ENGLAND ROAD TO VICTORY

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England went into the euros as the defending champions. They were drawn in group d with France, wales and Netherlands. They began their campaign with their first match against France. They were defeated by the French women team 2-1, goals for France were scored by Marie-Antoine and Sandy Baltimore and the only goal for England was scored by Walsh.

In their second game against Netherlands, they thrashed the Dutch side 4-0, goals from James, who netted twice, Stanway and Toone.
In their last and final group match, they defeated wales 6-1 goals from Stanway, Toone, Hemp, Russo, Mead and Beever-Jones.

In the quarter-finals, they were drafted alongside Sweden. They Swedish side took they lead with two goals from Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius ahead of England. They English side trilled to Sweden till the 79th minute with a goal from Bronze and Agyemang who came off the bench to equalize the game for England. It was later taken to penalties were England won 3-2 with help from Hannah Hampton and Lucy Bronze to secure a spot in the semi.

In the semi- finals, they faced Italy to secure a spot in the finals. It was a dramatic match as England came from behind to defeat Italy 2-1. Italy took the early in the first half with a goal from Bonansea. In the second half, there was an introduction of Agyemang and Kelly. Late in the second half during the 90+6 minute a goal from the super sub, Agyemang resurrected England’s hope and took the game to extra time where another super sub Kelly scored her rebounded penalty in the 119th minute for England to win the game and taking them to the final.

Going into the final against world champions Spain who were a force to recon with in the tournament. In the first half of the game, England conceded a goal in the 25th minute which was scored by Mariona Caldentey. In the second half of the game, Alessia Russo scored a brilliant head in the 58th minute off an assist from Kelly. The game remained 1-1 till the end of 90th minutes. It was taken to extra time but it still ended as a tie at the end of 30 minute of extra time which lead to penalty kicks.

England were the first to take the shot, Mead scored but it was called off as an irregular kick which she retook and it was saved by the Spanish goalkeeper, Catalina Coll while Spain Patri Guijarro scored which made it Spain 1- England 0. The second spot was taken by England Alex Greenwood who scored and Spain Mariona Caldentey kick was saved by Hannah Hampton. It was 1-1. The third spot kick was taken by England Niamh Charles scored while Spain Aitana kick was saved by Hannah Hampton. The fourth was taken by Williamson whose shoot was saved by the Spanish goalkeeper, Catalina Coll. This gave Spain a bit of hope but it was flushed into the drain as Salma Paralluelo missed for Spain. Kelly with confident scored the fifth kick for England they gave them they victory. Kelly and Hannah Hampton were the heroines for England in the penalty shootout. The penalty shootout ended Spain 1- England 3. Joy and sorrow filled the air as England proudly defended their European title against the world champions.

Spain striker, Esther won the golden while England goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton, Spain Aitana was named player of the tournament, Michelle Agyemang was named player of the tournament.
Thankyou.

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