After all the build-up since the semi-finals, the day has finally arrived.
England will line up against the Germans at a sold-out Wembley later today with the 2022 European Women’s Championship title at stake. It’s a scenario England’s players were hoping for when they began their campaign against Austria at Old Trafford on July 6, but they could hardly have believed the journey they’ve taken to get to this point.
The Lionesses cruised through the group stage (14 goals scored, none conceded) before showing their mettle in the quarter-finals against Spain, as Georgia Stanway’s extra-time winner settled the tie.
With a renewed sense of belief, Sarina Wiegman’s side rose to the challenge of facing a team ranked above them for the first time in the tournament in the form of Sweden in the semi-finals, making it to Wembley thanks to a 4. -0 win. And so we have a deserved and delicious encounter between the in-form hosts and the most successful team in the competition.
The Germans, who beat France 2-1 in the semi-finals, have won the title an incredible eight times – including a 6-2 victory over England in the 2009 decider – and are looking to steal Wembley from beneath the English, as reported. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, who said yesterday: “In the beginning Wembley will be English and I hope that in the end it will belong to us.”
Like England, Germany have conceded just once in these finals and have been strong and focused throughout, as well as clinical in attack. “Ninety thousand people will be there, most of them will be against us, but for us it’s a great feeling,” said German midfielder Svenja Huth.
“There is a lot of hype in Germany at the moment and we hope it continues.” Stay with us as we bring you all the latest news from and around Wembley.