England striker Michelle Agyemang ‘grateful’ for Euro 2025 opportunity as Lionesses look ahead to must-win match | OneFootball

Michelle Agyemang came off the bench during England’s Euro 2025 clash with France. Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Michelle Agyemang is enjoying every moment of her major tournament debut at Women’s Euro 2025, as the Lionesses prepare for a must-win clash against the Netherlands.

The Arsenal striker’s rapid rise through the England ranks earned her a place in the squad for Euro 2025.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season on loan at Brighton at club level. Now she’s part of a national setup chasing European success.

Her inclusion marks a bold call from Sarina Wiegman, rewarding not just potential but productivity. Agyemang’s strength and confidence has already made a lasting impression on England, who hope to harness the very same qualities in the weeks ahead.

Michelle Agyemang soaking up tournament debut at Euro 2025

Thrown into tournament football at the highest level, Agyemang is soaking up everything around her.

She told the media as per Hayters: “To be here in the first place is more than enough for me. So no matter what my role is in the team, everyone’s role is to do the best they can, no matter if they’re starting or coming on or not even playing in the game.

“So wherever I am, as long as I’m helping the team out, that’s my main ambition.”

England have a challenge to qualify for the quarter-finals after losing 2-1 to France in their opening game. Agyemang came on as an 86th-minute substitute to make her senior international tournament debut.

She said: “We know we have two important games going on next, and just seeing how we were able to reflect on that and now turn our minds towards the Netherlands has been a key lesson for me, but also for the rest of the team.”

That ability to adapt will be crucial if England are to progress deep into the tournament.

What went wrong for England against France?

England’s loss to France came with plenty of frustration, but the disallowed goal in the first half has proved especially hard to swallow.

Alessia Russo had the ball in the net, only for it to be ruled out because Beth Mead was judged offside by the narrowest of margins in the build-up.

It’s the kind of moment that raises big questions and former FIFA and Premier League referee Keith Hackett has called for changes to the offside law.

The decision follows the letter of the law, but many feel that it stops the flow and fairness of the game. When goals are ruled out by a fraction of a boot or shoulder, it’s hard for fans and players not to wonder if technology is being used in the right way.

Plenty of voices in football are now calling for a change. Suggestions such as giving the benefit of the doubt to attackers or revisiting the idea of a clear daylight rule, are gaining support. For England, it was a crucial moment that slipped away. For the sport, it’s another sign that the offside rule may not be working as intended.

What’s Next for England?

England now face a must-win game to keep their Euro 2025 dreams alive.

The Lionesses take on 2017 champions the Netherlands on Wednesday, knowing that a defeat could see the defending European champions head home early. A draw would also put the Lionesses on the brink of exit.

Agyemang is expected to play a role, though likely from the bench. With her direct style and fearless approach, she could provide a valuable spark against one of the continent’s most technical sides.

According to the UK’s top betting sites, the Lionesses are favourites to beat the Netherlands on Wednesday.

They are priced at 8/13 to pick up the win. A Netherlands victory is priced at 10/3 while a draw is available at odds of 9/4.