Should any of England’s Euro 2025 finishers be starters in the final?

England finds themselves on the cusp of another major final, a testament to their sustained excellence in women's football. Yet, as has become a recurring theme, their journey to this showpiece event has been significantly shaped not just by the starting eleven, but by the extraordinary impact of those coming off the bench. The semi-finals in Switzerland provided compelling evidence of this unique strength, raising a pertinent question for Sarina Wiegman as she plots her final strategy: have the game-changers earned a starting berth?

The Lionesses’ path through the knockout stages was paved with moments of brilliance from their substitutes. Against Sweden, it was Michelle Agyemang who provided the crucial equaliser, injecting pace and directness precisely when England needed it most. Her fellow replacement, Chloe Kelly, then followed suit, playing a pivotal role in the build-up to both of England’s decisive goals, turning the tide of a tightly contested match. The pattern repeated itself with dramatic flair against Italy. Once more, Agyemang emerged as the hero, forcing extra time with a late strike that showcased her composure under immense pressure. As the clock wound down in the additional period, it was Kelly again who delivered the 119th-minute winner, a penalty incidentally won by yet another substitute, the returning Beth Mead, whose presence alone brought an immediate lift. This consistent ability to conjure game-altering moments from the bench has solidified England’s strength in depth as their ultimate superpower in this tournament, allowing Sarina Wiegman unparalleled tactical flexibility and the ability to outlast even the most resilient opponents.

This tactical luxury presents Wiegman with a fascinating dilemma. On one hand, the argument for promoting players like Agyemang, Kelly, or Mead to the starting lineup is compelling. Their proven ability to influence high-stakes matches, their momentum, and their undeniable quality could provide an immediate boost from kick-off. Agyemang's clinical finishing and direct play, Kelly's tireless work rate and decisive contributions, and Mead's creative spark and big-game experience are all attributes any coach would covet in their starting eleven. However, the very essence of their impact often stems from their role as 'finishers' – players introduced against tiring defences or to exploit specific tactical shifts. Their fresh legs and different profiles can be more devastating when unleashed later in a game, disrupting an opponent's rhythm and exploiting spaces that weren't there in the opening exchanges.

The decision for the final will undoubtedly hinge on a delicate balance between rewarding individual performance, maintaining team cohesion, and formulating a strategy best suited to nullify their opponents. Wiegman's track record suggests a preference for consistency in her starting lineup, but the evidence of this tournament is undeniable: her bench has not merely provided relief but has been the catalyst for victory. Whether she opts to maintain the established order, trusting her starters to lay the groundwork for a late surge from her impact players, or chooses to integrate her heroes from the outset, the Lionesses head into the final armed with a depth of talent that few, if any, other nations can match. This strategic advantage, regardless of who begins the match, positions England powerfully for what promises to be another memorable encounter.