IT was the scruffiest of winning goals but no-one cares.
Substitute Chloe Kelly struck the crucial goal in the 110th minute of extra-time for England’s Lionesses to rewrite history and win their first European Women’s Championship at a sold out Wembley.
England are the Euro Women’s champs after beating Germany Credit: Getty
Football has come home after an inspired performance from England Credit: Getty It was the country’s first major football success since the 1966 World Cup. Unsurprisingly, the Three Lions anthem was played seconds after the final whistle.
Germany had won this title on nine occasions but the players sank to their knees when Kelly scrambled in a shot at the second attempt after Lauren Hemp’s corner.
Just when it seemed the match was going to penalties, Kelly, who plays for Manchester City, picked the perfect time to score her first goal of the tournament.
Once again, England coach Sarina Wiegman changed the game with her substitutions.
England have done their country proud Credit: Getty
The Lionesses left it late with a 2-1 win in extra time Credit: Getty .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}
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Chloe Kelly scored the crucial goal for England Credit: Getty
Football has finally come home after the Lionesses did their country proud Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun Ella Toone had only been on the pitch for six minutes before scoring a terrific goal to put England ahead.
But Lina Magull sent the final into extra-time with a close-range leveller in the 79th minute.
Germany suffered a blow before the game when top scorer Alexandra Popp suffered an injury in the warm-up so was forced to withdraw.
England had the best first half chance with striker Ellen White finding herself in a good position but she fired a shot over the bar.
Kelly stabbed the ball home with just eight minutes remaining Credit: Getty
Ella Toone was the scorer of England’s first goal Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}
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Toone put England ahead in the 62nd minute with a delightful chip Credit: PA
The goal was well deserved as England dominated at home Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun Half-time substitute Tabea Wassmuth had a good chance for Germany three minutes into the second half but despite being clean through, shot straight at keeper Mary Earps.
German midfielder Magull also wasted a good chance from close range and with England lacking ideas, Wiegman made changes.
Both Toone and Alessia Russo were introduced and soon after, England took the lead.
The Germans responded with just over 10 minutes left to play Credit: Getty
Lina Magull silenced the Wembley crowd before England rallied ahead of extra-time Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun Keira Walsh deserves a lot of the credit for a brilliant long-range pass over the top of the German defence but Toone showed real class by needing just one touch before lifting the ball over German keeper Merle Frohms.
Magull hammered a shot against the woodwork but with 11 minutes left, she levelled at the near post when turning in a cross from Wassmuth.
In extra-time, neither side looked as though they were going to do enough to win before 24-year-old Kelly, a 64th minute sub, struck.
Kelly became a national treasure with her impact late on Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The ace was mobbed by teammates as her goal sparked jubilant scenes at Wembley Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk