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The 2022 Women’s European Championship in England (LIVE July 6-31: Across ESPN networks in the U.S.) is almost upon us and there’s a constructing sense of curiosity and pleasure to see how Europe’s prime sides carry out. Who will disappoint? Who will win the Golden Boot? Can England actually overcome the strain they’re beneath as hosts?
To get you ready for the match, here’s a number of a few of the finest gamers you must look out for and the groups who’re prone to go all the best way. We make some daring predictions about what would possibly unfold all through July and let you know which group video games you merely have to observe. That is ESPN’s megapreview to Euro 2022.
Soar to: Six players to know | Five must-see matches | Four talking points | Three top contenders | Two bold predictions | One pick to win it all
Six gamers you might want to know
Lauren Hemp | FW | England (Manchester City)
There’s one thing in regards to the 21-year-old Hemp that exudes maturity and expertise past her years. With the ball at her ft, she is without doubt one of the finest wingers on this planet, and it looks like she has been round for greater than 5 seasons within the Women’s Super League (WSL). Final season, she scored 20 targets in 36 video games for Manchester Metropolis and added 10 assists for good measure.
Many assume Hemp is simply getting began, which is an thrilling prospect for England. She is already important to Sarina Wiegman’s setup, offering pizazz to the England assault. Her velocity and dribbling ability are her bread and butter, and when Hemp has the ball you understand she goes to make one thing occur.
Additionally a proficient cricketer, Hemp is not letting the hype round her go to her head, She stated: “For me, I am my greatest critic. I put a lot strain on myself that I do not actually really feel it from the surface. However I typically look again and realise how far I’ve come and that I am nonetheless so younger and assume I mustn’t put as a lot strain on myself as I do. It is discovering that steadiness in ensuring I do carry out at my finest however that I do benefit from the journey as nicely, as a result of I believe once I take pleasure in it you get the most effective out of me.”
Stina Blackstenius | FW | Sweden (Arsenal)
It has been an enormous yr for Blackstenius and a great Euros efficiency from her would go an extended technique to sealing her stardom. She moved from Hacken to Arsenal in January and instantly slotted into Jonas Eidevall’s aspect. It’s exhausting to think about Vivianne Miedema — the WSL’s all-time prime scorer — enjoying any higher than she already does, however the partnership growing between her and Blackstenius is one to observe. Followers have even gone so far as giving them a nickname: Vivstenius.
With Sweden and Netherlands in the identical group, nonetheless, there will not be time for any pleasant banter between the 2. What’s noticeable about Blackstenius lately is that she has develop into extra assured and grown into the vital position she performs for Sweden. It’s even one thing she has talked about herself, saying on Hedvig Lindahl’s podcast: “I do not assume I’m shy immediately and that could be a very good feeling. In the long run I wasn’t comfy being the cautious individual that I used to be and I envied the individuals who discovered it simple to be extra outgoing.”
Blackstenius performed a key position in Sweden’s silver-medal-winning campaigns at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, together with an incredible purpose towards the United States within the latter. The timing of her runs and the precision of her passes shall be key for Peter Gerhardsson’s aspect as they attempt to win the match for the primary time since 1984.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto | FW | France (Paris Saint-Germain)
The choice of Corinne Diacre to go away Katoto out of the France squad for the 2019 World Cup nonetheless has folks scratching their heads. In 2018-19, she was Division One Female’s prime scorer with 22 targets and had scored 30 instances in 29 video games throughout all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain.
On the time, Diacre stated Katoto hadn’t executed sufficient to impress her in huge video games and that was why she was neglected. Regardless of the snub, Katoto did not let it have an effect on her kind within the subsequent few seasons. She has continued her run because the league’s prime scorer and pulled PSG by way of a tough season. Arguably, their second-place end (though nicely off Lyon, who completed 11 factors forward) was largely right down to her scoring prowess. Voted the most effective participant within the league this yr, she has scored greater than 20 targets in 5 consecutive seasons and is a scorching favorite to win the Golden Boot on the Euros ought to France be capable to progress by way of the match. She is a goal-getter by way of and thru.
She did have some contract “disagreements” with PSG previous to the match, however she sorted these and signed a brand new take care of the capital membership by way of to 2025 so there should not be something on her thoughts aside from scoring targets.
Ada Hegerberg | FW | Norway (Lyon)
Hegerberg is a reputation everybody is aware of, however the alternative to see her at a serious match with Norway is one everybody ought to relish, as a result of for a very long time it regarded unlikely that we might ever see it once more. In 2017, she stopped enjoying as a type of protest towards how her nationwide federation handled ladies’s soccer. Her choice to come back again in March 2022 shook the soccer world however not as a lot because the hat trick she scored in her first match again in Norway’s 5-1 win towards Kosovo.
After spending 21 months out with an ACL damage, folks had been not sure what to anticipate from Hegerberg and whether or not she would return to her former heights. The inaugural Ballon d’Or Feminin winner has put lots of these inquiries to mattress, and what now we have seen is a extra relaxed Hegerberg who appears to be having fun with her soccer greater than ever.
It’s exhausting to not assume that she has just a few scores to settle this match, and with different world-class gamers round her similar to Guro Reiten and Caroline Graham Hansen, her purpose poaching might be essential to Norway making it out of their group.
Claudia Pina | FW | Spain (Barcelona)
Spain’s possibilities at this Euros are being pushed largely by Barcelona’s success up to now two seasons. Names like Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati and Mapi Leon drip off your tongue when discussing their potential, however there’s one other younger Barca title who additionally deserves a point out.
Pina dazzled at underage stage. Beginning out in futsal, she made the transfer to Espanyol earlier than Barca got here calling, and he or she joined their youth staff. She scored 20 targets in 100 video games for them, a formidable feat at any stage, and likewise led Spain to victory on the 2018 under-17 World Cup, the place she received the Golden Ball. Even at simply 20, she is aware of what it takes to win, and with this time spent surrounded by a few of the world’s prime gamers, it’s exhausting to see how her star will not proceed to develop.
It’s aggressive within the ahead locations for Spain, and he or she must do the work to verify she will get a exhibiting, particularly as Spain have a troublesome group in Denmark, Finland and Germany. Pina ended her season with 15 targets from 24 appearances, usually doing so coming off the bench for Barca, and scored in every leg of the Champions League quarterfinal win over Real Madrid.
Lena Oberdorf | MF | Germany (Wolfsburg)
Not many individuals in Germany can say they hit the degrees of Birgit Prinz, however Oberdorf confirmed from an early age that she might have a future as illustrious because the German nice when she took her document for Germany’s youngest World Cup participant in 2019. Germany’s document within the Euros is unrivalled however their success in main competitions has teetered off lately, and they are going to be eager to regain their dominance of Europe. That is the place gamers like Oberdorf ought to step in. She has expertise at profitable a European trophy as she was a part of the squad who received the U17 title in 2017.
An all-round participant, she will slot into the midfield or take up a extra defensive position and it’s her bodily presence and sharp decision-making that can make her key for Martina Voss-Tecklenburg this summer season. The Germany coach has beforehand praised her younger participant’s “bodily presence” and that shall be key in a tough group. Along with her play, she can also be recognized for being vocal on the pitch and never being afraid to educate her teammates as she goes, a lot in order that she has earned the nickname “Chief” at such a younger age.
5 must-see group stage matches
England vs. Austria, July 6 (3 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
The opening sport at Previous Trafford has been offered out for months, and a full home will imply smashing the earlier document for attendance at a Euros match. It can even be the second for England to announce themselves at their dwelling match. The Lionesses are ranked nicely above Austria and with what is essentially anticipated to be an England-dominant crowd cheering them on, will probably be a key match for getting their match off to a great begin.
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Talking at a latest media day at St. George’s Park, a number of England gamers informed ESPN that this was the sport they had been most wanting ahead to within the group levels. “I am wanting ahead to each single minute of the match however I believe the primary sport is the beginning of all of it,” Alessia Russo stated. “And clearly being at Previous Trafford, will probably be actually particular.”
Denmark vs. Germany, July 8 (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
A replay of the 2017 quarterfinal that ended Germany’s 22-year dominance of the Euros, this can be a huge sport. Not solely is it vital for either side due to the competitiveness of their group, however Denmark will wish to show their final encounter and their run to the ultimate wasn’t a one-off, whereas Germany shall be out for revenge.
Having Denmark’s all-time prime scorer in Pernille Harder of their ranks is a vital play for Lars Sondergaard’s aspect, in addition to the information that prime scorer in qualification Nadia Nadim shall be making her return from an ACL damage for the match.
Netherlands vs. Sweden, July 9 (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
Either side are rather a lot stronger than Switzerland and Portugal, who’re additionally of their group, and due to this fact ought to progress, however nothing is ever sure. Plus, a win for the defending champions Netherlands or one for Olympic runners-up Sweden will settle some preconceptions about each heading into the match. Netherlands not too long ago skilled a 5-1 drubbing to England, whereas Sweden have a case of “at all times the bridesmaid, by no means the bride” that they should overturn.
It can even be an intriguing battle between the Arsenal strike partnership of Miedema and Blackstenius. Usually so in tune with the opposite at membership stage, they will be hoping they’ll get the higher of one another and convey their nations glory.
France vs. Italy, July 10 (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
France are favourites to win Group D however they might face a problem towards Italy. Milena Bertolini’s aspect snatched a 1-1 draw with Spain within the lead-up to the match and boast eight gamers from Juventus, who’ve dominated Serie A up to now 5 seasons and did remarkably nicely within the Champions League this season.
France on paper undoubtedly have the stronger aspect however contemplating Juventus’ success towards Lyon, it could be foolish to depend Italy out fully. Barbara Bonansea has been a number one mild for each membership and nation and they are going to be relying on her to carry out once more.
Germany vs. Spain, July 12 (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
Group B is surely essentially the most aggressive group within the match with Denmark, Finland, Germany and Spain all battling it out for these prime two spots. Whereas each sport shall be vital, there’s an intrigue to Germany vs. Spain because it feels just like the previous trusted winners developing towards the brand new children on the block.
Each have rather a lot to show with neither fairly residing as much as expectations lately regardless of the mountain of expertise that they possess. Germany are lacking sturdy gamers in Dzsenifer Marozsan and Melanie Leupolz, however contemplating their good qualification run, they need to be able to a win.
4 huge speaking factors
Can Northern Ireland transcend their underdogs tag at their first main match?
There was a collective sense of pleasure for Northern Eire once they certified for the Euros after simply two losses out of eight qualifying video games (they might by no means fairly get previous the problem of Norway.) The scenes once they secured qualification had been delirious and so they adopted it up with a document sold-out crowd in Windsor Park for his or her sport within the World Cup qualifiers towards England. Nonetheless, it hasn’t been totally easy crusing since then.
Coach Kenny Shiels was compelled to apologise after he suggested that women were more likely to concede goals in quick succession as they’re more “emotional” than men. His staff backed his apology, nonetheless, and the aspect seem to have simply been specializing in their preparations.
They’re in a troublesome group with England and Norway prone to qualify, however they’ve proven up to now that they’re nicely capable of tackle opponents above their grade, and with the swell of assist behind them, do not be stunned in the event that they pull off an upset.
Can Spain replicate the success of the boys’s aspect in 2010?
The similarities between the boys’s run within the 2010 World Cup and the chances for this ladies’s Spain aspect are exhausting to disregard. Each had been constructed off excellent Barcelona groups and each had been adopted by the narrative that membership success won’t translate to the nationwide aspect. Vicente del Bosque proved it might, however Jorge Vilda may need a barely harder expertise.
Spain’s first purpose shall be to get out of their group, which is the hardest within the competitors. If they’ll do this, there is not any purpose why they cannot push additional into the match. In an fascinating transfer, the Spanish Soccer Federation renewed Vilda’s contract till 2024 simply days earlier than the match started. There had been some rumblings {that a} new face is likely to be wanted after the Euros if Spain did not carry out, with the likes of Ballon d’Or winner Putellas and her Barcelona teammates within the aspect, however they’ve dedicated their belief to Vilda. This summer season might be a defining second for Spanish soccer.
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Will Diacre be capable to win over her France aspect to steer them to victory?
Whereas many hoped that Diacre and France had realized from the experiences within the 2019 World Cup, it appears that isn’t the case. Amandine Henry and France’s all-time prime scorer Eugenie Le Sommer had been each neglected of the squad after falling out with Diacre, who has by no means been afraid to publicly criticise her gamers.
Henry beforehand described a way of concern that exists across the camp, which is hardly the most effective setting for a rustic seeking to develop into European champions and dispel the demons of 2019. There may be additionally the truth that a big a part of the staff is made up of gamers from PSG, who’ve had a fractious season. Their coach, Didier Olle-Nicole, was suspended for “inappropriate behaviour” whereas there have been nonetheless ripple results from the attack on Kheira Hamraoui.
It’s a huge job to tug this squad collectively, but when they’ll handle to do it, they are going to be a formidable drive and maybe extra so if their earlier fractions result in groups underestimating them.
Who will take dwelling the Golden Boot?
Most gamers will say that profitable for the staff is the factor that drives them, however everyone knows that any nice purpose poacher shall be keen to come back out on prime over their counterparts. England’s Jodie Taylor received the person award in 2017 by scoring 5 targets, adopted by Miedema (4) and Lieke Martens (3). Whereas Taylor does not characteristic this time round, each Miedema and Martens are sturdy bets for getting the gong this time round.
England’s Ellen White grew to become England’s all-time prime purpose scorer in November and remains to be flying within the targets at 33 years previous. With Manchester Metropolis teammates Hemp and Chloe Kelly on the wings, it would not be shocking to see her racking up the targets. Elsewhere, there’s Putellas in Spain’s camp and returning legend Hegerberg for Norway. Denmark’s Nadim was on a scoring streak earlier than she tore her ACL and he or she additionally has her countrywoman More durable to take care of.
It is exhausting to choose who would possibly come out on prime, however it’s equally tough to see previous France’s Katoto, an absolute purpose machine, ought to France be capable to go on a run by way of the match.
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Kathleen McNamee praises the affect of Chloe Kelly as she scored her first worldwide purpose in England’s 3-Zero win vs. Belgium.
Three prime contenders
England
Wiegman did it with Netherlands at a house match in 2017 and England followers shall be praying that she will ship the identical for them this yr. There is no purpose to assume it is not potential, both. There may be an ease and a togetherness about this England staff that appears fairly just like that of the boys’s staff final summer season.
“It is an actual DNA in England to work exhausting and stick collectively,” Jill Scott informed ESPN. “And why would not you stick collectively? You are all stepping onto the identical pitch, you all need the identical factor.”
In addition to feeling like they’ve the tactical nous in Wiegman, they’ve the ability to again it up. They’ve younger gamers like Hemp, Kelly and Ella Toone who’re all main lights at their respective golf equipment, whereas veteran leaders like White, Lucy Bronze and Beth Mead appear primed to get that major-tournament medal.
Netherlands
Heading right into a match because the earlier champions is at all times a heavy burden to bear, and that a lot was clear of their 5-1 loss to England forward of the match. It notably stung with Wiegman having led them to their 2017 title, and it put strain on Mark Parsons to show he can do the identical. Stress is not at all times a nasty factor heading into a serious competitors, although, and if Netherlands can get some wins beneath their belts, it’s simple to see them occurring a run all through to the ultimate.
They do boast top-of-the-line purpose getters on this planet in Miedema, who’s the nation’s all-time prime scorer with 92 targets. They might want to tighten up their defence, with plenty of their star gamers that includes in both midfield or up entrance. Control Damaris Egurrola, 22, and Esmee Brugts, 18, who’re newer to the fold however have huge potential.
Sweden
Sweden have been constructing to this second because the 2019 World Cup, and it’ll appear to be a fair greater slap within the face if they do not obtain that elusive big-tournament title. Typically the Swedish league does not get the identical consideration because the likes of the WSL, Division One Female or Spanish Primera Division, however it ought to because the Damallsvenskan has been producing prime expertise for many years now. Sweden have at all times reached a minimum of the quarterfinals on this match and have misplaced three finals.
For gamers like Caroline Seger, essentially the most capped Swedish participant of all time, it could be nice to see Sweden go all the best way to the ultimate.
Two daring predictions
Germany will wrestle within the match
It has been an fascinating few years for Germany. As soon as the behemoths of European soccer, each their nationwide and home sides have struggled considerably in huge competitions. Unquestionably they’re nonetheless persistently knocking on the door however they are not as ominous a determine as they had been pre-2017. In terms of the sooner levels of competitions (qualifying and group) they cruise, however when it will get right down to the enterprise finish, there is not that very same spark.
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg goes into this marketing campaign with out two key members of her midfield in Marozsan and Leupolz, and her defence is shaky particularly with Marina Hegering battling health. They’d a shock World Cup qualifier loss to Serbia, too, to take care of mentally. Whereas that Germany aspect was removed from full-strength, they need to be profitable these video games. In addition they have a troublesome group with groups who really feel like they’re on the rise greater than they’re.
Oberdorf and Sara Dabritz are two thrilling gamers who might be key if they’re to progress.
England will make the ultimate, however will not win
Wiegman has undoubtedly given this England aspect an edge and sharpness that wasn’t there earlier than. She has proven that she is not afraid to make huge choices, similar to stripping the captaincy from Steph Houghton to present it to Leah Williamson and declaring the veteran defender not match sufficient to make the squad. Socks and sliders are banned from staff conferences and he or she retains pushing her squad, on the lookout for extra ruthlessness.
England additionally appear to have settled into the position of match hosts fairly nicely. Reasonably than feeling that strain, the staff has eased into the position and look like relishing their second within the solar. Nonetheless, historical past has proven that this aspect struggles once they get to the ultimate finish of the competitors, and it’s a very long time to maintain targeted with all of the hype and a focus.
It’s simple to see this England staff making it to Wembley on July 31, however it does not really feel like they’ve that last innovative to go all the best way.
One decide to win all of it
Sweden
It has confirmed to be a controversial take to say that Sweden are going to develop into champions of Europe — as a result of they have not received it since 1984 and there are different stronger sides — however the time feels proper for Gerhardsson’s aspect. They fell to a powerful Netherlands staff in 2019 and possibly weren’t at their peak at that stage. They’re coming off the again of a formidable Olympic marketing campaign that noticed them narrowly lose to Canada on penalties and so they made the world champions, america, seem like they hadn’t kicked a ball since 2019. There’s additionally a way that the gamers themselves need a completely different legacy. “I am so f—ing uninterested in having a f—ing silver medal,” Kosovare Asllani stated after the Olympic last.
They have not been overwhelmed since March 2020, aside from the penalty defeat to Canada, and their squad depth is especially spectacular.
“It is by no means been this powerful,” Gerhardsson stated earlier than he introduced his squad. “Since myself and Magnus [Wikman, the assistant coach] took over in 2017, the competitors for locations has not been at this stage. And I’m not simply speaking in regards to the beginning XI, that is for the entire squad.”
Ten of Sweden’s 40 targets in qualifying got here from defenders, and the core of the squad — Asllani, Hedvig Lindahl, Magdalena Eriksson, et al — have been collectively for a very long time. Add within the type of gamers like Blackstenius and there is not any purpose why the No. 2-ranked staff on this planet cannot get to the end line first this time.
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