Agyemang and Kelly: Game Changers or Starters for Euro 2025 Final?
There’s something electric about the way England’s Lionesses keep rewriting the script at Euro 2025—and it’s impossible not to talk about Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly right now. These two have become the heartbeat of England’s late-game miracles, turning what looked like exits into exhilarating extra-time triumphs. As Sunday’s final looms, the big question is louder than ever: should Agyemang and Kelly start?
Let’s rewind. In the semi-final against Italy, England were seconds away from elimination. One minute of stoppage time left. Then 19-year-old Agyemang steps up—96th minute—bang. Equaliser. Extra time. Then Kelly, cool as ever, converts the rebound from her saved penalty. That’s not just impact—that’s transformation.
And it wasn’t a one-off. The pair were also crucial in the dramatic quarter-final comeback against Sweden. Their influence has become undeniable. Yet Sarina Wiegman faces a classic dilemma. Stick with the formula that got you this far, or shake it up for an injection of energy and momentum from the first whistle?
Wiegman has made it clear in the past—she believes in her “finishers,” not just starters. Just like Russo and Toone in Euro 2022, Agyemang and Kelly are this year’s dynamic duo off the bench. Substitutes who don’t just fill minutes—they redefine games. As Rachel Daly put it, “Don’t fix what isn’t broken.”
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But the arguments for change are building. England have played back-to-back extra-time matches. The core starting XI is carrying heavy legs, and both Agyemang and Kelly are statistically outperforming many of the starters when it comes to attacking metrics. Agyemang averages over 6 shots per 90 minutes—double what Russo produces. Her touches inside the box? The most in the squad. That’s not hype—it’s data.
Former England midfielder Karen Carney believes it’s time to rip up the script. She’s not alone. With Germany or Spain waiting in the final—two contrasting but demanding opponents—fresh legs and fearless energy might be England’s best weapon from the get-go. "Plan A isn’t working, Plan B is magnificent," Carney said. “Make Plan A more like Plan B.”
The fans are split. Some call for Kelly to start, citing her technical skill and dangerous crossing. Others insist Agyemang still works better as an impact sub—her energy, her hunger, her youth—best unleashed when opponents are tiring. Many suggest meeting halfway: give them earlier minutes, maybe at half-time or the hour mark.
And let’s not forget—this team, this journey, has always been about resilience, adaptation, and rewriting expectations. From early tournament drama to captain withdrawals and retirement shocks, the Lionesses have thrived under pressure.
So
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