England 'finishers' roles speak volumes as Lionesses' resilience keeps Euros dream alive
Sarina Wiegman's 'finishers' played a crucial part in England's Euro 2022 win, but their contribution against Sweden on Thursday night was just as dramatic. And it shows how the resilience of this squad runs right through the group - from those who played the full 120 minutes to those called into action to change the game.
Few substitute appearances will ever be as decisive as Chloe Kelly's match-winning arrival in the final at Wembley three years ago, but she ran it close in Zurich. Roughly three minutes passed between Kelly entering the field and England drawing level from 2-0 down, and the Arsenal star had a part in both goals.
Not only that, but her penalty - converted under the most extreme pressure - kept the Lionesses alive before Lucy Bronze eventually stepped up to help end a shoot-out that looked as though it could go on forever.
Kelly wasn't the only finisher to make a key impact, though. Fellow subs Beth Mead and Michelle Agyemang combined for the equaliser after fine work from Kelly down the left, and extra-time sub Niamh Charles got a key deflection on Lina Hurtig's header at the death to ensure all that hard work wasn't for naught.
'What we can control is the team just fighting to get back into the game and that is what you can see,' Wiegman said after the match, adrenaline still running through her veins an hour after her team sealed victory. 'I think that's a quality that is so strong in this team, that togetherness and fighting back. It shows so much resilience.
'Then we changed it and brought in other players like Michelle, Chloe and they brought different things to the game that really helped the team in that moment. Also, Sweden in that moment, had to adapt to some different things we did and before they could, it was 2-2.
'That is so powerful from this team. That luck as well, yes, at least three times I thought we were out.'
Kelly's pressure kick kept England alive, but it was one of the starters - right-back Bronze - who scored the decisive kick. 'Lucy Bronze is just one of a kind, I have never, ever seen this before in my life,' Wiegman said.
'I'm a very lucky person that I've worked with so many incredible people and incredible football players, and there are so, so many, but what she does and her mentality, and how she did that penalty and the goal, at the far post, she gets it in the net. But that's not what defines her. What defines her is that resilience, that fight. I think the only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair.'
Wiegman spoke ahead of the match about the Lionesses practicing penalties, while Sweden boss Peter Gerhardsson said his side hadn't done the same. And Wiegman's comments were reinforced by captain Leah Williamson - despite Sweden keeper Jennifer Falk keeping out four of England's spot-kicks.
'"[We prepared] loads, I know there were a few more misses than normal but everybody does,' Williamson said. 'It's something you have to box off before a tournament. There's so much science about it nowadays. It's the easiest and the hardest thing in the world.'
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Metro
18 minutes ago
- Metro
England player ratings as Lionesses beat Italy to reach Women's Euro 2025 final
England will face either Germany or Spain in the Women's Euro 2025 final (Picture: Getty) Sarina Wiegman's spirited England fought back from a goal down against Italy to win 2-1 in extra-time and book their place in the Women's Euro 2025 final. Three years on from their famous victory over Germany at Wembley, the reigning champions looked to be crashing out of the tournament after Barbara Bonansea arrowed an emphatic strike beyond Hannah Hampton in the 33rd minute. But Michelle Agyemang had other ideas after being introduced off the bench in the closing stages of normal time, reacting brilliantly to fire a driven shot beneath Italy goalkeeper Laura Giuliani to force a further 30 minutes in Geneva. With the momentum firmly in their favour, England were awarded a penalty in the 119th minute – and Chloe Kelly tucked the ball home on the rebound, having seen her initial effort saved, to cue rapturous scenes amongst the Lionesses' travelling support. Wiegman's side held firm as the minutes ticked down to secure their place in Sunday's showpiece, where they will do battle with either Germany or Spain. The result means Italy's 27-year wait for a place in a European Championship final goes on. The holders, meanwhile, will be competing in their third successive major tournament final when they take the field at at Basel's St Jakob-Park this weekend. ENGLAND STARTING XI (Picture: Getty) Hannah Hampton - 8 Showed some signs of nervousness in the opening exchanges, but recovered well and displayed real confidence in all aspects of her game: dominating the box, claiming crosses and distributing out from the back. Could have done very little to prevent Bonansea's strike, which was hammered into the roof with some force from inside the six-yard box. Aged just 24 with her best years surely ahead, the Lionesses have undoubtedly found Mary Earps' long-term successor. (Picture: Getty) Lucy Bronze - 7 The England stalwart – making her record-equaling 15 European Championship appearance – has grown into the tournament and proved a nuisance for the Italians with her direct and incessant running down the right flank. However, it was Bronze's failed clearance that led to Italy's first-half breakthrough, with the Chelsea full-back awkwardly directing the ball into the path of Bonansea. Guided a dangerous header across goal as England pushed for a late leveller, but the corner ultimately came to nothing, before Agyemang popped up to force extra time. (Picture: Getty) Leah Williamson - 6 Shook off an ankle problem to start the contest and the injury didn't look to bother England's captain. Wasn't directly at fault for Italy's goal, but could perhaps have got tighter on Girelli to prevent the forward from prodding the vital touch into Bonansea's path. Taken off for Agyemang just moments before the Arsenal forward's stoppage-time strike. The Arsenal centre-back will be looking to wrap her ankle in cotton wool ahead of Sunday's