Few players have savoured an England debut quite like Michelle Agyemang, who is now taking Euro 2025 by storm with her contributions for the Lionesses. Within a mere 41 seconds of stepping onto the pitch, the striker announced her arrival on the England women’s senior squad with a spectacular strike against Belgium in April earlier this year.
Agyemang had received her call-up to join the Lionesses merely two days prior to her memorable goal, drafted in to replace the injured Alessia Russo ahead of the UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture. However, the 19-year-old had consistently found the net for England across both Women’s Under-17 and Women’s Under-19 competitions. Her displays proved sufficient to capture the attention of England boss Sarina Wiegman.
Agyemang flew out to Switzerland to assist the nation in defending their European crown – and has done a stellar job. She has three goals in just four England caps after an 81st-minute equaliser in the quarter-finals against Sweden to force extra time and penalties.
The teenager did not take a penalty as England won 3-2 on spot-kicks but made her mark again in the semi-finals, again firing the equaliser against Italy, this time in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time. Chloe Kelly’s finish then put the Lionesses into the final late into extra time.
“I think she brings something different and I hope she can show that in the summer,” Wiegman said of Agyemang earlier this summer. “I think we’re really strong up front. Also, we have so many different qualities with the players we’ve picked.”
And Wiegman added after the win over Italy: “She has something special. She’s only 19 years old, she’s very mature, she knows exactly what she has to do.
“When you talk about little things that she picks up straight away, because she’s not only in the 18-yard box very dangerous but when we have to go to her as a target player, she keeps the ball really well too.
“Even when you saw her shot hit the crossbar, that was not just a shot, she was aiming for it. If she continues like this she has a very bright future.”
Discussing her progression from the Under-19s to the senior squad, Agyemang said: “It’s been interesting going through the different age groups, meeting different players and coaches. But I think the England pathway is so similar across the board, so it’s really easy to settle in no matter where I am.”
Agyemang made her Arsenal debut in November 2022 aged just 16. The academy product subsequently penned her maiden professional contract in May 2024.
Whilst this marks her inaugural senior Euros appearance, she shone for England at the 2022 Women’s Under-17 Euros before excelling again at the Under-19 Euros during summer 2024. And following her goals as a substitute, the 19-year-old can expect many more tournament appearances in the future.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk