Kelly & Agyemang Are This Year’s Russo & Toone: England’s Next Super Subs Shine Bright
From Euro 2022 Heroes to Euro 2025 Standouts
Three years ago, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone became national icons, defining England’s Euro 2022 victory with their match-winning contributions off the bench. Now, history is repeating itself at Euro 2025—Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang have risen as the new super subs, delivering clutch performances when the Lionesses need it most. Their fearless energy and decisive moments have not only propelled England to another European final but also solidified their place in the team’s legacy.
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Why Kelly & Agyemang Are the New Russo & Toone
Much like Russo and Toone’s electrifying impact in 2022, Kelly and Agyemang have become Sarina Wiegman’s go-to game-changers this tournament. Russo, Euro 2022’s top-scoring substitute, and Toone, whose stunning strike opened the final against Germany, set a new standard for impactful bench players. This time, the Arsenal duo of Kelly and Agyemang are following in their footsteps—proving that lightning can strike twice for England.
Kelly, a veteran of international football, has appeared as a substitute in every Euro 2025 match, while 19-year-old Agyemang has taken the tournament by storm in her limited minutes. Their combined contributions—whether through assists, goals, or relentless pressing—have transformed England’s fortunes when matches seemed lost.
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Defining Moments That Cemented Their Legacy
The Swedish Comeback: A Masterclass in Resilience
Facing Sweden in the quarter-finals, England found themselves trailing 2-0, their tournament hanging by a thread. Then came Kelly and Agyemang. Kelly’s inch-perfect cross found Lucy Bronze for England’s first, injecting belief into the team. Moments later, her vision set up Agyemang’s clutch 81st-minute equalizer, sending the game into extra time. When penalties arrived, Kelly kept her nerve, slotting home her spot-kick to secure England’s semi-final berth.
Italy Crushed in the 119th Minute
The semi-final against Italy tested the Lionesses’ resolve once again. With seconds left in stoppage time, Agyemang—barely breaking stride—hammered home a dramatic equalizer, forcing extra time. Then, in the dying embers of the match, Kelly pounced on a loose ball to score the latest goal in Women’s European Championship history, sealing England’s place in the final.
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Agyemang: The Teenage Prodigy Taking Europe by Storm
Agyemang’s rise has been nothing short of sensational. Coming into Euro 2025 with just one senior cap—a debut where she scored within 41 seconds—many questioned whether she was ready for the big stage. Wiegman called her a wildcard, but the teenager has silenced doubters emphatically.
Her double against Italy made her the first teenager since 2009 to score twice in a single Women’s European Championship. When asked about her composure under pressure, she responded humbly: It’s by the grace of God. We’re doing wonders as a team.
Captain Leah Williamson praised her Arsenal teammate: She feels inevitable right now. What she brings is a nightmare for defenders. BBC pundit Nedum Onuoha echoed the sentiment, declaring her an absolute star in the making.
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Kelly: The Comeback Queen Delivers When It Matters
Kelly’s road to Euro 2025 wasn’t smooth. After struggling for consistency at Manchester City, she contemplated stepping away from the sport earlier this year. A loan move to Arsenal rejuvenated her career, and now, she’s back as England’s ultimate big-game player.
Her leadership and relentless energy have been pivotal. Lucy Bronze highlighted her mentality: She has this confidence, this refusal to lose—it’s something you can’t teach. Former England striker Ellen White added: Kelly’s the ultimate impact player. When she comes on, something happens.
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Should Kelly & Agyemang Start the Final?
The debate is raging among fans and analysts. With England’s attacking options in flux, many argue the in-form duo deserve starting roles:
– Kelly and Agyemang must start. Big-game players rise when it counts. – Stephen, BBC Sport reader
– Lauren James fades in finals—Kelly’s mentality is unmatched. – Rich, fan poll
– Two game-changing performances—give them the nod. – Jas, Twitter discussion
Wiegman, however, remains tight-lipped: Agyemang is thriving in her role, and her progress speaks for itself.
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Conclusion: England’s Super Subs Strike Again
Kelly and Agyemang are this year’s Russo and Toone—proving once again that substitutes can tilt history. Whether they start the final or reprise their impact from the bench, their fearless brilliance has already secured them a place in England’s footballing folklore.
As the Lionesses gear up for another European final, all eyes will be on these two difference-makers. Will they deliver one more unforgettable moment? With Kelly’s daring runs and Agyemang’s ice-cold finishing, the answer might just be inevitable.
Related Topics:
– England Women’s Football Team
– UEFA Women’s EURO
– Women’s Football Tactics
– England’s Rising Stars
