Michelle Agyemang heading for the big time after Euro 2025 heroics
But as soon as they leave Switzerland – be it with a trophy after Sunday's final with Spain or not – the 19-year-old Arsenal forward, who twice saved the Lionesses from elimination in this tournament, has unequivocally arrived.
Michelle Agyemang scores against Sweden in the quarter-final (Nick Potts/PA)
'Michelle, it's mad, like I would think she's about 30 years old, she's so mature,' said Toone of catalyst Agyemang, who netted equalisers in England's stunning quarter- and semi-final comebacks.
'She's so humble, she's coming to this tournament with freedom, you know, not a worry, not a care. She's just gone out there and done what's been asked of her.
'She's been amazing for us. She's turned up in big moments when we've needed her. She's got a lot of talent, and she can do a lot of things that not many players can do.
'Even when she scored and kept us in games, she's been the same Michelle that she was when she started this tournament. So, yeah, I'm absolutely buzzing for her. It's nice for good people to get things that they deserve, and she's definitely one of those people.'
Chloe Kelly, centre, and Agyemang have been England's super-subs in Switzerland (Nick Potts/PA)
Agyemang and Arsenal team-mate Chloe Kelly have been compared to Alessia Russo and best friend Toone, England's 'super-subs' during their Euro 2022 triumph.
The the latter came off the bench twice to score at that home tournament, including the first of the Lionesses' goals in their 2-1 extra-time victory over Germany in the Wembley final.
And yet Agyemang's anointing this summer is even more spectacular, considering her heroics in the knockouts came during just her third and fourth senior England appearances.
She burst onto the scene as a last-minute replacement for an injured Russo, then scored 41 seconds into her England debut in April, ultimately convincing Wiegman she deserved a place in her 23-woman squad.
Agyemang has spent the last Women's Super League season on loan at Brighton, and could still go out on loan again for the new campaign to ensure more regular playing time – and would no doubt receive plenty of offers.
Agyemang spent last season on loan at Brighton (Nigel French/PA)
She might also remain with the Champions League winners – where she will join new recruit Olivia Smith, women's football's first £1million player, at one of the most well-supported clubs in the world.
Either scenario, it seems, comes with a much brighter spotlight on a wise-beyond-her-years forward who admires Kelly Smith, Russo and Lauren James but says she wants to be a 'unique player' who offers 'something different'.
Toone, who also scored in the 2023 World Cup semi-final, knows exactly what it is like to achieve notoriety in a major tournament – and some of the stranger consequences that come with it.
'She might get papped eating a pasty like I did!' Toone exclaimed. 'I'll have to warn her about that.
'I think she's definitely in the bubble now but I think when she gets out she'll be recognised a lot more than she was before the tournament, that's for sure, and she definitely deserves that as well.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
a few seconds ago
- Daily Record
Rangers make Oliver Antman transfer breakthrough with deal timeline emerging
Talks over a move for the Finnish international have been progressing and now a deal could be in sight for Russell Martin Oliver Antman is set to sign for Rangers after the Ibrox club agreed a fee with Go Ahead Eagles. Record Sport understands that an agreement has been reached with the Eredivise outfit for the Finnish wide man, with sources in the Netherlands suggesting that the 23-year-old could become Russell Martin 's latest signing within the next 24 to 48 hours. Talks have taken place over a switch to Ibrox and a breakthrough has been made with the Deventer-based outfit. A fee of around £5million has been reported, and now it's understood that progress has been made with both club and player, easing the way for a move to Govan to happen. Antman won't be eligible for Wednesday night's Champions League second leg showdown with Panathinaikos in Athens even if he signs in time. But he could well be in the squad Martin takes to Fir Park on Saturday as Gers begin their Scottish Premiership campaign with an evening kick-off away to Motherwell. Antman bagged 7 goals and an impressive 17 assists to help fire Go Ahead to Dutch Cup glory last term. Sheffield United had been strongly linked with Antman, along with Belgian outfit and recent Ibrox visitors Club Brugge. But it now looks as if Gers have won the race. Go Ahead Eagles director Jan Willem van Dop insisted Antman, along with Celtic-linked teammate Jakob Breum, wouldn't leave on the cheap. He told Oost: "We think Breum and Antman should be allowed to leave for more than six million," which would seem to be the threshold Rangers have met to get a deal over the line. Former PSV, Barcelona and Dutch international star Ibrahim Affelay predicted that Antman would bank Go Ahead good money. he said: "That Antman is really... I think the treasurer is rubbing his hands with glee. He's going to make a fantastic transfer at the end of the season."
