Chloe Kelly was the Lionesses match-winner, scoring her first international goal from close range and marking the moment with a celebration reminiscent of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

In front of a crowd of 87,192 - a record for a women’s international fixture in Europe - at Wembley Stadium in London, Germany were dealt a blow in the warm-up when captain Alex Popp, who had scored in all five previous matches, picked up an injury.

On the other hand, England named an unchanged starting XI for the sixth match in a row, the first time that has ever happened at a European Championship tournament featuring a group stage.

An even first half saw Germany have the best opportunity when from a goalmouth scramble Marina Hegering’s close range effort was scrambled away by England skipper Leah Williamson.

Both teams made substitutions at the interval, but it was England’s that had the biggest impact with Ella Toone netting seven minutes into the second half.

At the time England were down to ten players but they made light of the numerical disadvantage with a well-weighted pass from Keira Walsh picking out Toone, who calmly lifted the ball over German keeper Merle Frohms.

Germany had won all of their previous eight Women’s European Championship finals going into this match, and responded by coming very close when Lina Magull struck the crossbar.

With just over ten minutes remaining, Germany levelled when Magull slid the ball in from close range after a cross from Tabea Wassmuth.

The match went to extra-time and after Germany controlled the first period, the hosts found the crucial breakthrough in the second.

A corner from Lauren Hemp was headed towards goal by Lucy Bronze and after seeing her initial effort saved, Kelly prodded in at the second attempt.

Once she realised the goal stood, a delighted Kelly took her shirt off and ran excitedly around the pitch, whirling her top in the air above her head.

Kelly was booked for her celebration, which evoked memories of the United States Brandi Chastain, who scored the winning penalty in the 1999 World Cup final, before removing her shirt and similarly waving it around in joy.

England’s victory saw Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman become the first to lead two different teams to the title, as she retained the crown she won with her host nation in 2017.

England match-winner Kelly described the win as "what dreams are made of" while Wiegman added that what the squad had done was "incredible."