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The Independent
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Chloe Kelly delivers another miracle to extend an unbelievable England trend
England, somehow, do it again. The defending European champions are in a third consecutive major final after a second consecutive game where they needed a miracle late rescue. Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly were, once more, the they can do it one more time is a big question but one that can wait - for tonight. There is an awful lot to fault about this team right now but not their resolve. They keep going no matter what, which is why they keep getting through round after round of this tournament. It isn't always convincing. It isn't always productive. But it does just keep happening. It also fostered yet another absorbing drama. That is what really does wonders for the women's game. Theatre that grips people, and then crescendo moments like this. England do offer more of this than almost anyone, regardless of how they're playing. That is to their immense credit, all the more so after the events of the week. Jess Carter, of course, got a cheer. They led into the raucous celebration at the end, something this side has offered their growing travelling support so often. Sympathy should be spared for Italy, despite the needle so evident in this game. They overachieved just to get this far, and you could see that in the manner they pushed themselves to the limit in the exacting final moments. It was like they could just go no further, as witnessed with how they couldn't handle Agyemang for the 96th-minute equaliser, and then the absurd decision that led to Kelly's penalty. As if to reflect the entire match, as well as decide it, England still made it through. And Kelly pounced. Wiegman's substitutions had again worked, in the same way her starting line-up once more failed. It could be said there is considerable luck to all of that, especially with how badly they played against moderate opposition. England were arguably just as fortunate to finish second in the group and get Italy. The manner in which they allowed Barbara Bonansea to score the opening goal was haphazard, since the ball could have been cleared three times. There were many poor decisions. But an absolute key to that, that should not be dismissed, is that other sides would allow all of this to affect them. There can be a self-fulfilling element in that the more you toil for a goal, the less it feels likely to come, accentuating the England, it currently feels the opposite. The self-fulfilling element is how they've scored a series of late goals, so they always feel they can do it again. It's there throughout every game, affecting the opposition in another way. You could sense it in the increasingly desperate Italian clearances just before Agyemang's equaliser. Also, it should be stressed that the goal was not the product of scrambling something or just making it happen by will alone. Agyemang displayed supreme composure in taking the touch to set herself, and then finished supremely. The strike also showcased admirable conviction when your team is just 90 seconds from going out. That's what it comes down to. Agyemang's later effort was almost better, except it hit the bar rather than the net. She displayed the ingenuity that England had been missing with a superb, hooked lob from near the byline, which caught Laura Giuliani out but hit the bar. That would have been a worthy way to win it… Except there was still the apt crescendo of Kelly's finish. Her willingness to run at Italy changed the game as much as Agyemang's impact. The crowd naturally greeted Kelly with wild roars, just one more element that causes doubt for the opposition. The forward was duly named player of the match, having won it. Giuliani might have stopped her penalty, but there was no stopping Kelly herself. She latched straight onto it to finish. Italy were never coming back. They had given everything, but just didn't have as much as England, either in quality or - consequently - will. There is a fair argument that all of this shows how Wiegman's side are less than the sum of their parts, as they have been for some time. That only matters in a tournament, however, once you actually go out. It is, of course, possible all of this is building up the inevitable final defeat, but then more late rescue acts like this create the same effect from the other side. So much is now dependent on whether it's Spain or Germany in the final, a repeat of either 2022 or 2023. This, meanwhile, felt a repeat of some recent men's tournaments, from the way Harry Kane scored from a saved penalty against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final, to England making their way through unconvincingly in Euro 2024. Except, this England have actually won the trophy. Moments like this are where that matters, where that has an effect. If all of this seems to be dwelling on the psychological, it is because that is such a major part of the reason England are in the final. Their build-up play was poor, if it existed at all. Too many moves ended with predictable shunts down the wing and a cross, or a hopeful long shot. There are a series of personnel issues, from the fitness levels of Lauren James and Leah Williamson, to how Keira Walsh was below par. Alessia Russo just doesn't look like scoring, and there are huge issues in defence. Wiegman has so much to figure out. She also, somehow, has a team in another final. For now that's all that matters.
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
A look at Sarina Wiegman's England record as Lionesses march on at Euro 2025
The 55-year-old led the Netherlands to Euros glory in 2017 and took them to the World Cup final in 2019 before enjoying success as England boss. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at Wiegman's record at major tournaments with the Lionesses. Euro 2022 – Champions Wiegman's England were crowned European Champions (Jonathan Brady/PA) Having officially started her role in September 2021, Wiegman tasted her first major success as England boss less than a year later at the European Championships on home soil. England had made an impression by winning the Arnold Clark Cup earlier in the year and continued their fine form in the summer, finishing top of Group A with three wins from three, which included a thumping 8-0 demolition of Norway. The Lionesses' route to the final included triumphs over Spain – a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win – and Sweden – a 4-0 thrashing – in the knockout stages to set up a Wembley showdown with Germany. Although Lina Magull cancelled out Ella Toone's opener, Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner earned the Lionesses their first ever major trophy. World Cup 2023 – Finalists England were beaten in the 2023 World Cup final by Spain (Zac Goodwin/PA) Wiegman's squad headed to the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand without captain Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 player of the tournament Beth Mead due to injury. A cagey start saw the Lionesses earn a 1-0 victory over Haiti and a 1-0 win against Denmark before they capped off Group D in a dominant fashion with a thumping 6-1 triumph over China. England clinched a dramatic penalty shootout win over Nigeria in the last 16 to reach the quarter-finals, where they beat Colombia 2-1 before going on to knock out co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals. By beating the Matildas Wiegman had successfully steered the Lionesses to a second successive major tournament final, but this time they fell at the final hurdle, going down 1-0 to Spain in Sydney, despite Mary Earps' penalty save. Euro 2025 – Semi-finalists (so far) The Lionesses got the defence of their title off to a shaky start by losing 2-1 to France in Zurich. They bounced back in style with a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands four days later before a thumping 6-1 win over neighbours Wales sealed their place in the quarter-finals as they finished second in Group D. Last-eight opponents Sweden had won all three of their group games and looked set to prove too strong following first-half goals from Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius. But quickfire late goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang took the game to extra-time before the Lionesses triumphed 3-2 in a dramatic, save-filled shootout.
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
A look at Sarina Wiegman's England record as Lionesses march on at Euro 2025
The 55-year-old led the Netherlands to Euros glory in 2017 and took them to the World Cup final in 2019 before enjoying success as England boss. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at Wiegman's record at major tournaments with the Lionesses. Euro 2022 – Champions Wiegman's England were crowned European Champions (Jonathan Brady/PA) Having officially started her role in September 2021, Wiegman tasted her first major success as England boss less than a year later at the European Championships on home soil. England had made an impression by winning the Arnold Clark Cup earlier in the year and continued their fine form in the summer, finishing top of Group A with three wins from three, which included a thumping 8-0 demolition of Norway. The Lionesses' route to the final included triumphs over Spain – a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win – and Sweden – a 4-0 thrashing – in the knockout stages to set up a Wembley showdown with Germany. Although Lina Magull cancelled out Ella Toone's opener, Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner earned the Lionesses their first ever major trophy. World Cup 2023 – Finalists England were beaten in the 2023 World Cup final by Spain (Zac Goodwin/PA) Wiegman's squad headed to the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand without captain Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 player of the tournament Beth Mead due to injury. A cagey start saw the Lionesses earn a 1-0 victory over Haiti and a 1-0 win against Denmark before they capped off Group D in a dominant fashion with a thumping 6-1 triumph over China. England clinched a dramatic penalty shootout win over Nigeria in the last 16 to reach the quarter-finals, where they beat Colombia 2-1 before going on to knock out co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals. By beating the Matildas Wiegman had successfully steered the Lionesses to a second successive major tournament final, but this time they fell at the final hurdle, going down 1-0 to Spain in Sydney, despite Mary Earps' penalty save. Euro 2025 – Semi-finalists (so far) The Lionesses got the defence of their title off to a shaky start by losing 2-1 to France in Zurich. They bounced back in style with a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands four days later before a thumping 6-1 win over neighbours Wales sealed their place in the quarter-finals as they finished second in Group D. Last-eight opponents Sweden had won all three of their group games and looked set to prove too strong following first-half goals from Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius. But quickfire late goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang took the game to extra-time before the Lionesses triumphed 3-2 in a dramatic, save-filled shootout.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sweden 2 England 2 (2-3 on pens) – Lucy Bronze leads Lionesses to Euros penalty glory
The defending European Champions hang on to live another match, outlasting Sweden in a long, drawn out penalty shootout. The drama of the final acts of the match will be what takes the spotlight, but 45 minutes in things spelled a much different tale. The Lionesses were lucky to enter the break only 2-0 down, with Sweden notching the better chances with goals from Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius. In the second half, England had a moment early when Lauren James made her way down the flank, dishing a precision cross to the darting Lauren Hemp. Hemp's header connected but went wide. In its time, it felt like a missed opportunity. However, head coach Sarina Wiegman, who is often adverse to changes to her lineup, had key players sitting on the bench. In the 69th minute, Wiegman made a triple substitution, removing Jess Carter, Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway for Esme Morgan, Michelle Agyemang and Beth Mead. But it wasn't until Wiegman sent in Chloe Kelly that the full spark lit. The Arsenal forward sent in the crosses on both goals, the first connecting with the head of defender Lucy Bronze and the second finding 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang, who is playing in her first European Championship. The score stayed level at 2-2 through 120 minutes until… Lionnesses find a way in penalties After a pulsating 120 minutes, a quite extraordinary penalty shootout, that seemingly neither team wanted to win, unfolded. It all started out so conventionally: Alessia Russo dispatched the first spot kick, sending the ball low to the left, evading goalkeeper Jennifer Falk who had dived the right way. Next up: Hannah Hampton went to her left to keep out Filippa Angeldahl as the Lionesses led after the first round. Falk guessed correctly again, this time successfully tipping Lauren James' effort around the post, before Julia Zigiotti Olme picked out the top left hand corner to level the scores, leaving Hampton with no chance despite diving the right way. Falk then saved again to her left-hand side to deny Beth Mead, but Magdalena Eriksson couldn't take advantage, as her penalty to the right clipped the post. Greenwood would be the next England player to be spurned by Falk, with her effort to her right a good height for the Sweden goalkeeper to palm away, and Nathalie Bjorn then confidently dispatched to her right as Sweden took the lead. Then things got really strange: It was miss and England were out, but Kelly stepped up with her usual skipping technique and emphatically found the top corner, with a rare incorrect dive from Falk. The Sweden goalkeeper had the opportunity to be the hero and complete a remarkable solo shootout showing with the fifth and final penalty, only to send the ball high over the bar. To sudden death and still no hero: Grace Clinton's tame effort was comfortably saved by Falk, leaving Sofia Jakobsson with the opportunity to win it for Sweden, but Hampton tipped the ball onto the post down to her right. Up steps Lucy Bronze who left us wondering how everyone else had made it all look so difficult, leathering the ball into the roof of the net. It proved to be all that was needed. Smilla Holmberg had to score to keep Sweden's hopes alive, but she sent her penalty over the bar, concluding a quite frankly ridiculous shootout. Ali Rampling How England ended up 2-0 in the first half The cracks appeared from the beginning. England looked shaky at the back against Sweden's aggressive press in the first half. In the second minute, Sweden's No 9 Asllani partially intercepted Carter's pass and Keira Walsh's consequent ball was blocked by Filippa Angeldal. Blackstenius pounced and played in Asllani, who finished clinically. From that moment, England looked nervous. They needed to be calm, feel the ball and play themselves back into the game but they could not maintain possession through the break. Minutes later, Carter played a bouncing ball to Hampton who took a heavy touch and defender Leah Williamson was forced to make a sliding tackle to prevent Blackstenius from another goal-scoring opportunity. Hampton continued to kick long to perhaps relieve some pressure from the backline but England gifted Sweden possession as if Christmas had come early. For Sweden's second, Blackstenius got the better of Carter and neatly slotted home. Sweden were happy for Carter, the less comfortable of the two centre-backs in possession, to have the ball. Around the 30-minute marker, Williamson and Carter swapped sides, perhaps to pose Sweden a question about which side to force the ball. That seemed to work as Williamson had more of the ball. Carter fought shoulder to shoulder with Blackstenius and won a one-on-one battle, but the damage had already been done and she was eventually replaced in the 69th minute by Esme Morgan. Charlotte Harpur Wiegman rolls the dice with subs Wiegman waited until the 69th minute to make three substitutions. She rolled the dice and it was a huge risk. England needed more of a grip in midfield but by taking off Stanway with no like-for-like replacement, they left Walsh, who had been struggling, vulnerable. Mead came on for Toone and went to the right wing, James dropped into a floating midfield role while Michelle Agyemang joined Russo up top. Kelly came on for Hemp on the left wing on 78 minutes. So England had two wingers, two strikers and James. Wiegman gambled and it looked like it had paid off when Bronze headed home Kelly's whipped cross before Agyemang drew England level. But England really needed to score in