Scottish Sun
a few seconds ago
- Scottish Sun
Hibs fan fighting for life after away trip to Denmark for European clash
His son Ian shared the news in a message posted on Facebook 'BEST WISHES' Hibs fan fighting for life after away trip to Denmark for European clash Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HIBS fan is fighting for his life in intensive care after falling seriously ill in Denmark whilst supporting his "beloved team" in Europe. Dougie Sneddon travelled to Copenhagen this week to watch the Hibees take on Midtjylland in their Europa League second qualifying round. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Dougie Sneddon was rushed to hospital in Denmark this week Credit: GoFundMe 3 He travelled to watch Hibs take on Midtjylland in the Europa League second qualifying round Credit: EPA Jamie McGrath's priceless early opener put David Gray's men ahead, but the match on July 24 finished 1-1 after Aral Simsir scored a late equaliser. However, the supporter, who was known to many as Uncle Dougie, was sadly rushed to a Danish hospital after taking ill during his trip. He is currently on a ventilator in the ICU and needs treatment. His son Ian shared the news in a message posted on Facebook through The Provincial Grand Lodge of Edinburgh. It said: "As you can imagine, it's come as a shock to us all, and with it happening away from home, that's just added to the complications and the stresses of the situation. "There's not too much information at the moment, but a brief summary of what has happened is that my Dad landed in Copenhagen on Tuesday evening and got on the train to travel to Henring for the match, but had to get off about an hour into the journey as he took really unwell. It's come as a shock to us all, and with it happening away from home, that's just added to the complications and stresses Ian "The good news is that there's been a slight improvement in him since he's been admitted, and he's responding well to dialysis and the antibiotics. "He is, however, still in intensive care and is still sedated and on a ventilator. "My mum and sister are staying at the hospital with him and are providing updates as and when they can, which I will share. "We're hoping that he continues to improve, but I think it's still going to be a long road of recovery ahead for him yet." Legendary Mixu Paatelainen lifts lid on Jim McLean's brutal blast, infamous Walter Smith bust-up and his Hibs job regrets And his fellow supporters have launched a fundraiser to try and raise vital cash for his family to help cover some of the costs. The GoFundMe page explains that his loved ones are trying to navigate through the complicated insurance process. But they are urging people to help the family with Dougie's ongoing healthcare costs in the meantime. Organiser Peter Manson wrote on the page: "I am starting a fundraising to help cover the cost of medical care and accommodation for a well-known friend to many. "As some of you may know, Uncle Dougie (Dougie Sneddon) was over in Denmark to see his beloved team. "Dougie became seriously ill and is in a Danish Hospital and is in ICU, and on a ventilator. "So the family need our donations to cover the cost till they find out about insurance. We're hoping that he continues to improve, but I think it's still going to be a long road of recovery ahead for him yet Ian "Not like the UK, everything must be covered first. "Any funds I receive will be transferred to the family ASAP. "I will also take cash donations and keep a check of who donated it and mention them if they request it. Please share". Many have flocked to social media to wish Dougie well in hospital. One person said: "Get well soon Dougie. Sending love to you and your family at this difficult time Another added: "Keep fighting and get well soon Bud." Someone else wrote: "Get well soon from a Hearts fan". While a fourth commented: "My best wishes, praying for a speedy recovery and happy outcome". And a fifth posted: "Thinking of you Dougie, get well bro". Anyone looking to donate to the fundraiser can do so here.
Scottish Sun
a few seconds ago
- Scottish Sun
Jess Carter melts England fans' hearts and admits she was ‘scared to play' in Euro 2025 final after personal struggles
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JESS CARTER admitted she was 'super scared' of playing in England's Euros final triumph. Before the semi-final win over Italy, the Lionesses defender revealed she'd received racist abuse from online trolls during the tournament. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Jess Carter gave an emotional interview after the final 5 Carter admitted she was 'scared' to play in the Euro 2025 final Credit: Getty 5 Carter, who was excellent against Spain, received vile racist abuse on social media Credit: AP Carter, 27, was put back in the starting line-up for last night's penalty shootout triumph over Spain - after being put on the bench against the Italians. And the Gotham FC star says she was a bag of nerves going into the final after a recall from boss Sarina Wiegman. Carter said: 'I was super scared of playing the final for the first time in my life. 'When I woke up in the morning and saw my team and saw the support I had - and the belief I had from my team-mates, manager and family - I had I could come out and give my all. That's all you can do. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL HEAVEN AND KEL Chloe Kelly steals the show after scoring winning goal in TWO Euros finals 'It's incredible, the fans have been incredible all tournament and we couldn't have done this without them. 'We're so grateful for them and this moment. Giving up is not in our DNA. We have stuck together from minute one. I couldn't be prouder of this team and I'm so honoured to be proud of it. 'I'm more disappointed in myself previous performances than anyone else.' England team-mates, staff and fans rallied around Carter after she revealed vile abuse she had been subjected to. 5 England made it back-to-back Euro championships Credit: Getty BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Before the extra-time win against Italy on Tuesday, England's subs stood arm-in-arm with Carter after the players opted against taking the knee before kick-off. But Carter kept her cool to emerge as a European champion. Fans go wild as England beat Spain on penalties to win Women's Euro 2025 final Asked how she's going to celebrate, she said: 'Getting very drunk!' In an Instagram post, the 27-year-old player said: "From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse. "Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don't agree or think it's ok to target someone's appearance or race." She said she was stepping back to "protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team any way I can". "Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won't have to deal with it," she added. 5 Jess Carter stands with her hands on her head and can barely believe that England have won the Euros again Credit: PA The Lionesses posted a message from the squad with the caption: "We stand with Jess, and all #Lionesses players past and present who have suffered racism." It reads: "No one should have to endure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life. "Representing our country is the greatest honour. It's not right that while we are doing that some of us are treated differently simply because of the colour of our skin."
