Chloe Kelly has said teenage striker Michelle Agyemang has the 'world at her feet' after the 19-year-old scored a late equaliser to keep England's European Championship defence alive. Agyemang struck in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time before Kelly scored the winner in extra time to secure a 2-1 victory over Italy in the semi-final.
The win books England a place in their third consecutive major tournament final, where they will face either Spain or Germany in Basel on Sunday. Agyemang, who also scored the equaliser in the quarter-final against Sweden, has now netted three goals in four senior international appearances since her debut in April.
Speaking to ITV Sport, Kelly said: 'Big Mich at it again! She's unbelievable and she should have scored again: that one that hit the crossbar. She's an unbelievable player and she's got the world at her feet, a young player with a bright future and I'm absolutely buzzing for her. But this team shows resilience again and we fight back.'
Agyemang, who was a ballgirl at Wembley in 2021, told ITV: 'It means the world to me. I'm so grateful. Four years ago I was a kid just throwing a ball to some of these girls and now I'm playing with them.' England head coach Sarina Wiegman, who has now reached five consecutive major finals, added: 'She has something special. She's only 19 years old, she's very mature, she knows exactly what she has to do.'
The match was played two days after defender Jess Carter received racist abuse on social media. England players stood arm in arm on the touchline before kick-off in a show of solidarity. Kelly said: 'I'm so proud to stand side by side with the girls in this team; Jess Carter and every single player in this team. It was a special and powerful moment for us, to show that this is not what we accept, not in society, not in sport.'
King Charles sent a message of congratulations, praising the Lionesses' skill and determination and writing: 'Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more.'
