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.
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.
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 leveler 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.
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.
Keira Walsh deserves a lot of the credit for a brilliant long-range pass over the top of the German defense 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.
