Euro 2022 final reaction: Mead 2-5 for Spoty as England end 56 years of hurt

England's women banished the ghosts of tournaments past at Wembley on Sunday as they justified ante-post odds of 9-2 to beat Germany 2-1 after extra-time in the Euro 2022 final.

Sarina Wiegman's side, who were 17-20 shots before a ball was kicked in the final, became the first England senior side to win a major trophy since the 1966 men's World Cup thanks to Chloe Kelly's dramatic 110th-minute winner.

After a tight opening half of normal time which was short on scoring chances, it was England who took the lead through substitute Ella Toone. The Manchester United forward, who was 15-2 to break the deadlock, latched onto a Keira Walsh pass before lobbing Germany's keeper in the 62nd minute.

The Lionesses were subsequently matched at 1.29 to win in 90 minutes and 1.16 to lift the trophy on Betfair's Exchange before Lina Magull levelled for Germany 11 minutes from time.

Neither side could find a winner in 90 minutes thereafter as draw backers were rewarded at 23-10, but following an edgy first half of extra-time, Kelly poked home from close range five minutes into the second period, sparking delirious scenes at Wembley.

England winger Beth Mead scooped the Golden Boot ahead of Germany's Alexandra Popp - the pair ended the tournament as joint-top scorers with six goals each but Mead claimed more assists. Dead-heat rules will apply for betting purposes.

Mead, who was also named Player of the Tournament, is just 2-5 to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year ahead of 10-1 shot Ronnie O'Sullivan. Victorious Lionesses captain Leah Williamson is 10-1 to scoop the award.

Entain, the parent company of Coral and Ladbrokes, reported prior to the final that over 1.5 million online bets had been placed on Euro 2022 in total, a fivefold increase from the 2017 tournament and a figure which includes a significant upturn in female customers.

The same firm also reported significant ante-post support for the Lionesses, with 60 per cent of UK-based outright punters backing England to win the trophy.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Not got a William Hill account? Sign up and bet £10 to get £30 in free bets

Open a new account using Promo code H30 only, Min £10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15, free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment method/player/country restrictions apply. T&Cs apply 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Sign up to emails from Racing Post Sport and get all the latest news and tips

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport