With her socks slouched at her ankles and her feet in bright white boots, Michelle Agyemang has long been whispered about among those in the know: she’s different. Now, the wider football world knows it too.
On a night when England looked uninspired, sluggish, and on the brink of a disappointing defeat, the 19-year-old Arsenal forward stepped up. With just minutes remaining, Agyemang smashed home a late equaliser, rescuing England and sending the match into extra time. The Italians, who had already begun celebrating on the sidelines, were stunned.
But it wasn’t just her goal — a low, powerful strike through a crowded box — that shifted England’s energy. Agyemang, once a six-year-old playing at Brandon Groves FC, attacked the moment with fearless intensity. In extra time, she nearly scored again, hitting the crossbar with a fierce run and shot.
Moments later, Beth Mead won a clear-cut penalty, and Chloe Kelly converted on the rebound. England were through to the final — but only just.
For head coach Sarina Wiegman, the question lingers: Why did it take so long to unleash Agyemang? As England floundered for most of the match, she remained passive on the touchline, arms folded, waiting far too long to inject the spark her team desperately needed.
Kelly, a hero of the 2022 Euros, also made a noticeable impact when she entered in the 77th minute, immediately igniting the crowd and driving the team forward. Her determination to take the penalty was clear — and she delivered.
Despite the victory, England’s performance raises concerns ahead of Sunday’s final in Bern, where they will face either Spain or Germany. A dramatic improvement is needed to withstand those opponents.
For much of the match, England lacked cohesion and pace. Though Lauren Hemp started brightly — combining with Georgia Stanway and showing flashes of her old self — the early promise faded. Italy, far from a dominant side, had been gifting possession in the opening stages, yet England failed to capitalise.
Then came Italy’s goal: a slick exchange on the right between Martina Lenzini and rising star Sofia Cantore exposed Alex Greenwood, and a defensive meltdown followed. Esme Morgan failed to clear, Lucy Bronze hesitated, and veteran Barbara Bonansea pounced, firing into the top corner. Italy erupted in celebration.
England’s lack of a true left back again haunted them, and the absence of key player Lauren James in the second half — seen with an ice pack on her foot — only deepened the uncertainty. Russo, left isolated up front, lacked support, and crosses into the box were easily handled by Italy’s defence.
But when all seemed lost, the substitutions changed the game. Agyemang, lurking patiently, seized on a Hemp cross to make her mark. Kelly’s penalty sealed it.
As England march into the final, they carry with them both the weight of their recent struggles and the hope ignited by young stars like Agyemang. Somehow, the fire is still burning — and Sunday offers a chance to reignite the magic of three summers ago.
