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Michelle Agyemang, initially considered a surprise inclusion in England’s Euro 2025 squad, has emerged as a breakout star, playing a decisive role in helping the Lionesses reach the final this weekend.
The 19-year-old Arsenal striker has twice come off the bench to rescue England from elimination in dramatic fashion during the tournament in Switzerland. In the quarter-final against Sweden, with England trailing 2-0, Agyemang was introduced with 20 minutes remaining. She scored a vital equaliser after Lucy Bronze had pulled one back, before England advanced via a dramatic penalty shootout.
An even more thrilling moment followed in the semi-final against Italy in Geneva. Brought on in the 85th minute with England a goal down, Agyemang struck the equaliser six minutes into stoppage time. She later hit the crossbar with a lob in extra time, sparking a wave of pressure that led to a penalty, which Chloe Kelly converted after her initial attempt was saved, securing a 2-1 win.
“It’s crazy to do that two games in a row in that kind of fashion,” said Agyemang after the match. “It shows the character of this team and I’m so grateful that we’re still here to see another week.”
Her team-mate Kelly praised her impact, saying: “Mich came onto the pitch and made something happen. That moment when she hit the crossbar gave us a new lease of energy. She was unbelievable.”
England now prepare to face either Germany or Spain in Sunday’s final in Basel, as they aim to defend the European title they won at Wembley three years ago — a time when Agyemang had not yet made her senior debut for Arsenal.
Agyemang’s rise has been rapid. Just months before the previous Euros, she was a ball girl at Wembley during an England match. She made her Arsenal debut aged 16 in late 2022, and earned her first senior cap for England in April this year, scoring within 41 seconds of coming on against Belgium.
England coach Sarina Wiegman said, “I said when announcing the squad that she brings something special. She is only 19, but very mature and knows exactly what she has to do.”
Loan spells at Watford and Brighton have helped shape Agyemang’s development, with her performances at Brighton last season catching the national team’s attention. Despite being the youngest in the squad, she has grown into a valuable impact player.
Reflecting on her journey, Agyemang said: “It’s been a crazy season – being out on loan and then getting the call-up so late. But everything happens for a reason.”
Though many are calling for her to start Sunday’s final, Wiegman is likely to continue using her as an impact substitute. “Her development has been so fast. She didn’t start at Brighton, but ended up getting minutes and proving how good she is,” Wiegman added.
