Georgia Stanway scored an extra-time screamer to send England into the semi-finals of the Women’s Euro 2022 – and Ian Wright and Alex Scott absolutely loved it.
The former Arsenal duo were both on punditry duty at the Amex Stadium, as Sarina Wiegman’s side looked to take one step closer to lifting the Euro 2022 trophy.
But the Lionesses struggled to assert consistent control on the game in the first half. And Spain made it 1-0 on 54 minutes through Esther Gonazlez.
Wiegman reacted quickly, bringing on Manchester United pair Ella Toone and Alessia Russo, as well as Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly. All three players gave England extra energy going forward, but with time ticking away, the Lionesses’ hopes were dwindling.
With six minutes to play, however, the game turned on its head. Two of the attacking substitutes combined, with Lauren Hemp finding the head of Russo. She nodded the ball down to Toone, who made no mistake from 10 yards. Game on.
That meant extra time was called for. And despite being on the edge of elimination just minutes earlier, you had to call England favourites now, as Spain began to tire.
And it took the hosts just six minutes to score what proved to be the winning goal.
Stanway received the ball just over halfway, with options on her left and right. But with Spain defenders retreating, the Bayern Munich midfielder decided to drive towards goal.
From 25 yards out, she let fly, sending a superb effort crashing into the back of the net. It was one of those goals where time seems to go in slow motion as the ball is in the air. As soon as it left Stanway’s boot, however, you almost knew it would end up in the net.
Ian Wright, Alex Scott celebrate England winner
The goal sent most of the Amex Stadium – hosting a record Women’s Euros quarter-final attendance of 28,994 – into raptures. England were one step closer to the semi-finals.
On the Amex gantry, Ian Wright and Alex Scott were wildly celebrating with them.
Both began by jumping up and down, holding on to the gantry railings as support, before punching the air with delight. There is then a very brief moment of calm, before they excitedly high-five each other.
After the match, Scott posted a picture of the pair celebrating on Twitter with a simple message: “How we all feeling?”
For Spain, there will be plenty of disappointment; for England, it will be relief, excitement and a sense of anticipation for just how far the Lionesses can go in the tournament.
Featured Image Credit: BBC Sport
