England have reached the ultimate of Euro 2022 and can face Germany at Wembley Stadium at present.
After an ideal group stage, the Lionesses beat Spain within the quarter-final via Georgia Stanway’s extra-time aim and comfortably beat Olympic finalists Sweden 4-0 at Bramall Lane in Sheffield to achieve their first main girls’s event ultimate since 2009.
Goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby guided Sarina Wiegman’s aspect to a surprising win.
Today marks England’s fifth main event ultimate for both the boys’s or girls’s groups.
The males lifted the World Cup in 1966 however misplaced to Italy on the Euros final yr, whereas the ladies’s aspect has completed runners up at three tournaments – the primary European Championships in 1984 and in Euro 2009.
Here, we profile every participant as we get to know the Lionesses aiming for glory this summer season and the Dutch supervisor hoping to steer her chargers to glory…
Leah Williamson
Age: 25
Position: Defender/midfielder
Club: Arsenal
England’s captain was formally handed the armband this summer season, taking on from Steph Houghton.
Leah Williamson led the staff to success within the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup in March, and has performed each minute of the Euros marketing campaign to this point.
It is the end result of an increase via the England ranks, by which she additionally captained at U17 to U20 stage.
The Arsenal defender – who was deployed as a midfielder in pre-tournament friendlies earlier than switching to centre-back – had a defining season for Arsenal as they pushed for the Women’s Super League title.
She signed a brand new cope with her childhood membership in January 2022 and is earmarked as the longer term captain for the Gunners.
At simply 25, she should shoulder the load of expectation {that a} dwelling event carries, however she is greater than prepared for the problem.
What has Williamson stated…
“It is important to have a test and you expose yourself to that and you can prove to yourself that you can come through the other side that is what is important about we just did [against Spain].
“Regardless of the opposition that’s the first take a look at we now have had within the event, and it’s important we performed with our coronary heart.”
Leah Williamson speaking to Sky Sports in June.
Mary Earps
Age: 29
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Manchester United
Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps has spoken publicly about how she had written off any possibilities of going to the Euros as just lately as final September, till an e-mail out of the blue from the FA knowledgeable her she could be referred to as as much as Sarina Wiegman’s debut coaching camp.
Earps has been out and in of the senior aspect up to now.
She was a part of the Euro 2017 coaching camp – throughout which she earned her first cap – and was a part of the squad for the 2019 World Cup, however didn’t play.
But her growth at Man Utd beneath Casey Stoney and Marc Skinner has seen her grow to be an actual contender for the No 1 shirt this summer season.
She has began in each Euros recreation to this point and has conceded simply as soon as.
An unimaginable return from the wilderness would absolutely be capped off with a ultimate win this night.
What Earps has stated…
“I was resigned to the fact that [going to the Euros] would never happen all the way up until I got an e-mail saying I was going to be picked for the September camp.
“I by no means thought this might ever occur.
“Then, when I got invited to that camp, I just thought ‘OK, this is nice, thank you, I’m going to go and give my absolute best’, but back then, the Euros was too far away.
“But once more there are such a lot of issues [that can happen between now and then] so wherever I’m I’m current and hopefully issues fall into place.
“I really was at peace, when we had that conversation a year ago.
“Everything I stated then was so real and I’m nonetheless so shocked that it modified, as a result of I used to be so OK with what had been and performed, however I’m very, very glad that it modified, and I’m so blissful to be right here and grateful for each single day that I get to put on this badge.”
Mary Earps speaking to The Telegraph in April.
Ellie Roebuck
Age: 22
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Manchester City
Man City stopper Ellie Roebuck is probably unfortunate to not have performed extra worldwide soccer, having already gained the WSL Golden Glove, lifted the Women’s FA Cup and represented Great Britain at an Olympic Games all by the age of twenty-two.
She was barely 19 years outdated by the point of her worldwide debut in 2018, however has gone on to win solely eight full caps owing to extra senior gamers forward of her, and the current resurgence of Earps.
A calf harm noticed her miss 5 months of the home season for Manchester City however now totally match, she might be wanting so as to add to her file of her 4 worldwide clear sheets if referred to as upon.
What Roebuck has stated…
“They’ve made it a really big event and I think in general, that shows the way women’s football is going. It’s nice to be a part of something like that. It’s exciting and makes it all feel real.
“A Euros in your house nation – that is unimaginable and thrilling.”
Ellie Roebuck speaking to MEN Sport in May.