normal time. They were too open in this new-look system and needed to make a substitute to consolidate. Grace Clinton filled that role replacing Walsh who was struggling with cramp in the 104th minute while Niamh Charles defended brilliantly as Leah Williamson's replacement who took a heavy knock. Fair play to Wiegman, her changes took England all the way to penalties. Harpur Asllani led Sweden on the field and scoresheet at Euro 2025 Asllani was not shy in her praise of Sweden ahead of Thursday's quarter-final, arguing her side are a team 'people should definitely talk about more.' The 35-year-old forward provided the evidence to back up her statement within two minutes at the Stadion Letzigrund with a low, pinpoint finish past Hampton to give Sweden the lead against the European champions. Her tight touch to control the pass from Stina Blackstenius teed her up well, and the finish was clinical. It was a role reversal of Sweden's equaliser against Germany in their final group game, and marked a fifth goal contribution in four games at Euro 2025 for Asllani. The Sweden captain is enjoying another stellar tournament following her impressive showing at the 2023 World Cup. The London City Lionesses signing's ability to link the play makes her a key component for Sweden, playing just in behind Blackstenius. The Arsenal striker almost added a third for Sweden early in the second half after a perfectly-weighted Asllani pass split the England backline and sent her in behind, only to be denied by Hampton. But it was Asllani's off-the-ball work that was also integral for Sweden on Thursday. She diligently marshalled Walsh in the first half, smartly blocking off the passing lines into England's No 4. When Walsh is at her best, so are England, and Asllani hugely limited her impact in the opening hour. Asllani departed the pitch in the 78th minute with Sweden leading 2-0. The broadcast cut to her in the dugout five minutes later, her leg resting on the bench, the scores suddenly level, looking unsure as to how she was somehow no longer on the winning team. Rampling Heart of a Lionesses England dug to their deepest level. Hemp said ahead of the Wales game she could feel the confidence running through the camp. 'It's hard when you get that feeling you just don't really know how to describe it but leading into the game no one was fazed,' she said. 'Everyone was calm, relaxed and we knew what job we needed to do. It didn't scare anyone. Meanwhile captain Leah Williamson told the Lionesses podcast: 'I'm just filled with this base line confidence, I know that we can.' When England look at each other, she said: 'We know we've been to the places that we need to go to again.' That resilience and strength of character is built over time. The players value each other. My word, did England show it tonight. Rampling What's next? England keep their title defence alive for a semi-final match against Italy on Tuesday, July 22 in Geneva. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. England, Sweden, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
A look at Sarina Wiegman's England record as Lionesses march on at Euro 2025
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at Wiegman's record at major tournaments with the Lionesses. Euro 2022 – Champions Wiegman's England were crowned European Champions (Jonathan Brady/PA) Having officially started her role in September 2021, Wiegman tasted her first major success as England boss less than a year later at the European Championships on home soil. England had made an impression by winning the Arnold Clark Cup earlier in the year and continued their fine form in the summer, finishing top of Group A with three wins from three, which included a thumping 8-0 demolition of Norway. The Lionesses' route to the final included triumphs over Spain – a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win – and Sweden – a 4-0 thrashing – in the knockout stages to set up a Wembley showdown with Germany. Although Lina Magull cancelled out Ella Toone's opener, Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner earned the Lionesses their first ever major trophy. World Cup 2023 – Finalists England were beaten in the 2023 World Cup final by Spain (Zac Goodwin/PA) Wiegman's squad headed to the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand without captain Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 player of the tournament Beth Mead due to injury. A cagey start saw the Lionesses earn a 1-0 victory over Haiti and a 1-0 win against Denmark before they capped off Group D in a dominant fashion with a thumping 6-1 triumph over China. England clinched a dramatic penalty shootout win over Nigeria in the last 16 to reach the quarter-finals, where they beat Colombia 2-1 before going on to knock out co-hosts Australia in the semi-finals. By beating the Matildas Wiegman had successfully steered the Lionesses to a second successive major tournament final, but this time they fell at the final hurdle, going down 1-0 to Spain in Sydney, despite Mary Earps' penalty save. Euro 2025 – Semi-finalists (so far) The Lionesses got the defence of their title off to a shaky start by losing 2-1 to France in Zurich. They bounced back in style with a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands four days later before a thumping 6-1 win over neighbours Wales sealed their place in the quarter-finals as they finished second in Group D. Last-eight opponents Sweden had won all three of their group games and looked set to prove too strong following first-half goals from Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius. But quickfire late goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang took the game to extra-time before the Lionesses triumphed 3-2 in a dramatic, save-filled shootout.
