Late goals by 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang rescued England when they were on the verge of defeat in both their quarter-final against Sweden and semi-final against Italy to set up Sunday's EURO 2025 final against the world championsSpain.
"Perhaps it appears chaotic, but it doesn't feel that way to us," Walsh stated at England's training facility on Thursday.
"I've heard people claim it's been luck. However, you create those moments through belief, determination, and confidence."
"I believe it's not luck that Michelle finds herself in the box scoring. It’s not luck that players are delivering crosses into the box. It’s intentional, it’s deliberate."
"And I think it's the absolute conviction that regardless of the game's minute, we're going to win or achieve the result needed to take us to extra time. That reflects the resilience of this team as well."
The referee was beginning to check her watch when Agyemang scored in the 96th minute against Italy on Tuesday, sending the match into extra time where Chloe Kelly converted the rebound from her own penalty kick.
"Perhaps the manner in which we've done it has been a bit more stressful for everyone," Walsh remarked from England's training base on Thursday. "But that’s part of the charm of this team; we are relentless and have faith in ourselves that even in the 90th minute, we can score and win."
Revenge?
Sunday marks England's third consecutive major tournament final and an opportunity for retribution against the team that defeated them in the 2023 World Cup final.
However, Walsh indicated that this will not be the primary focus when they take the field in Basel.
"Certainly, that was a huge disappointment, but as a football player, you can become overly emotional," said the Chelsea midfielder. "It's essential to concentrate on the positives and not dwell too much on that. You think about it a little, but set it aside and focus on Sunday."
The team gathered to watch Spain's 1-0 victory over Germany in extra time together in their hotel players' lounge on Wednesday night, and like anyone who viewed the match, they were impressed by two-time reigning Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati's stunning goal from a narrow angle.
"(That was) Bonmati magic," Walsh remarked. "Most players in that situation wouldn't even consider shooting; they would instinctively cross. It was an exceptional goal."
The team has received urgent messages urging them not to let Sunday’s final go to extra time, while midfielder Georgia Stanway's father has expressed that his nerves are frayed.
Walsh laughed and said to forget about the families.
"Sitting there for us is equally uncomfortable."
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