Hannah Hampton
Age: 21
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Aston Villa
Thrown in on the deep finish within the WSL at simply 16, Aston Villa’s No 1 Hampton is the youngest member of the Euros squad and made her senior England debut earlier this yr in opposition to Spain within the Arnold Clark Cup, by which she saved a clear sheet.
Another goalkeeper who flourished beneath Marc Skinner, the present Man Utd boss recruited Hampton at Birmingham whereas he was supervisor and the younger stopper has gone from power to power since.
It is a exceptional rise – not least as a result of she started her youth profession as a ahead in Villarreal’s academy, and has shaken off a complete lack of depth notion from childhood to beat the percentages and grow to be a top-flight stopper.
Hampton has just lately returned to the fold after testing constructive for COVID-19, and might be gaining important main event expertise.
There is little doubt that she might be England’s No 1 within the coming years.
Millie Bright
Age: 28
Position: Defender
Club: Chelsea
Millie Bright is the Lionesses vice-captain.
The Chelsea defender wore the armband for World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Austria and Latvia final November, having additionally deputised within the absence of standard Chelsea skipper Magda Eriksson at membership stage.
Bright ranked second for passes tried and passes accomplished within the WSL final season, and in addition ranks excessive in areas comparable to clearances and profitable aerials duels.
She additionally ranks fifth for lengthy passes accomplished and second for touches.
There is not any denying that Bright stays one of many first names on the squad sheet and has once more proven why throughout a powerful Euro 2022 marketing campaign.
The defender entered the event as a Women’s Super League title holder and FA Cup champion – and she or he’ll be hoping so as to add worldwide silverware to her busy trophy cupboard this summer season.
What Bright has stated…
“It is exciting. The talent that this group has is incredible and the pool of players that can be picked from is ridiculous. There are some special players in our group and unbelievable people.
“I feel we now have gone to new ranges, and there may be nonetheless extra to return from us. That’s the fantastic thing about the squad – we’re all simply attempting to get the most effective out of one another day in, day trip, and maintain pushing our ranges and testing each other.
“There’s so much competitiveness in training, people fighting for positions, and that’s what gets the best out of one another. So I know for a fact that we will push each other to new levels (again).
“It could be extraordinarily particular (to win), however I feel we do not look too far forward.”
Millie Bright speaking to PA Media in June
Lucy Bronze
Age: 30
Position: Defender
Club: Barcelona
After lacking all the autumn internationals due to long-term restoration from knee surgical procedure, Lucy Bronze has seamlessly returned to the right-back spot for England – not shocking given she is without doubt one of the greatest on the earth in that place.
Bronze began two of England’s three Arnold Clark Cup video games earlier than preserving her place for each of their World Cup qualifiers in April.
This summer season additionally represents one other change by way of her membership soccer, after she left Man City and joined Barcelona on a free switch.
But Bronze’s private accolades eclipse her membership trophy assortment, and as just lately as 2020 she was named Women’s Player of the Year on the FIFA Best awards – the primary English participant to choose up the award.
She has been England’s first-choice right-back at their final three tournaments and gained the silver ball on the 2019 World Cup, voted because the second-best participant on the event.
She has continued to start out in each recreation to this point.
Bronze can also be the Lionesses’ fourth-most capped participant within the Euros squad (88) and might be a key a part of their success this summer season.
What Bronze has stated…
“This is the biggest opportunity we’ve ever had as a women’s football team, to really touch base with our fans, with the younger fans, the younger generations.
“I can think about this summer season would be the most inspirational summer season that we have ever had as girls’s soccer staff.
“We know that the nation is behind us, the support’s there. And if we just get that every single game, we know that you know there could be the 12th player on the pitch and push us on in the tournament.”
Lucy Bronze to MEN Sport in May.
Rachel Daly
Age: 30
Position: Defender
Club: Houston Dash
Rachel Daly has spent most of her profession within the USA having left Lincoln Ladies as a 19-year-old to maneuver Stateside, and has performed within the NWSL with Houston Dash since 2016.
She has turned out for a number of age teams within the England set-up, making her first-team debut in 2016.
Although she didn’t have essentially the most constant begin to the senior staff – lacking out on the Euro 2017 squad – she has been an everyday function since 2018.
She was a part of the 2019 World Cup squad and the SheBelieves-winning staff of the identical yr, having been an everyday function since.
The now 30-year-old supplies Wiegman one other versatile possibility, and has cemented her place at left-back throughout this event.
While she could have struggled in opposition to Spain, Daly continues to carry her expertise and event expertise to a profitable England aspect.
