Agyemang can 'bring something different' to help England

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In April, she made an impressive debut, scoring a remarkable volley in just 41 seconds. Following her appearance in the 86th minute during England's Euro 2025 loss to France on Saturday, Sport readers recognized her as the top-performing player.

"It’s easy to glance at the clock and assume there isn’t enough time left. That’s what makes the game so captivating. A significant impact can happen in just 10 seconds,” Agyemang stated.

During her four-minute appearance on Saturday, no other England player had more contacts within the opposing box (five) than Agyemang.

The 19-year-old was regarded as Sarina Wiegman's surprise choice for Euro 2025, and although the initial match against France ended in a painful 2-1 defeat, Agyemang proved to be a catalyst.

"Most players will admit to feeling nervous before a match, and I do experience that sometimes," Agyemang shared.

"However, when things aren't going your way, it can actually be advantageous. It allows you to take control of the game assertively. That's the mindset I had recently, and on another occasion we might have secured all three points."

"Being here at all means a great deal to me. Everyone aspires to give their best, whether they are in the starting lineup or not. My main goal is to support the team's efforts."

"She has something special about her."

Upon including Agyemang in the squad, Wiegman remarked that the Arsenal striker could offer "something distinct" and expressed the hope that this would be evident in Switzerland.

Agyemang showed her talent while on loan at Brighton this season and has been on Wiegman's radar for several years after advancing through England's youth ranks.

She appears composed in front of cameras and seems mature for her age, yet on the field, she generates significant disruption.

"I’ll never forget the first time she played; she knocked me over in practice. I was too slow to react," recalled England captain Leah Williamson last month.

"I teased her about it afterward, but inside, I thought, 'You need to speed up your play, because she brings something to the table.' My first impression was that she made it clear she was in the game, which I appreciate."

Agyemang aims to be a "distinctive player" and is focused on maintaining consistency to create an effect "from the first minute to the last."

She draws motivation from her Arsenal teammate Alessia Russo and Chelsea's Lauren James, whom she considers "one of the most technically adept players" she has witnessed.

However, Agyemang is quickly gaining recognition for one specific attribute—her strength.

"She charges into opponents and handles them easily because of her power," Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze noted.

"She’s so kind and unpretentious as a person, but on the pitch, she's likely one of my favorites to compete against because I can really challenge her!"

"She enjoys responding in kind. She’s received advice from Wiegman to lighten her approach a bit, but I told her, 'No, keep it up, Micha. I like it that way; it makes things tougher for us.'"

"There’s fire in the belly"

Agyemang's ascent has been so swift that she has had to adjust to heightened attention and quickly acclimate to her role as a senior international player.

She is taking on media responsibilities, learning how to "connect" and also grasping "the message I’m conveying."

Agyemang admits the transition from youth football has been a "significant surprise," but she promises to be prepared if England calls her up again for Euro 2025.

"Most of the pressure I feel is self-imposed. I try to tune out the external noise. I value everybody's support," she remarked.

"My primary focus is on improving my skills and contributing to the team."

"Everyone on the bench understands that we might be needed at any moment, and we've envisioned different scenarios. It could be anybody's turn at any time."

England might rely on her this Wednesday as they strive to remain in the tournament when they compete against the Netherlands, the 2017 champions, at 17:00 BST, live on air.

The Netherlands has bested England in two of their last three encounters, but under Wiegman’s guidance, the Lionesses have not faced consecutive defeats.

Midfielder Georgia Stanway claims there is "no crisis," but acknowledges the urgency following England's unsatisfactory performance against France.

"There’s a passion ignited within us. You can observe [during training] that everyone is eager to secure the outcome we need in the upcoming match," Agyemang stated.

"We still aim to win the tournament, and that result doesn’t alter anything. We continue to pursue the ultimate goal, which is the trophy."