– Report: Kelly inspires England to historic ’22 win Oh, and the game was played in front of a record European Championship crowd (men’s and women’s), with 87,192 in the stands to see England’s women win their first major competition. Here are ESPN’s Tom Hamilton and Kathleen McNamee with three quick points from a remarkable final at Wembley.

  1. England’s supersubs deliver a first international trophy Chloe Kelly waited a moment after stabbing the ball past Merle Frohms in the 110th minute. And then, as soon as the winner was confirmed, the record Wembley crowd erupted and Kelly ran onto the bench doing her own version of Brandi Chastain’s sport-changing moment from 1999. It will be one of the defining images of these four weeks and for years to come , but being on the pitch to make that impact is down to Sarina Wiegman’s flawlessly crucial shifts. Having made Euro history by naming the same starting line-up for each game, it took just six minutes for the first group of ‘super-backs’ to make their impact. Just like we’ve seen in every match this tournament, Alessia Russo and Toone made an impact off the bench. Ellen White and Fran Kirby had gone the extra mile for the opening 55 minutes of the match, but as spaces opened up, Toon’s fresh legs caught up to Germany with the game locked at 0-0. Ball first: Kyra Walsh’s pinpoint pass into space was fantastic, but Toone’s run was profitable and her finish was perfect as she lifted it over the onrushing Frohms for the first goal of the game. Kelly’s 110th-minute goal sent a record Wembley crowd into sheer delight as England beat Germany 2-1 to win women’s Euro 2022. Naomi Baker/Getty Images This change came at a point when England were struggling to find their rhythm. in the end, Walsh’s energy and direct long ball broke the game open, taking the momentum away from Germany’s boa style. But Germany’s 73rd-minute change was also decisive when Sydney Lohmann took her chance in midfield. It was her crazy run through the England defense that created space for Tabea Wassmuth (a sub at half-time) who managed to get in behind the England defense and put in a low cross for Lina Magull to finish at close range beam. In the end, of all 12 changes in an impressive 120 minutes, it was Kelly who had the final say. With legs on fire in extra time, it was her 114th minute winner that secured the title in England. The finish was set, a testament to her hard work after 11 months out with an ACL injury. It was also a sign of Wiegman’s faith in her entire 23-man squad. — Tom Hamilton
  2. Pop’s sad absence is too much for Germany to overcome The news that Germany captain Alex Popp had been injured in the warm-up before the final came as a shock to the stadium and Germany fans and supporters back home. It was the toughest end to a stunning tournament from the 31-year-old, who was tied with Beth Mead for the Golden Boot heading into this game. She had scored six goals in five games for Germany and her individual scores/shots were better than the team’s total combined. It looked even worse when you consider that Popp has missed the last two tournaments with serious injuries as well. Pop’s departure from Germany’s starting line-up during the warm-up proved decisive in how the final would play out. Danny Lawson/PA Images via Getty Images Having done so much to get Germany to this point, she was forced to watch from the sidelines, although her replacement in the starting XI, Lea Schuller, was by no means an inadequate choice for such an occasion. The Bayern Munich man was named Germany’s 2021 Player of the Year and was the starting striker for their first game in the competition. However, on Sunday she struggled to get into the game and was replaced by Nicole Anyomi after 67 minutes. Pop’s drive and leadership are hard to copy, and it was a game where Germany needed her. It was clear that they lacked her physicality in the box, especially in the first half. Sara Dabritz and Magull both had decent chances to put them in front but they were long shots from difficult angles. There was some muscle in the box, something Popp is well known for, and that aggression was much needed against an England defense that boasted the likes of Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze. Women’s Euro: News & Features | Schedules & Results | Paintings Throughout the Euros in particular, Germany found success with Svenja Huth running down the wings and sending in crosses for Popp to either volley or head despite the attention of opposing defenders. When Magull eventually curled a low cross into the box, it felt like an avenue Germany could have exploited much earlier had their captain been on the pitch. 2 Related Germany improved after leveling at 1-1, creating plenty of chances to take the lead, but you can’t help but feel that if they had Pop from the start, they could have grabbed a few more goals much sooner. England and took home a remarkable ninth European title. — Kathleen McNamee
  3. How far can Wiegman take this England team? When the England players came out to enjoy some of the Wembley atmosphere before kick-off, there were cheers from the crowd. When Wiegman came off minutes later, the England fans were on their feet, showing their appreciation for her. The fans undoubtedly love this team, but they arguably love it more. The reception was symbolic of how Wiegman has captured the nation’s attention and faith in her. And why wouldn’t they? Her record with England is impeccable and has now handed her the most elusive prize of all: a major tournament trophy. (It also means he has been manager for the last two Euro winners, having led the Netherlands to glory in 2017.) There was never any doubt that this England team had world-class players, but Wiegman came in and added an air of confidence and cohesion that was not there before. Even in their shakiest moments, this team has pulled together and come into their own. After opening the tournament, a nervy 1-0 win over Austria, there was a question of whether England could handle the pressure of a tournament on home soil. It did show, however, that Wiegman had been here before with the Netherlands. She steadied the ship and did not chase her commitment to her starting line-up. When talking about super substitutes Toone and Russo, he gave them their due even though they arguably had a reason to be in the starting line-up. Every player asked about Wiegman during the Euros spoke highly of her, but more importantly, she seemed incredibly genuine. For both goals in the final, Kelly and Toone ran to celebrate with her and the team. This was not a moment for them as individuals. it was about everyone. Not much has changed with this team compared to previous years, other than Wiegman’s influence. It is the cog that has been missing for years from England and now they are reaping the benefits. It’s a tantalizing prospect for the 2023 World Cup opportunities. — Kathleen McNamee