Sarina Wiegman, take a bow. The England manager’s substitutions throughout this tournament were game-changers, up to and including Sunday’s showdown with Germany, the eight-time champions who had never lost a Euros final before.
On came Ella Toone and she scored a chip so delicious it should have come with salt and vinegar.
On came Chloe Kelly and she scored the extra-time winner by being in the right place at the right time.
Sarina Wiegman’s substitutions were spot on as England beat Germany in the Euro 2022 final
Chloe Kelly (left) and Ella Toone (right) came on to help England win their first ever trophy
If only Alessia Russo had buried her chance towards the end, it would have been a manager’s hat-trick.
But we won’t get too greedy because 2-1 will do just fine.
Germany were probably the better team after making it 1-1 but England found a way. They were streetwise.
Alessia Russo has been a popular player in the Euros and ruffled some feathers in the final
Russo was ruffling feathers — she bulldozed one of her opponents immediately after being introduced — and Jill Scott added some mettle. It was so satisfying to watch.
I loved Russo cheekily looking over her opponent’s shoulder to try to read a note from Germany’s manager to her players.
Whatever was on those instructions, it didn’t matter. England managed the game brilliantly by keeping the ball in the corner until, finally, the full-time whistle was blown.
