Advertisement

Football world stunned by insane detail as England win women's Euros

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·5-min read
Chloe Kelly (pictured left) celebrates scoring the winning Euro 2022 final goal for England and (pictured right) Kelly with her winning medal.
England's women won the Euro 2022 final in front of a record breaking crowd of 87,192 at Wembley. (Getty Images)

The women's Euro 2022 final between England and Germany has been played in front of a record breaking 87,192 people as England sent the nation into raptures after winning the first major trophy in the team's history.

Chloe Kelly prodded the ball past Merle Frohms in the 110th minute to restore the tournament hosts' lead after fellow substitute Ella Toone's wonderful lobbed opener just after the hour mark.

TAKING ACTION: Football Australia responds to AFL photo furore

'SHAME': Aussie fans under fire over 'disgraceful' Harry Maguire act

Eight-time champions Germany - who had lost star forward Alexandra Popp to injury in the warm-up - equalised with 11 minutes of normal time remaining through Lina Magull, and the game looked on course for a penalty shootout until Kelly's effort fired Sarina Wiegman's side to glory.

Wembley erupted as England secured a historic title in front of the biggest ever crowd to attend a Euro football match for either the men or women.

It's been a long wait for a senior trophy for an England national team.

The nation suffered heartbreak last year when Italy defeated England in penalties at the same venue in the Euro 2020 final.

But the Lionesses held their nerve and became the first senior outfit since the men's 1966 World Cup winning team to claim a title.

Fans around the world reacted to the phenomenal sight of women's football being played and celebrated in front an unprecedented crowd.

England's triumph a goal for women's football

England captain Leah Williamson was ultimately aware of what dynasty the women's team had secured after the final.

The nation's victory will only help grow the women's game in the country.

"I just can't stop crying. We talk, we talk and we talk and we finally done it. You know what, the kids are alright. This is the proudest moment of my life," captain Williamson said.

"Listen the legacy of this tournament is the change in society. The legacy of this team is winners and that is the journey. I love every single one of you, I'm so proud to be English. I'm trying so hard not to swear."

Like many countries around the world, the women's game in England has seen big growth in recent years.

And it has been no more evident during the Euros with packed out stadiums and TV ratings sky-rocketing during the Lionesses' historic run.

The England team pose for a photo in front of a packed Wembley stadium after winning the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 final.
The England team pose for a photo in front of a packed Wembley stadium after winning the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 final. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images,) (Jonathan Moscrop via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, boss Wiegman could savour back-to-back Euros successes after overseeing the Netherlands' triumph on home soil in 2017. Her record in charge of England after taking up her post last September has been near-flawless - 20 games, no defeats, 18 wins, 106 goals scored and only five conceded.

It was a third appearance in a Euros final for the team, and first since losing 6-2 to Germany at Euro 2009 in Finland.

There was also a personal triumph for Beth Mead, who claimed the Golden Boot after finishing the tournament with six goals - the same amount as Popp, with Mead taking the prize due to her superior assists tally.

"I am speechless. I'm in shock. I've just had a good cry with the family, I wouldn't be here without them," 27-year-old Mead said.

"I am so, so proud of this team, I love this team and I love this country."

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.