showpiece. (Picture: Getty) Esme Morgan - 7 Starting in place of Jess Carter, Morgan certainly did not look out of place alongside Williamson at the heart of Wiegman's defence. Proved to Wiegman that she can be trusted going forward, giving Wiegman a possible selection headache ahead of Sunday's final. Aged 24, the Washington Spirt defender displayed maturity beyond her years in Geneva. (Picture: Getty) Alex Greenwood - 5 Got far too tight on Cantore and was beaten too easily in the build-up to Bonansea's goal to make it 1-0. Began the first half by ballooning a wayward effort at Italy's goal. Will be looking for a drastically improved performance if she is given the nod this weekend. (Picture: Getty) Keira Walsh - 8 Typically diligent in breaking up Italy's attacks and mopping up at the base of England's midfield, particularly throughout what was a frenetic first half. No doubt frustrated with England's lack of attacking threat in the opening 60 minutes, Walsh took it upon herself to take a speculative shot from range on the hour-mark, which had Giuliani scrambling across her goal. Never seemed to put a foot wrong. Wiegman's trusty metronome was arguably England's player of the match before Agyemang came on and changed the game. (Picture: Getty) Georgia Stanway - 5 Stanway will have had worse games in her career, but the Bayern Munich midfielder simply didn't do enough to make her mark before coming off in the 77th minute. May look back with some disappointment on her display and will be desperate to repay Wiegman's trust with an improved showing in the final. (Picture: Getty) Ella Toone - 6 Toone was arguably the Lionesses' standout player before the semi-final, with two goals to her name this summer, but was unable to make a significant impact this time around. Linked up well with Hemp throughout and found the Manchester City attacker with an outstanding ball to the back post at the start of the second half, but the resulting header came to nothing. Another big chance fell to Toone in the 70th minute. However, the Manchester United forward snatched at her 20-yard effort, failing to trouble Giuliani in the Italy goal. Will be hoping to rediscover her scoring boots before Sunday. (Picture: Getty) Lauren James - 6 Looked to be getting her eye in with a strike at goal while the scoreline was goalless in the 11th minute, after some fine play from Hemp down the left. Came closer with a controlled effort shortly before half-time, only to be denied by a flying Giuliani. Should perhaps have put her foot through it. Appeared a little leggy when attacking Italy's box and was visibly struggling before coming off with an ankle injury at the half-time break, with Mead brought on in her place. (Picture: Getty) Alessia Russo - 5 Should maybe have hit the target with a shot on the turn in the 20th minute, which would have doubled her goalscoring tally at the tournament. Failed to get anything on the ball after a promising England attack in the 75 minute. Hasn't quite clicked for Russo this summer, but the Arsenal forward has the perfect opportunity to respond this weekend. (Picture: Getty) Lauren Hemp - 7 A constant and willing outlet down the left flank, looking to exploit the space in behind Italy's Martina Lenzini. Undoubtedly England's most potent weapon in a frustrating opening 45 minutes and came close to equalising with a whipped cross-come-shot in the closing stages of the first half. Should have hit the target with a header from near point-blank range the start of the second period as England searched for an equaliser. SUBSTITUTES Beth Mead - 6 Replaced James at the halfway stage and struggled to make an immediate impact. However, it was Mead's attempted header that led to Agyemang's equaliser as England dug deep to force extra time in Geneva. Chloe Kelly - 6 Having come on for Stanway, there were sighs of frustration as Kelly fired a disappointing corner into the side netting as England sought a leveller deep into added time. Charged with intent towards Italy's goal in the 98th minute, but the Arsenal forward looked on in anguish after blazing the resulting strike high and wide. Failed with her initial effort from the spot in the extra-time, but was in the right place to tuck away the rebound to cue wild scenes amongst England's travelling support in Switzerland. Michelle Agyemang - 9 Cometh the moment, cometh the Agyemang… After being sent on to make the difference in the 85th minute, the 19-year-old scored her third goal in four appearances to force added time in the most dramatic fashion. Continued to stretch Italy's tiring defenders and came within inches of scoring one of the great Lionesses goals in the second period of extra time, only to be denied by the crossbar. Wiegman could hardly have asked for anything more from the gifted Arsenal youngster. Aggie Beever-Jones - 7 Was not able to have the same influence as Agyemang, for obvious reasons, but was positive throughout and did her reputation no harm whatsoever. Grace Clinton & Jess Carter - 6 Brought on in extra time and both looked at home on the biggest stage for the limited time they were on the pitch. Arrow MORE: Jess Carter proves there's no room for error as a Black player Arrow MORE: Chloe Kelly scores last-minute winner to send Lionesses to Euro 2025 final
The Independent
18 minutes ago
- The Independent
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Super-sub Chloe Kelly fired England into the Euro 2025 final in extra time as the defending champions completed another spectacular comeback to beat Italy 2-1 in Geneva. Barbara Bonansea stunned the England support into silence when she opened the scoring in the 33rd minute for the underdog Italians, who had reached their first European semi-final in 28 years. The Lionesses, in their sixth straight major tournament final four appearance, were on the brink of elimination when 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang once again came off the bench and rescued Sarina Wiegman's side with a second-half stoppage-time equaliser. England were gifted a penalty late in the second period of extra time and, though Kelly's initial attempt was saved, the Arsenal forward made no mistake with her second opportunity when she emphatically buried the rebound.
