Just a few years ago, Michelle Agyemang was watching from the sidelines, tossing balls to England’s stars.
Now? She’s the one they’re all running to after a last-minute goal that kept the Lionesses’ European Championship dreams alive.
The 19-year-old came off the bench late and delivered when it mattered most—rescuing England with a dramatic equaliser in the dying seconds, before Chloe Kelly’s penalty sent them through to yet another major final.
England Left Chasing After Italy’s First-Half Strike
It wasn’t all sunshine and celebrations at the start.
England were trailing for most of the match after Barbara Bonansea put Italy ahead in the first half.
The Lionesses pushed forward but couldn’t find a breakthrough, and with time running out, things were getting tense.
That’s when manager Sarina Wiegman made a bold move—bringing on Agyemang with just five minutes of regular time left.
It turned out to be a game-changing decision.
Agyemang’s Last-Gasp Goal Turns the Game Around
As the clock ticked into stoppage time, it looked like Italy were heading to the final.
But Agyemang had other plans. In the sixth minute of added time, Lauren Hemp whipped in a cross that Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani failed to hold on to.
Agyemang was there in the right place at the right time, slotting the ball home with total composure.
The stadium erupted. Fans, players, and coaching staff all celebrated what felt like a miracle moment.
So Close to the Winner, Then a Penalty Turns the Tide
Agyemang wasn’t done just yet. She nearly stole the show in extra time with a delicate chip that beat the keeper but hit the crossbar.
Seconds later, Beth Mead was fouled in the box, giving England a golden opportunity to win it.
Chloe Kelly stepped up. Her first shot was saved, but she pounced on the rebound and buried it.
England were ahead for the first time all match—and this time, they didn’t let go.
Agyemang Reflects on Her Unbelievable Journey
After the final whistle, an emotional Agyemang opened up about her incredible journey from ball girl to England goalscorer.
Speaking to ITV, she said, “It means the world to me.
I’m so grateful to God for where He’s brought me from.”
Just four years ago, she was handing balls to players like Mead and Kelly.
Now she’s sharing the pitch—and scoring clutch goals—alongside them.
Rapid Rise on the International Stage
Agyemang’s rise has been nothing short of astonishing.
She made her England debut in April, coming off the bench and scoring just 41 seconds later against Belgium.
Since then, she’s delivered again and again—netting equalisers in both the quarter-final and semi-final of Euro 2025.
That’s three goals in four appearances for the teenager.
Not bad for someone who only recently joined the senior setup.
“A Moment That Will Live in My Heart Forever”
What made the night even more special for Agyemang was the reaction from her teammates—many of whom she barely knows yet.
“To see my team celebrating with me—most of these girls I’ve only known for two months—it just shows the heart and spirit in this squad,” she said.
“That moment will live in my heart forever.”
The Lionesses March On to Another Final
With this comeback win, England now move into their third consecutive major final.
They’ll face either Spain or Germany on Sunday, looking to defend their European crown.
But regardless of the outcome, one thing’s for sure—Michelle Agyemang has announced herself on the biggest stage. And she’s just getting started.