'Disciplined' regime helped my studies while playing for England, says Michelle Agyemang

Footballer Michelle Agyemang has told Sky News she followed a "disciplined" regime to cope with her studies while training for England ahead of her pivotal role in the Euros.

The 19-year-old scored two decisive goals - including one in the semi-final against Italy when England were on the brink of defeat - to help the Lionesses to victory at the Women's Euros in Switzerland.

England retained their title after beating Spain on penalties in a dramatic final.

The Arsenal striker said she is at university studying for a degree - and still found time to fit in the work alongside England's preparations for the Euros.

"It's a lot of work, but you have to be disciplined in the same way you have to be in football," she said.

"After training, go home, listen to the lecture, do some work, sometimes go in.

"I just finished my A-levels before uni, so I'm kind of into the habit of studying."

Agyemang also spoke about her piano playing - and how she arranged to have the instrument with her at the Euros.

"The piano - it's always great to do something to enjoy myself," she said.

"The funny thing is I actually started off playing the guitar, but being in the church - that's where I was playing - so learning the piano and stuff like that.

"I thought 'why not take it with me?' - and it was nice that it could be driven in a van.

"It was good to have that in my room right next to my bed every day."

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'Community's support was beautiful'

A week after England lifted the trophy, Agyemang said she was back with her church community and told of the warm reception she received.

She said: "It was amazing. It was a packed service, so it was nice to see everyone and people I haven't really spoken to before coming up to me to say 'well done, we're so proud of you, we were praying for you'.

"That kind of warms your heart to know that there were people that you don't even know supporting you and looking out for you.

"It's beautiful and I'm so happy to have that around."

'England manager like a mum to the players'

Agyemang's progression into international football was so quick, she only met England manager Sarina Wiegman months before the Euros.

"I think Sarina's amazing. I only met her, probably, three months before the tournament," she said.

"To see the faith that she put in me from day one to make my debut in April - and then to now to only have one appearance going into the Euros, to show that faith and that trust in me, shows how lovely she is as a woman, as a coach as well.

"She's like a mum to the team. She respects all of us and she wants the best for us.

"We all want to play for her, for the rest of the team, and to go and win the game for her because she deserves it."

'We're influencing young boys and girls'

Agyemang said the team's achievements are inspiring younger generations.

"I think we're influencing young boys and girls, not in just football, but in their own lives and their careers to go and chase what they thought they couldn't chase," she said.

"A lot of girls, probably back when I was six or seven or so, probably weren't thinking, 'let me go and be a professional footballer'.

"But now it might be their first thought. Whenever they go into school, 'I want to be a footballer' - which is nice to know that we've paved the way for that in some sort."

'Playing in boys' league helped build character'

Agyemang said she could see the integration of boys and girls in football when she was younger - and it was an important part of her development.

She said: "At the beginning I was in a boys' team, in my grassroots, just for a couple of years. Then, at Arsenal, it was fully just girls.

"That was nice to be playing with what we're going to do for the rest of our careers, essentially.

"We had a couple of times when we played in the boys' league, under-10s (and) 12s, and that builds a lot of character, losing every week.

"But I think it was good for development - and to see the integration. The boys were respectful, even though they were so young.

"It kind of teaches you something and it was nice to have that experience at such a young age."

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