England women in dreamland after Euro 2022 final victory over Germany

England’s Euro 2022 dream became reality as substitute Chloe Kelly’s extra-time finish saw the Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 and secure the first major trophy in their history in front of a record-breaking crowd at Wembley.

Kelly prodded the ball past Merle Frohms in the 110th minute to restore the tournament hosts’ lead after fellow substitute Ella Toone’s wonderful lobbed opener just after the hour mark.

Eight-time champions Germany – who had lost star forward Alexandra Popp to injury in the warm-up – equalised with 11 minutes of normal time remaining through Lina Magull, and the game looked on course for a penalty shoot-out until Kelly’s effort fired Sarina Wiegman’s side to glory.

A year on from the men’s team losing their Euros final at the stadium on penalties to Italy, England can celebrate the first piece of major silverware for a senior side since the men’s 1966 World Cup triumph over West Germany.

And there was jubilation at the final whistle as the players tried to take in what they had done amid an almighty roar from the 87,192 crowd – the biggest-ever attendance for any Euros match, men’s or women’s. The England players danced and the crowd sang their anthem “Sweet Caroline" before the trophy presentation, with Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin handing over the main prize to Leah Williamson.

Matchwinner Kelly said she was living the dream. She told the BBC in an interview that was interrupted so she could sing along with her team-mates: “Oh my God, look at them, it is amazing, thank you to every single person that supported us. This is unreal. Sweet Caroline!

“It’s amazing, thank you everyone, this is what dreams are made, as a young girl watching women’s football. Wow, this is unbelievable.”

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