The Lionesses have reached the Euro 2025 final after a hard-fought semi-final match against Italy, securing a 2-1 victory in extra time. However, their performance was far from convincing, and their progression to the final can be attributed, in part, to luck.
Throughout the match, England struggled to find their rhythm and were often outplayed by a determined Italian side. Sarina Wiegman's tactical approach appeared ineffective for much of the game, and her substitutions came late, leaving many to question her in-game management. Despite the Lionesses' underwhelming performance, their resilience and never-say-die attitude ultimately proved crucial.
One of the few bright spots for England was the performance of Michelle Agyemang. The young player, once a ball girl at Wembley, provided a spark off the bench and scored a crucial goal to level the score in the dying moments of injury time. Agyemang's instinctive finish showcased her potential and offered a glimpse of the future for the Lionesses.
Chloe Kelly also played a vital role in England's victory. After Agyemang's equalizer, Kelly secured England's place in the final with a goal in the 119th minute, tucking home the rebound after her penalty was saved. Her performance highlighted her ability to deliver in big moments and further cemented her status as one of England's brightest players.
The Lionesses' journey to the final has been far from smooth. In the quarter-final against Sweden, they had to overcome a two-goal deficit and win a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as the hero in that match, saving multiple penalties to keep England's hopes alive.
Despite their struggles, the Lionesses have shown remarkable resilience and a belief in their ability to win. They have a knack for dramatic climaxes and an unerring sense of their own narrative. This mental fortitude could prove crucial as they head into the final.
While England's progress to the final may have involved an element of luck, the emergence of players like Agyemang offers hope for the future. Her performance, along with Kelly's, demonstrates the depth of talent within the squad and the potential for a new generation of Lionesses to shine. As they prepare for the final, England will need to improve their overall performance and tactical approach. However, with their resilience, belief, and the emergence of young talents like Agyemang, they have a chance to retain their crown.