What Daly has stated…
“Every single member of that squad can step onto the pitch and be ready. It’s the most depth to a squad we have ever had.
“It’s not simply 11 gamers on the pitch. We really feel that. Everyone feels that. From starters to the gamers approaching, they’ve showcased themselves nicely.
“Every time they show up, live in the stadium it’s a massive help. You see how much we interact with them at the end of games and take them on a journey with us.”
Rachel Daly chatting with EnglandFootball.com throughout Euro 2022.
Alex Greenwood
Age: 28
Position: Defender
Club: Manchester City
Alex Greenwood ended the home season with a run of 4 targets in her final eight Man City video games, however has principally featured from the bench at Euro 2022.
A left-back by commerce, she has been usually deployed within the centre of defence this season as Man City struggled with harm points early on, and has performed in each positions through the pre-tournament friendlies and event video games.
She was the youngest member of England’s third-place squad on the 2015 World Cup, and extra just lately, has been a mainstay within the Lionesses’ current run of World Cup qualifiers.
The 28-year-old is understood for her set-piece supply and has given Wiegman a potent possibility from the bench.
Lotte Wubben-Moy
Age: 23
Position: Defender
Club: Arsenal
Lotte Wubben-Moy has earned eight caps since making her senior debut in a 6-0 pleasant win over Northern Ireland in February 2021, six of which have come from the bench.
She did, nevertheless, begin in opposition to Belgium in England’s first pre-tournament pleasant, and did spend a spell out of the aspect after testing constructive for coronavirus.
With the power of the centre-back choices already at Wiegman’s disposal, alternatives haven’t – in the interim – been forthcoming for the 23-year-old, who performs her membership soccer with Arsenal.
But that isn’t resulting from an absence of expertise – she made her Gunners debut at 16 and made 15 league appearances as Jonas Eidevall’s aspect completed as WSL runners-up in 2021/22.
What Wubben-Moy has stated…
“It’s so cool to be around such high-tier players in England. I feel like I belong here and I think my performances recently for Arsenal are helping me… I’m not afraid to give myself that challenge and I want to help build on it. Sarina has got a similar style to Jonas in the sense that she is direct also, she knows what she wants and I think when a coach can communicate with her players clearly, it’s a recipe for success.”
Lotte Wubben-Moy chatting with Sky Sports in February.
Demi Stokes
Age: 30
Position: Defender
Club: Manchester City
Demi Stokes is one other vastly skilled member of the Lionesses squad, having been a part of the worldwide setup since 2009, when she made her U19 bow, and a senior worldwide since 2014.
The 30-year-old missed out on a spot within the 2015 World Cup squad – the place England completed third – however made the minimize for Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup – and was additionally a part of the squads that lifted the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 and the Arnold Clark Cup earlier this yr.
The Man City defender began at left-back in 4 of England’s six aggressive matches in 2021, however a knee harm has restricted her involvement at Euro 2022.
However, whether or not she performs or not, Stokes remains to be an necessary presence among the many squad and a dependable deputy.
What Stokes has stated…
“I think it’s exciting, to look where the game is and was from the 2005 Euros to now, it is going to be a different kettle of fish and I don’t think any of us that are selected will have experienced the magnitude of pressure, the media and expectation that is going to come with it.
“Previous tournaments have been in several international locations so it has been diluted. It’s so thrilling and it will be such buzz across the event.
“We have got experienced players who have been to many tournaments, so it is about using that experience, embracing it, enjoying it and not letting the experience pass you by.
“It will put us in an excellent place to do the most effective we will. We have an excellent squad, good people, we’re in place and going right into a event we are going to give it our greatest shot.”
Demi Stokes speaking to PA Media in May
Jess Carter
Age: 24
Position: Defender
Club: Chelsea
Jess Carter went into the Euros having featured in all-but certainly one of Chelsea’s video games throughout their victorious WSL marketing campaign.
Emma Hayes has trusted her to function in a title-winning defence, and she or he is quickly growing right into a world-class defender with each season.
After making her England debut in 2017, she needed to wait one other 4 years for her second cap however has since grow to be an everyday in Lionesses squads and has began 4 of their final 5 video games.
She was a part of the squad that gained the Arnold Clark Cup earlier this yr, and may play at each centre again and full again, giving Wiegman loads of choices.
Carter has made appearances from the bench through the event as she continues to construct in direction of changing into an everyday starter for England.
What Carter has stated…
“There are so many nations that can win this tournament. I think it’s going to be one of the most competitive tournaments yet with the quality that Europe has.
“I feel it will be actually powerful to say who’s going to be lifting that trophy on the finish of it, however I feel that is protected to say that it will be an amazing event.
“It’s going to be massive. Our aim as a country is to help inspire younger children to go out and play, and to hopefully get more sponsors and support for the women’s game. Hopefully more and more people want to be part of women’s football and play it from a young age and just inspire.”
Jess Carter to soccer.london in March.
Keira Walsh
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
Club: Manchester City
One of England’s Manchester City cohort, Keira Walsh could solely be 25 however already has loads of worldwide expertise.
Having represented her nation 39 occasions, Walsh captained the senior staff for the primary time as a 21-year-old in simply her seventh look as England thrashed Kazakhstan 6-0 in September 2018.
She was additionally concerned within the Lionesses’ successes in 2019 as they gained the SheBelieves Cup and reached the World Cup semi-finals, sustaining her presence among the many England camp.
A gifted playmaker, the Rochdale-born midfielder helped Manchester City win the WSL title in 2016, the Women’s FA Cup in 2017, 2019 and 2020, in addition to the League Cup in 2019 and 2022.
She has confirmed herself to be certainly one of England’s most important gamers, controlling the midfield with world-class distribution.
Walsh could not have scored for England but, however she stays of their best belongings.
Jill Scott
Age: 35
Position: Midfielder
Club: TBC
England’s second-most capped participant in historical past wants no introduction.
A real skilled, Jill Scott has been a mainstay of the Lionesses squad for a exceptional 16 years and has racked up 158 caps for her nation – 14 fewer than record-holder Fara Williams.
Scott might be hoping she will go one higher with England this time round.
She was a runner-up on the 2009 Euros and was a part of the World Cup squad in 2015 that got here third – the all-time end for a Lionesses staff at a significant event.
With 26 worldwide targets alongside the way in which, two extra would take her into the all-time high 10 record, too.
The most up-to-date got here late on throughout a 4-0 win in opposition to Switzerland in England’s pre-tournament friendlies, along with her information and expertise absolutely proving pivotal behind the scenes.
Scott went into the competitors having nursed a knee harm, but in addition as a free agent, after her eight-year keep at Man City just lately concluded.
She frolicked on mortgage at Aston Villa final time period and head coach Carla Ward confirmed just lately that there had been talks concerning a return.
What Scott has stated…
“I hope that the team can go out there and help shape other people’s lives with memories and moments and put on a show that the rest of the world can be proud of and say, ‘what did I do in 2022?’ I watched the UEFA Women’s Euros.”
Jill Scott chatting with Girls On The Ball in May
Beth Mead
Age: 27
Position: Forward
Club: Arsenal
Beth Mead has just lately rediscovered her greatest kind in an England shirt.
She was ignored of Team GB on the Olympics and subsequent nationwide staff meet-ups -but this has solely served to spur her on and has since recaptured her distinguished greatest.
Part of that uplift she attributes to supervisor Wiegman, who has helped with “confidence” and “resolve”.
It is not any shock that Mead started to search out her kind for membership and nation after the arrivals of Jonas Eidevall and Wiegman final summer season.
Her membership stats communicate for themselves. Mead has made 19 aim contributions (11G, 8A) for Arsenal within the WSL this time period, along with her assists tally the best within the league.
She additionally ranked high for ultimate third passes accomplished and probabilities created.
Heading into the semi-finals, Mead is the event’s Golden Boot chief with 5 targets.
Along with Germany’s Alexandra Popp, they turned the primary gamers to attain in all three Women’s Euros group video games.
The spotlight was her hat-trick within the 8-0 drubbing of Norway. She was arguably out-marked of the sport in opposition to Spain, however nonetheless supplies a deadly outlet for the Lionesses.
What has Mead stated…
“We’re a big family, the culture has been amazing. The enjoyment, I think you can see on and off the pitch, it’s been great between us.
“I feel, for me, I’ve identified the place I’ve stood, what she’s [Wiegman] anticipated of me. She’s given me a whole lot of confidence on the pitch and on the coaching pitch. It’s simply been simple for me to go on the pitch and do what I do know I can do and have the backing of my supervisor.
“I would say I’ve been a lot more free. The expectation she has for me, I understand a lot more than probably in the past.
