England fans upset as Michelle Agyemang omitted from photos posted by royal family
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
The 19-year-old Agyemang saved England at the brink with late goals in both the quarter- and semi-finals at the Women’s Euro 2025.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
LONDON – Britain’s royal family is under fire from Lionesses fans after a good luck message that included photos of several players was missing young star Michelle Agyemang.
The 19-year-old Agyemang, who is black, saved England at the brink with late goals in both their narrow quarter-final win over Sweden and semi-final victory over Italy at the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland.
“I think that would never, ever be intentional,” England manager Sarina Wiegman said, when asked about the omission in the pre-game press conference on July 26. The final against Spain on July 27 ended after press time.
“I think the message from the royal family is that they really, really support us and we really appreciate that. It’s unfortunate that (Agyemang) is not on the picture, but there’s all good intentions.”
The royal family posted their congratulations on reaching the European Championship final on several social media platforms.
“Your journey to this stage has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing the skill, determination (and test of nerve!) for which your team is so rightly celebrated,” the message said. “Knowing the Lionesses’ fighting spirit, I suspect we are in for another thrilling encounter on Sunday.
“Your achievements continue to inspire countless girls and women across the nation, proving once again that with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible. Good luck, England. May you roar to victory once more.”
The royal family did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the post.
It includes a photo of England’s starting XI for a game earlier in the tournament and includes Jess Carter, who announced earlier in the tournament that she was coming off social media after receiving racist abuse. The post also includes several other players in action.
The post was met with an outcry from many fans on social media.
“Black women aren’t invisible. Let’s stop erasing them,” Miriam Walker-Khan, the founder of Brown Girl Sport, wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Nigeria staged a remarkable fightback from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on July 26.
It was a record-extending 10th triumph for Nigeria, confirming their status as the most successful women’s team in Africa.
Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi led the fightback at Rabat’s Stade Olympique before substitute Jennifer Echegini swept home an 88th-minute winner.
Morocco skipper Ghizlane Chebbak and tricky winger Sanaa Mssoudy scored in the first half hour to see the home team take a surprise lead, as they sought to become only the fourth country to take the continental title after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. REUTERS
