The Lionesses have won their first major title, with Chloe Kelly's extra-time goal in front of a record-breaking crowd of 87,192, sealing Euro 2022 glory. The win secured England's first major international success since the men's team won the World Cup in 1966.
England stuck with the same starting XI for the final, naming the same starting XI for all six matches, the first time that has happened in a men's or women's EURO with a group stage. Germany were dealt an early blow as their captain, Alex Popp, who had scored in all five of their previous matches, picked up an injury during the warm-up, was replaced by Lea Schülller.
After a goalless first half, changes were made at half time by both sides, with Sarina Wiegman introducing Alessia Russo, who had already notched a record four goals as a substitute in the finals, along with her Manchester United team-mate Ella Toone.
A fantastic pass by Player of the Match, Keira Walsh, set up Toone who after only seven minutes on the pitch spotted goalkeeper Merle Frohms off her line and chipped the ball past the German keeper to make it 1-0 for the Lionesses, much to the delight of the Wembley crowd. Eight-time Champions Germany made a come-back shortly after in the 79th minute, with an equaliser from Lina Magull, taking the game into extra time.
The first half of extra time was nerve-wracking for both sides, with neither England nor Germany wanting to make any errors and both sides having opportunities to take the lead. With 10 minutes of extra time to play and penalties looking likely, Manchester City's Chloe Kelly's own shot came back to her feet, and she was able to put it past Frohms and win England their first major trophy.
A huge congratulations to the Lionesses from everyone at the PFA!
Key moments of the tournament:
- A crowd of 68,871 turned out as England defeated Austria 1-0 at Old Trafford in the opening game of the Euros, with the game setting a new attendance record for a UEFA Women’s Euro match.
- England become the first side to score eight goals in a single Euros match in both the men's and women's competition; with an 8-0 win over Norway, with help from a Beth Mead hat-trick.
- Georgia Stanway’s incredible extra-time goal which saw England Women come from behind to stun Spain and reach the semi-finals.
- Alessio Russo’s now iconic back heel through the legs of Sweedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl after only 11 minutes on the pitch to take the lionesses into the final.
- There were 87,192 spectators at Wembley — the most for a men's or women's European Championship final.
- England's total of 22 goals at Euro 2022 is the most of any team at a single European Championship.
- England broke the record for most goals in a group stage - 14 goals.
- England equalled Germany's record of most points in a group stage - 9 points.
- England equalled Germany's record of fewest goals conceded in a group stage - 0 goals.
- Beth Mead and Alex Popp became the first two players since the group stage was introduced in 1997 to score in all three matches in a single campaign.
