once again?