The Independent
18 minutes ago
- The Independent
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Read more England's substitutes inspired once again to complete an unbelievable turnaround against Italy and book their place in a third consecutive major final at Euro 2025. The Lionesses suffered another early setback when Barbara Bonansea punished sloppy defending in the first half and Le Azzurre held firm until the 96th minute in Geneva. A positive response in the second half, after Sarina Wiegman had screamed at her side to 'wake up!', saw Lauren Hemp miscue twice, before Wiegman sent on Beth Mead, Michelle Agyemang, Chloe Kelly and Aggie Beever-Jones in a desperate attempt to find an equaliser. But just as their luck appeared destined to run out, a chaotic penalty-area scramble saw Agyemang pounce with a slick, low finish to force extra-time. The game looked set for penalties, with Agyemang's outrageous lob coming off the bar in what seemed like the last big chance to win it in open play. That was until Beth Mead was dragged down to win England a late penalty, the rebound of which Chloe Kelly was able to convert in the 119th-minute, with Wiegman's side doing it the hard way once again to take their European title defence to the final day. Here are how the England players rated from their 2-1 semi-final win in Geneva: Hannah Hampton, 7 England's new No 1 did her job when called upon, aptly collecting crosses when Italy tried to threaten, while also passing out from the back with precision. Little she could do for the goal, which was more the fault of her back four - but still not a good look to concede your first shot on target. Dove out to collect a defence-splitting cross in the first minutes of the second period, before standing firm to spare Morgan's blushes. Then produced a huge double save at the death to keep England in the contest - a crucial intervention it proved. Lucy Bronze, 5 A bit hot and heavy to start, flying up the pitch to try and put pressure on the Italy defence but falling foul of diving in on a couple of occasions - perhaps lucky to escape an early caution. She nevertheless enjoyed the freedom to move forward down the right, linking up with James and Walsh when she can. But it's at the back where there's a lot to be desired for the goal, failing to read the delivery properly and allowing the ball to pass her and reach Bonansea, who does not need a second invitation to smash home from the edge of the six-yard box. Not much improved after the break, with attacking contributions often proving wasteful - a heavy touch in the box after linking up with Mead with particularly frustrating. Despite a poor performance, she nearly became the hero as she latches onto a corner at the back post - but her header was cleared off the line. Her experience came through in extra time as England turned it around. open image in gallery Lucy Bronze was at fault for Italy's first goal ( Getty Images ) Leah Williamson, 5 Helped prevent Italy from getting a touch in the England box for the first half an hour - but is also significantly at fault for the goal, completely misreading the cross and stepping too far up, allowing it to pass between her and Hampton and into the feet of Bonansea. Fought tooth and nail to chase down Cantore after Morgan was caught out, putting the Italian under pressure to force an imperfect shot. Still a bit shaky as the game continued. Subbed. Esme Morgan, 6 In the team in place of Carter, she quickly looked to prove her worth. She used her pace to get across to cover for Walsh, showing a burst of speed that has been lacking from this England back four this tournament. However, she's done by the one-two for the goal, caught out of position after Greenwood was beaten too easily from the throw. Later had her blushes spared by her keeper after allowing Sofia Cantore to run in on goal. Booked in second half stoppage time. open image in gallery Esme Morgan started in place of Jess Carter for England ( The FA via Getty Images ) Alex Greenwood, 5 Became targeted by Italy as Le Azzurre grew into the game and was beaten too easily down the left in the build-up to their opener. Far too close to her opponent, who quickly darts past her and suddenly gives the Italians a numerical advantage. Redeemed herself partially by dealing with an awkward bounce in the area on the brink of half-time, but a wild attempt from the edge of the box wastes a decent opportunity soon after the restart. Subbed. Ella Toone, 7 Started brightly, looking to connect defence to attack as England began to threaten. Influence waned, as it did with the entire midfield, after Italy took the lead, but she picked up a bit after the break, with a wonderful looping cross finding an unmarked Hemp at the back post - only for the Man City forward to head over. Nearly helped force an own goal in extra time, delivering