England’s future in women’s football looks brighter than ever after Michelle Agyemang was named Young Player of the Tournament at Euro 2025. The teenage striker, currently playing for Arsenal, proved to be a game-changer despite starting none of England’s matches and clocking just 138 minutes in total.
With an undeniable impact, Agyemang delivered last-minute equalisers against Sweden in the quarter-finals and Italy in the semi-finals, crucial moments that kept England's hopes alive and powered Sarina Wiegman's side into the final in Basel. Her poise under pressure was once again on display as England retained their European title following a tense penalty shootout victory over Spain.
Despite limited game time, Agyemang's contribution was both timely and decisive. Introduced late in the quarter-final against Sweden, she scored a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time, sending the match into extra time and eventually penalties, where England held their nerve.
In the semi-final clash with Italy, it was a similar story. Brought on in the final minutes, Agyemang once again delivered under pressure, reacting first to a loose ball in the box and slotting home to level the match. Her calmness in front of goal at just 19 was praised by pundits and teammates alike.
Although she didn’t start any matches, her presence off the bench gave Sarina Wiegman a reliable option to change the dynamic of tight games. Her speed, strength and positioning consistently troubled tired defences, offering England a late-game edge that proved crucial to their tournament success.
Agyemang’s rise to prominence has been steady and hard-earned. Born in 2006, she came through Arsenal’s youth academy, where she was long seen as a standout talent. Her ability to score in big moments earned her early caps for England at youth level, and she made her senior debut for Arsenal at just 16. In 2023, she was named as one of the “ones to watch” in English football, a prediction that has now come true on Europe’s biggest stage.
Her tournament heroics have made headlines not only for her decisive goals but also for her maturity and tactical awareness. England manager Sarina Wiegman said of Agyemang:
“She has that special something. Michelle reads the game so well, and when the pressure is highest, she delivers. It’s not just about scoring, it’s about rising to the moment, and she’s done that every time we needed her.”
At just 19, she is already shaping up to be a cornerstone of the Lionesses’ future, and her name is now etched in the history of European football.