Michelle Agyemang declared coming off the bench to save England’s European Championship hopes ‘means the world to me’ after the Lionesses earned a dramatic 2-1 extra time win over Italy.
Agyemang, 19, came off the bench with five minutes left to play as England chased an equaliser following Barbara Bonansea’s first half goal.
The forward struck in the sixth minute of stoppage time to level the scores, pouncing after Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani spilled Lauren Hemp’s cross.
Agyemang’s composed finish sparked scenes of celebration from England fans, players and manager Sarina Wiegman.
She went close to scoring the winner deep into extra-time with a clipped effort bouncing back off Italy’s crossbar.
The near miss came moments before England were awarded a penalty after a foul on Beth Mead, with Chloe Kelly converting from the spot at the second attempt after her initial effort was saved.
Kelly’s strike took England into a third successive major final and capped off a stunning rise for Agyemang.
The forward had served as a ball girl for Wiegman’s third match as England manager, but four years later has become a super sub for the Dutch coach.
‘It means the world to me, I am so grateful and I am so grateful to god for where he’s brought me from,’ Agyemang said, when asked about her rise by ITV.
‘Like you said, just four years ago I was I was just a kid throwing balls to some of these girls, now I’m playing with them.
‘It is a great opportunity and I am so glad I am here.
‘It’s decent (three goals in four caps), to be doing it at this level and to be helping out this team is more than I could have wished for, so I am so grateful.’
Agyemang had earned her first cap for England as recently as April, where the 19-year-old netted 41 seconds after coming off the bench against Belgium.
She has since scored equalisers for England in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals and semi-finals after being brought on with the Lionesses’ training.
Agyemang, who plays for Arsenal, admitted her rapid rise has meant she had barely known some of her England team-mates.
The 19-year-old reflected that their celebration of her last-gasp equaliser will be a moment that will ‘live in my heart forever’.
‘It is so special, to see my team celebrating with me, most of these girls I haven’t even known for more than two months.
‘But it shows the togetherness that we have as a team and the fight, heart and spirit that we have.
‘To have them celebrate with me like that was a great team moment and one that will live in my heart forever.’
Following England’s dramatic victory, the defending champions will meet either Spain or Germany in the final on Sunday.
