England crowned Euro 2022 champions after Kelly sinks Germany in extra time

With penalties looming ominously, Kelly pounced, turning in from close range to steal the headlines after battling back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that ended her Olympic dream and threatened her European one.

This was the final that Euro 2022 deserved, the two best teams in the tournament pitted together and a tie steeped in history. For England it was a chance to prove the gap between the European powerhouse and the home team had closed in the 13 years since their 6-2 final defeat at the hands of Germany.

Both managers had promised a tight contest and, if the pressure of the moment threatened to get under the skins of the Lionesses, then nerves were eased almost instantly. Lauren Hemp burst free on the left and delivered for Ellen White at the back post, but her header was easy for Frohms, who had conceded only one goal before this final.

Germany almost took the lead in the 25th minute, with Mary Earps fumbling a corner that bounced around before she fell on it, relieved. A short pause for a VAR check on a possible handball was quickly over.

With the decision-making of the Ukrainian referee, Kateryna Monzul, questionable there was a hesitancy, and the game became a little niggly, making the half-time whistle very welcome.

The forward Jule Brand was taken off for Tabea Wassmuth at the break with Germany desperate to rejig, kill the threat of Lucy Bronze and provide more protection for Felicitas Rauch, and the team in green once again started more brightly.

The introduction of Toone and Alessia Russo in place of Fran Kirby and White has become a familiar sight. The switches again injected fresh energy into the Lionesses and within six minutes England had the lead that triggered the wildest of celebrations. A long-range line-splitting pass from Keira Walsh fed Toone and the Manchester United forward clipped the ball over Frohms.

England pushed for a second but, as the clocked ticked, they sank deeper and deeper. Magull provided a constant threat, firing a rising shot off the bar with the follow-up from Lea Schüller straight at Earps. But, with 11 minutes of normal time remaining, the dogged serial winners levelled. Neat play from the substitutes Sydney Lohmann and Wassmuth allowed the latter to ping in a cross that was turned in by Magull from close range.

If there is one thing this England team have shown, though, it is extraordinary resilience and, with 10 minutes remaining a Hemp corner was swung in, the ball bounced down off Bronze and Kelly turned in her first international goal. From there, buoyed by the goal and the raucous crowd, England pushed to put on a show and seal the deal. It was gutsy, exhausting and exhilarating, tears flowed and England brought it home.