Lucy Bronze
Lucy Bronze is playing in her seventh international tournament — a true veteran. She made her England debut in 2013 and describes herself as “proper England.” Her close-range header in the 79th minute brought England back into the game against Sweden.
In the penalty shootout, Bronze stepped up with a perfect record. She removed the strap on her leg, fearing it might affect her shot. After observing Sweden keeper Jennifer Falk dive early on previous attempts, she calmly placed her penalty down the middle — clocked at 102.51 km/h — and scored the winning penalty in sudden death.
Beth Mead said: “She taped her leg, became a physio, then a striker, and nailed the best penalty of the day. She did it all.”
Manager Sarina Wiegman added: “Lucy Bronze is one of a kind... What defines her is resilience and fight. The only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair.”
Michelle Agyemang
At just 19, Michelle Agyemang became the second-youngest England player to score at a major tournament. Coming on as a super-sub, she scored within a minute in the 81st to make it 2-2 — just as she did against Belgium earlier in the tournament.
Wiegman said: “Michelle brings something different. She’s strong and scores goals.”
Chloe Kelly added: “She brings such strength — her power, her speed — and holds the ball up really well. Incredible to see her shine on the big stage.”
Agyemang’s presence brings energy and unpredictability. She’s proven she can deliver when it counts.
Chloe Kelly
Chloe Kelly continues to shine as a super-sub. She came on in the 78th minute and delivered a perfect cross to Lucy Bronze for England’s first goal. Two minutes later, she played a key role in the second equaliser.
Her direct play disrupted Sweden’s rhythm and forced them to sit deeper. She also took England’s fifth penalty with her trademark bounce and smile, keeping them in the shootout.
Wiegman said: “She was sharp, crossed from both sides, did her job. So did all the subs. It was a hard fight.”
Niamh Charles
Niamh Charles has been a consistent and dependable performer at left-back. Her ability to support both attack and defence makes her crucial to Wiegman’s tactical setup. With strong form for Chelsea, she’s brought pace, stamina, and improved positional awareness to the Lionesses.
Her overlapping runs and crosses have added width, while her one-on-one defending has helped neutralise threats down the flank.
Esme Morgan
Esme Morgan offers calm and composure in defence. Strong in the air and confident in possession, she anchors the back line with maturity. Her tactical versatility allows her to play across the defence, giving England flexibility when needed.
She’s a vocal organiser and key to England’s build-up play from deep, reading the game intelligently and disrupting opposition attacks.
Grace Clinton
Grace Clinton has been one of the standout performers for England this summer. The midfielder has brought energy, control, and attacking intent, thriving in a more advanced role where she connects midfield to the front line.
After breaking into the senior squad earlier this year, Clinton has taken her opportunity with both hands. Her composure in tight spaces, ability to operate between the lines, and forward runs have added a new dimension to England’s midfield.
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