towards Beever-Jones and nearly seeing the resulting ricochet off an Italian shin crawl across the line. A lot of running from the Manchester United star - she gave it her all. open image in gallery Ella Toone emptied the tank against Italy ( REUTERS ) Keira Walsh, 6 She tried to bend one in from the edge of the box, looking to produce a moment of magic to level things after being all but absent for the opening half. Distribution had a hell of a lot to be desired in that first 45, but was significantly better after the restart - going on a dazzling run through the Italian core and firing just wide of the post as she became the heart of England's attempted fightback. Evidently began to tire as the game entered its dying stages, though. Subbed. Georgia Stanway, 5 Overrun and bypassed by a stronger Italy midfield in the first half. Slightly improved after the restart but the least influential of the three. Finds space from 25 yards out with England entering into squeaky-bum time - we know how good she can be from range - but blazes wildly over. Subbed. Lauren James, 5 Had the first shot on target of the game as she latched onto a Hemp delivery - straight down the throat of Italy stopper Laura Giuliani - but often involved in build-up from deeper down that right-hand side. Then had a huge opportunity to strike England level just minutes after falling behind, but her effort from central lacked conviction as she tried to bend it round the Italy body, easily parried away. A real lack of clinical finishing when it mattered. Subbed, reappearing after half-time with ice around her ankle. open image in gallery Lauren James picked up an injury and was subbed at half-time ( REUTERS ) Alessia Russo, 5 First big chance of the evening fell to her feet as she twisted the Italy defence inside out with a nice half-turn in the box, before firing just wide. It was a solid early attempt, but her influence drastically waned as Italy grew in confidence. She became surrounded by two or three green shirts constantly, desperately defending their lead, and it meant her impact grew non-existent. Subbed. Lauren Hemp, 7 A useful outlet down the left early on as England started brightly. Whipped in a teasing cross for James, who managed to direct a deft effort goalwards in what was the first half-chance of the game. Linked up with the Chelsea winger once more after her team fell behind, slipping James in behind with a brilliant pass - all that was lacking was the finish. But as she took the role of finisher early in the second half, she failed to find her shooting boots - directing a simple header onto the roof of the net when unmarked at the back post, before dawdling over the ball when it fell to her in a dangerous position. It seemed her shortfalls into front of goal could prove detrimental for England - but as she delivered a dangerous cross to trouble the keeper in stoppage time, she sparked Agyemang's miraculous equaliser. A huge contribution to keep England in the tournament. open image in gallery Lauren Hemp peppered the Italy box with crosses but her finishing had a lot to be desired ( AFP via Getty Images ) Substitutes Beth Mead, 6 (45'): Her introduction offered something different to James down the right - bringing on a poacher and taking emphases away from pace. But she remained largely on the fringes for her entire hour-plus cameo... at least until she won the 117th-minute penalty! Chloe Kelly, 8 (78'): Huge reception to the introduction of England's super-sub, but was it too late from Wiegman? It seemed so, with the Arsenal star unable to make her trademark impact against this resilient Italy defence - at least in normal time. But she was given 30 more minutes to make an impact thanks to a certain teenage hero, and it had to be her, didn't it. She missed her penalty but was there to tuck in the rebound with seconds of extra time to go. Michelle Agyemang, 9 (84'): The teenage sensation, sent on to deliver England a miracle. AND SHE DOES IT! In the sixth minute of seven added on, she finds the composure to fire past Giuliani - elation for the Lionesses, absolute agony for Italy. Remained a problem for Le Azzurre throughout extra time, and came inches from bringing about one of the great England moments. Chasing down a ball over the top, she tried an outrageous lob on the volley from a tight angle, only to see her effort come back off the bar. That would've been some winner. A sublime cameo from the breakout star. Aggie Beever-Jones, 7 (84'): A live wire going forward, she could have won it at the death with an effort that flies just wide of Giuliani's goal as the late subs threatened to steal the show. Nearly forced an own goal in extra time. Grace Clinton, 6 (106'): Brought on to try and make the difference. Part of the team that turned it around in the end. Jess Carter (120+1'): Fantastic moment.
