Super Subs Kelly and Agyemang Power England to Euro 2025 Final

England’s thrilling journey to the Euro 2025 final has been defined by two unlikely heroes Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang whose impact off the bench has drawn comparisons to Alessia Russo and Ella Toone’s unforgettable contributions during the Lionesses’ victorious Euro 2022 campaign.

Back then, Russo and Toone were the dynamic substitutes who consistently changed the course of matches without starting a single game. Fast forward three years, and a new duo has emerged to take up that mantle.

Arsenal teammates Kelly and Agyemang have been pivotal throughout England’s campaign in Switzerland, coming off the bench in crucial moments to inspire dramatic comebacks. The pair’s influence was especially felt in the quarter-final clash against Sweden, where England found themselves two goals down. Kelly assisted Lucy Bronze’s header before helping create the equaliser, scored by Agyemang in the 81st minute. Kelly then stepped up again in the penalty shootout, coolly converting her spot-kick to seal England’s place in the last four.

Their impact didn’t stop there.

In the semi-final against Italy, Sarina Wiegman’s side once again trailed late in the match. Enter Agyemang, the 19-year-old forward whose 96th-minute strike levelled the score and sent the match into extra time. Then, in the dying seconds of the 119th minute, Kelly pounced on the rebound from her saved penalty to slot home the winner, securing England a place in consecutive Euros finals.

For Agyemang, her rise has been meteoric. Included in the squad despite having just one senior cap, she made headlines back in April by scoring only 41 seconds into her debut against Belgium. Wiegman had hinted at her potential to be a “wildcard” off the bench, and the teenager has delivered in style, becoming the first teenager to score twice in a Women’s Euros since Norway’s Cecilie Pedersen in 2009.

“I don’t know how it keeps happening,” Agyemang said after her latest heroics. “It’s by the grace of God. I’m just so proud to be part of this amazing team.”

England captain Leah Williamson, who made way for Agyemang in the 85th minute, heaped praise on her young clubmate: “She feels inevitable right now. She’s a nightmare to play against and a joy to have on your team. She deserves every bit of praise.”

Former England striker Ellen White also highlighted Agyemang’s maturity. “She plays beyond her years. She’s changed England’s story with limited minutes and helped us reach another final.”

Kelly, meanwhile, has bounced back from a challenging spell with Manchester City that left her questioning her future in football. A loan move, and now permanent transfer to Arsenal reignited her form and confidence, culminating in her becoming a crucial weapon off the bench for Wiegman.

“The struggles I had in January make moments like this even more special,” said Kelly, who also scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final against Germany. “You learn to cherish every minute.”

Lucy Bronze, England’s experienced defender, praised Kelly’s consistency: “She’s come off the bench every game and made a difference. She’s got that confidence and edge, exactly what you want in a big tournament.”

Kelly’s semi-final goal was the latest ever scored at a Women’s European Championship, reinforcing her knack for delivering when it matters most. Though her initial penalty was saved by Italy’s Laura Giuliani, Kelly reacted quickly to bury the rebound and avoid another shootout.

As debate swirls over whether the pair should start in the final against France or the Netherlands on July 27 in Basel, Wiegman has remained measured.

“She’s not forcing me,” the England manager said of Agyemang. “She’s growing so fast. From limited minutes at Brighton to becoming a key figure in our team, it’s been a smooth rise. And she’s ready.”

Fans, however, are more emphatic. Calls for Kelly and Agyemang to start the final are growing louder.

“Kelly and Agyemang must start,” one supporter wrote. “They’ve changed games. Time to give them the start they deserve.”

With one more step remaining on their Euro 2025 journey, the Lionesses will hope their super subs continue to rise to the occasion whether from the start or off the bench.