Mary Mary – Shackles

27th July 2025 · 2000, 2000s, Music

Sometimes I choose a song not because I particularly love it but because it’s the right one at the right time. Like this.

It’s the song England’s teenage supersub striker Michelle Agyemang likes to listen to in the dressing room for inspiration before a game. So far it’s worked beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

First there was her debut goal in April – a screamer of a volley just 41 seconds after she came on against Belgium.

Then, after being a late selection for Sarina Wiegman’s Euro squad, there was her quarter-final equaliser – again from the bench – against Sweden, sending the game into a penalty shoot-out that England won.

And last week, her fourth appearance, she came on as we looked down and out against Italy in the semi-final – and scored the 96th minute equaliser that brought extra-time when Chloe Kelly scored the winner.

So there must be something special about this song: something inspirational and motivational. And if I thought it would help I’d be blasting it out of the windows here just before five o’clock in the hope that it can help England bring the Euro trophy home again.

Hopefully with Michelle scoring the winner again.

As for Mary Mary, they’re a gospel sister act from Inglewood in California, comprising Erica and Tina Atkins, who write most of their own material. One of America’s most successful contemporary gospel acts, this was their first single.