It will go down as one of the most iconic moments in English football history.
Chloe Kelly’s celebration of pure joy as she wheeled away in delight, tearing off her shirt in front of a delirious almost disbelieving Wembley. England’s first trophy since 1966, the day the Lionesses delivered what the men could not manage a year ago as Sarina Wiegman’s heroes changed the face of the women’s game forever.
They took a leaf out of the late, great Sir Alf Ramsey’s book who, back on this very weekend 56 years ago, told his players before extra time: “You’ve won it once, now go out and win it again.”
That is exactly what they did. They had gone ahead in 90 minutes, were pegged back and won it again. And they also won the hearts and minds of the nation with a heroic victory at a sell-out Wembley packed with 87,192 fans which was a new Euros record.
The vast majority were singing: “Football’s Coming Home” as this was the crowning glory after an unforgettable summer and wonderful tournament.
At the final whistle, the noise was deafening. Wiegman was almost run over as the whole bench - unused subs and those who had been subbed - run onto the pitch to celebrate.
It was wonderful. When the chorus blared out “Thirty years of hurt” it finally felt like redemption because this was not just a victory but a win over England’s oldest footballing rival and the most successful team in Euros history.
The Lionesses had to dig deep, they had to wait until the 110th minute before supersub Kelly fired home the winner just when most fans were fearing yet another penalty shoot-out with Germany which normally only means one thing.
But this group of players is truly special. They just find a way. They find a second wind because it means everything to them and no wonder some of them were in tears at the end.
Captain Marvel Leah Williamson was in floods, they hugged as Sweet Caroline was played and they have made us all believe again.
These scenes will be played forever and a day, for as long as those heady days of 1966. Now, all these years on, this will be another unforgettable July day at Wembley.
They did us so proud. Wiegman is the master who led her native Holland to victory in a home tournament five years ago and now her brilliance has worked again.
Once again, her subs proved crucial as it was two substitutes who scored the goals in Kelly and Ella Toone. She reacted and made changes when England needed them. What a genius.
It was just glorious. Full of drama and stories. But best of all this is the opportunity and legacy for every England fan in the stadium to seize the moment and dream.
England were excellent throughout and no player deserves more praise than Keira Walsh who was masterful in midfield, she just ran the show and provided the pass not just of the match but also the tournament.
It was her searing through ball to release Ella Toone after 62 minutes. The England sub ran clear, lifted the ball over the onrushing Germany keeper Merle Frohms and the ball dinked up and bounced down into the empty net.
The whole stadium went crazy. But Germany came back. They were never going to give up that easily, Lina Magull had already hit the post and when Millie Bright gave her an inch at the near post the Germany forward slashed home Taba Wassmuth’s near post cross to equalise.
Into extra time. It looked nailed on for penalties as legs looked tired and brains running out of ideas. But there was one last twist.
Lauren Hemp swung over a corner, Lucy Bronze flicked it on in a scramble and there was Kelly to stab home. It sparked wild celebrations and scenes of joy.
We will never, ever forget this wonderful day. Or Kelly’s celebration.
