In a moment that will be etched into English football history, Chloe Kelly emerged as the hero for the Lionesses, scoring a sensational extra-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Germany in the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 final.
The match, played in front of a record-breaking crowd of 87,192 at Wembley Stadium, saw England lift their first major women's football trophy in a thrilling encounter that went down to the wire.
A Night of High Drama
After a tense first half, Ella Toone broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a sublime lob over German goalkeeper Merle Frohms. However, Germany responded through Lina Magull's 79th-minute equaliser, setting up a dramatic finale.
With the scores level after 90 minutes, extra time produced the defining moment. Kelly, who had only recently returned from an ACL injury, pounced on a loose ball in the box following a corner, sending the Wembley crowd into raptures with her 110th-minute winner.
Record-Breaking Tournament
The victory caps a remarkable tournament for Sarina Wiegman's side, who became the first England team - men's or women's - to win a European Championship since 1966. The tournament has smashed attendance records throughout, with over 500,000 tickets sold.
Kelly's winner sparked wild celebrations across the country, with the forward famously removing her shirt in jubilation before telling BBC Sport: "I just want to celebrate now. This is what dreams are made of."
A Watershed Moment
The triumph represents a watershed moment for women's football in England, coming 56 years after the men's World Cup win and 13 years since the FA lifted its ban on women's football. Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed the victory as "an inspiration for girls and women across the nation".
As the celebrations continue across England, the Lionesses' historic achievement promises to leave a lasting legacy for the women's game in the country.
