Substitute Chloe Kelly scored an extra-time winner to earn England a 2-1 victory over Germany in the final of Euro 2022 at a sold-out Wembley.
After a tense opening 45 minutes, England and Germany couldn’t be separated at the national stadium with the two teams heading down the tunnel tied at 0-0.
Germany made the brighter start to the second period, testing goalkeeper Mary Earps on several occasions but the deadlock couldn’t be broken.
Sarina Wiegman opted to turn to try and influence the game and she sent Ella Toone and Alessia Russo on for England.
It wasn’t long before the game turned in the favour of the hosts with Keira Walsh finding Toone and the Manchester United ace calmly chipped the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Merle Frohms.
Germany, who are record eight-time winners of the European Championships, came back fighting, forcing England on to the back foot and eventually finding an equaliser in the 79th minute when Lina Magull rifled home at the near post.
It was all square after 90 minutes and extra time was required to find a winner in front of a record 87,192 crowd in the capital.
The deciding goal came from another substitute when Kelly was quickest to react to a loose ball in the six-yard box to poke England in front with 110 minutes on the clock.
The Lionesses showed great composure from there on, controlling possession and territory to run down the clock and complete a memorable campaign on home soil.
The triumph comes 56 years after England’s men won their first major trophy, beating West Germany after extra time when hosting the 1966 World Cup.
Midfield veteran Jill Scott was understandably delighted with the result, having been on the wrong end of the result in the 2009 final.
Scott said: “I can’t believe it! It’s such a privilege to be a part of this. What a day! The younger players have been fantastic, playing with freedom. The celebrations are going to be big and I don’t think I’m going to sleep this week!”
