Kelly praises Agyemang: "The world is at her feet"
Chloe Kelly fired England into the European Championship final against Italy in extra time. Afterward, the ambitious striker spoke about England's ambitions and praised teammate Michelle Agyemang highly.
Decided the European Championship semifinal in extra time: Chloe Kelly (right), in the background: equalizer scorer Michelle Agyemang. IMAGO/NurPhoto
Once again, it was all set for Kelly . Who? The one who gave Germany the extra-time knockout in the 2022 European Championship final and shot the Three Lionesses to the title.
On Tuesday evening, the 27-year-old Arsenal attacker was substituted on once again, for the fifth time this tournament, and left her mark on the match. She displayed a bit more spectacle than necessary here and there, but in the end, the facts once again favored the London native.
Kelly took the controversial penalty in favor of the English and converted it on the rebound after Italy's goalkeeper Laura Giuliani had initially prevented the shot from going in.
"It's incredible—a fantastic feeling. This team deserves nothing less than this," Kelly enthused on the ITV microphone after the dramatic 2-1 victory in Geneva . "Three finals in a row—and we want more," was the announcement.
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After winning the European Championship in 2022, the English women also fought their way to the final of the 2023 World Cup, but lost 1-0 to Spain in Sydney, who will play Germany for their second ticket to the final on Wednesday (9 p.m., LIVE! on kicker).
Back to the present: Kelly owes her ability to become a match-winner to 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang . The substitute striker equalized deep into injury time, sending England into extra time. "She's incredible, and she should have scored again." Another one? Agyemang almost missed the lucky punch and a brace in the 117th minute, lobbed a shot over Italy's goalkeeper and onto the crossbar.
Another final against Germany?"The world is at her feet. She's a young player with a great future, and I'm so happy for her. This team has shown once again that it's strong—and we've fought back," Kelly added, praising her.
In the final on Sunday from 6 p.m. (LIVE! on kicker) in Basel, the English women have the opportunity to defend their European Championship title against Germany or Spain.
