Millie Bright praises England duo and makes Euro 2025 final prediction
England, the holders, looked to be crashing out of this summer's tournament after going a goal down to Italy in Tuesday night's thrilling semi-final in Geneva.
But Michelle Agyemang found a dramatic late equaliser from the bench, just as she had done in the quarter-finals against Sweden, before Chloe Kelly scored in the last minute of extra-time to seal a 2-1 victory.
The Lionesses' remarkable and somewhat rocky run means they will be playing in their third successive major tournament final when they take the field against Spain on Sunday evening.
Montse Tome's Spain – the reigning world champions – represent a daunting prospect for England heading into their first-ever European Championship final having edged past the 2022 runners-up, Germany, in extra-time on Wednesday.
But Bright – who last month made herself unavailable for England selection – believes the Lionesses' have proven they can overcome any 'obstacle' with their never-say-die attitude across the campaign.
Looking back on England's win over Italy, Bright told Sky Sports: 'It was never in doubt! I believe in the girls 100 per cent, from start to finish. This team has overcome so many obstacles.
'We've gone a goal down, we've gone to extra-time, we've gone to penalties and we've faced a little bit of criticism: the squads a little inexperienced, there's a lot of youngsters, how will we cope?
'There's many obstacles that we've overcome and every time I watch the team perform I'm super proud, proud to be English, proud of the girls and the youngsters coming through.
'It just goes to show that age is just a number, from the likes of Lucy Bronze, our most senior player, to the youngsters coming on, rescuing us, taking us to the semi-finals and now taking us to the final as well.'
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Aged just 19, Agyemang has well and truly announced herself as one of England's most potent weapons with her magnificent performances off the bench in Switzerland.
Wiegman hailed Agyemang as a 'special' talent in the wake of the teen's heroics against Italy – and Bright has no doubts that the Lionesses have unearthed a gem.
'She's been incredible. She's not only contributed, she's taken us to the semi-finals and the final, just like Chloe Kelly has,' the England and Chelsea defender said of Agyemang.
'But listen, she sends a message to any youngster out there and that is wanting to play for England.
'She probably didn't have going to the Euros in her sights and she's there and not only is she there, but she's rescuing the team, playing her part and what an incredible, exciting time for England.
'A youngster like herself, coming through, and that is the future so it's certainly looking bright from there.'
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According to Bright, Kelly has further underlined her 'big-game' credentials by helping rescue the Lionesses out of two rather sizeable holes against both Sweden and Italy en route to the final.
'She's a big-game player. She's about big moments, all that aura, all that confidence,' Bright said of the Arsenal forward.
'She never feels the pressure, she's always calm and collected and she thrives in these positions.
'She took that penalty and she's smiling before she's taking it. There wasn't one doubt in my mind that she was putting it in the back of the net against Sweden and then the same in the Italy game.
'I think she's a perfect example of going through tough times. If you look at prior to the tournament and everything she had to go through, she's rose above everything and really showed her true character.
'She's also an unbelievable team-mate. She'll do absolutely anything for the team, whether that's coming on as a sub or starting.'
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Bright – speaking ahead of Spain's semi-final defeat of Germany – insisted she was backing England to win 'no matter' which team advanced through to face them in Basel.
'I'm not bothered which team the girls face because it's a final. You're playing in a Euros final and any team you come up against is going to be tough and difficult to beat,' the Chelsea captain added. More Trending
'They're very different teams. Germany have that resilience, that grit and that fight to sometimes play a little poorly and still get over the line.
'Spain want to dominate, they don't like defending, they don't want you in their faces.
'We want to be proper England and we've shown that so far I don't think they'd enjoy facing us.
'But I think any team should fear us and we're in the final for a reason. You don't get there by the off chance. The girls have shown that from start to finish and I'm backing them no matter who they face.' Who will win Euro 2025?
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