JESS DEAKIN TALKS LIONESSES & AN ENGLAND VICTORY
Emotions poured, television viewings soared and our Lionesses roared on a day that will go down in history.
87,192 people packed out Wembley making this fixture the most attended European final in the history of both the men’s and women’s tournament. Chloe Kelly’s second international goal came in the 110th minute which was enough to defeat eight times European champions Germany and win the first major trophy of the Lionesses – England’s first since the men’s team won the World Cup in 1966.
It was super-sub Ella Toone who got the first goal of the game, a spectacular chip over Merle Frohms, just after the hour mark. A perfectly weighted pass from Keira Walsh flew past the German defence and into the feet of Toone who was able to lift the ball up and into the back of the net – as a packed out Wembley erupted.
England went into the game unchanged from their superb 4-0 victory over Sweden in the semi-finals. Germany, however, were without their star striker and top scorer Alex Popp who was pulled from the starting lineup just minutes before kick off due to injury.
It was almost the start that the Lionesses would have dreamt of, as Fran Kirby sent a cross flying into the box which was able to reach Ellen White, however she headed it straight into the hands of goalkeeper Frohms. Germany had the best chance of the first half in the 25th minute, which England somehow managed to clear after a scramble on the goal line. The Lionesses had an opportunity to kick themselves ahead just before the break. Beth Mead was able to send a ball into the box for White, however she sent the ball over the crossbar.
Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg made an early substitution at half time, with Jule Brand making way for Tabea Wassmuth. They should have taken the lead just minutes later as Lina Magull poked the ball just wide of the post after a clever turn in the box.
It was Sarina Wiegman who was next to make a change, as young forwards Ella Toone and Alessia Russo were introduced in place of Fran Kirby and Ellen White. Within six minutes of the change, Toone had fired England ahead after connecting with a through ball from Keira Walsh. Their opposition came extremely close to equalising as Magull’s effort bounced off the woodwork and Earps was there to sweep up the rebound. She was then able to get a shot into the net as she side-footed it home at the near post to draw Germany level.
Extra time was end to end, with neither team wanting to give anything away. The ball had bounced off Lucy Bronze after a corner came in from Lauren Hemp, but it was Kelly who became England’s saviour as she scrambled the ball into the back of the net, writing her name in history.
“I just can’t stop crying… this is the proudest moment of my life,” Williamson said. Messages have been flowing in from people young and old, Queen Elizabeth also sent her congratulations to the Lionesses. She wrote “Your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned. You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations.”
Check out Jess’ other article talking about The Lionesses journey to the Final – The Lionesses – Our Roaring Record Breakers
ARTICLE BY JESS DEAKIN
My name is Jess Deakin, I’m 15 years old, and have been a season ticket holder at Wolves for 7 years. For the last 4 seasons, I’ve been following Wolves Women which is where my passion for women’s football began.
Read Jess’ article on the record breaking journey of the Lionesses to the Euro Final.