THURROCK'S young football star Michelle Agyemang is now a European champion.

The English Lioness lifted the 2025 championship crown on Sunday evening (27 July) on a thrilling and dramatic evening in Switzerland.

England came from a goal down to level and force the match into extra time – and then a dramatic penalty shootout.

Super-sub Michelle, from South Ockendon, was on the pitch from midways through the second half and through she didn't add to her previous goals that had kept the Lionesses in the tournament, her energy and enthusiasm clearly lifted her team through the tiring closing minutes.

19-year-old Michelle scored in the 96th minute to take the semi-final against Italy to extra time and she got the equaliser in the 81st minute of the quarter-final.

Her footballing talents were nurtured at Southend High School for Girls where coach April Smith spotted her potential when she was one of about 30 players taking part in lunchtime matches.

Michelle (third from right) at an under 13s tournament seven years ago, with coach April (second from left)

She said: "There was just something really special about her, not just from a playing perspective, but a mentality perspective. She always wanted to do more, always worked really hard."

"I'm not surprised at all to see her do as well as she's done... she's just got something about her. It's hard to explain," she continued.

"You just want to nurture that talent and you want to make sure she goes and plays on the best stages and that's exactly what she's doing and she's taking everything in her stride.

"She's come from a little place in Essex, so it does make you really proud, just knowing that people will grow up one day... little girls saying they want to go and play like Michelle Agyemang.

"It's incredible, it's what every coach wants. She is a coach's dream."

As well as a winner's medal Michelle came away from the tournament after being named Euro 2025's young player of the tournament. receiving her trophy on the pitch after the match.