“It’s a unique model, totally different managers. Under Phil it was very a lot arduous work and now we’re simply on the pitch having fun with our soccer and the arduous work comes with that. It’s a part of our DNA. Everyone simply feels free, in head-space, and we’re simply actually having fun with being right here.
“Sarina is keeping us on our toes and she’ll always expect more. No team is perfect, but she’s striving for perfection and that’s what we want as well.”
Beth Mead chatting with The Independent in June
Lauren Hemp
Age: 21
Position: Forward
Club: Manchester City
One of England’s standout abilities. The greatest participant on the pitch when Manchester City met Chelsea in May’s FA Cup ultimate showpiece at Wembley, regardless of ending up on the shedding aspect.
She makes her presence felt in virtually each assault. Purposeful, artistic and a mind for aim means Lauren Hemp poses a risk to any staff the Lionesses could face.
Her tempo is an asset, too – representing Great Britain on the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Hemp was the event’s most fouled participant, regardless of exiting on the quarter-final stage.
At 21, the PFA Young Player of the Year 2022 recipient remains to be discovering her ft at a significant worldwide event, though did rating her first aim in opposition to Norway.
There remains to be lots Hemp can unleash through the the rest of Euro 2022.
What has Hemp stated…
“It’s my first major tournament with England, in front of so many fans and it’s nerve-wracking, I’m not going to lie. It’s just being consistent as well, it’s something I’m striving towards.
“Personally, I do not suppose you’ve got seen the most effective but, it takes time and it’ll take some time. I’m nonetheless studying and I must keep in mind that I’m nonetheless so younger. I’m taking all of it in my stride.
“I’m so lucky to be given an opportunity to play a massive role in recent games. I’m just thankful to be part of this fantastic squad.
“I prefer to maintain myself busy, I take pleasure in my Lego, so I’m all the time doing that in my room and paint by numbers, issues like that simply to maintain me occupied as a result of I do not all the time like sitting there and watching TV, I like cracking on with issues.
“At the moment, I’m doing a typewriter [in Lego]. It’s random, but I picked the first one I’d seen and got it sent to The Lensbury.
“I take pleasure in enjoying desk tennis, issues like that… I do not like to consider the sport an excessive amount of, I prefer to maintain it easy as a participant. As quickly as recreation day hits, I’m targeted.”
Lauren Hemp speaking to the media during Euro 2022
Ellen White
Age: 33
Position: Forward
Club: Manchester City
A participant who wants little introduction – this summer season sees England legend Ellen White play at her sixth main event for the Lionesses.
She has been an integral a part of the expansion of ladies’s soccer in England and was a part of the squad that got here third on the 2015 World Cup in Canada and featured on the 2012 London Olympics in two of the defining moments
White has amassed 111 England caps – six away from overtaking Kelly Smith – and after a hat-trick within the 20-0 win in opposition to Latvia in November, turned the Lionesses all-time main goalscorer with 50 targets.
She has scored twice to this point at Euro 2022 – each in opposition to Norway – and began in each recreation as Wiegman continues to utilise her event expertise.
You may write a complete e-book concerning the affect White has had for each membership and nation – she signed a brand new two-year cope with Man City in May 2021 – and there is lots extra to return for the 33-year-old as she appears to fireside England to Euros glory.
What has White stated…
“It’s hard when you get too far ahead so I always try to stay focused, but it is an exciting time for us and for women’s football. The fact the tournament is going to be held in England so people can come to watch the games and see so many talented players in person will be amazing. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Ellen White chatting with Mancity.com in February
Fran Kirby
Age: 28
Position: Forward
Club: Chelsea
The reality former England managers have drawn comparisons with each Brazil legend Marta and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi reveals simply how extremely considered Fran Kirby is.
Her home scoring file speaks for itself: 127 league video games for Reading and Chelsea, 112 targets.
Her journey has not been with out its tribulations, significantly lately.
In February 2020, she was recognized with pericarditis – an irritation of the fibrous sac surrounding the center – and warned she could by no means play once more.
She bounced again from that and, final time period, scored 16 targets and assisted 11 extra in simply 18 WSL video games.
But then in April – having not performed for 2 months – she introduced she was stepping away from the sport resulting from “an ongoing issue throughout my career” and that it was “time to put my health first.”
She did, nevertheless, return to the bench for Chelsea’s FA Cup ultimate win in opposition to Man City on May 15.
Despite her well being points, Kirby has began in each England recreation at Euro 2022 and has proven glimpses of her greatest, along with her prowess and inventiveness nonetheless essential because the Lionesses goal silverware.
What Kirby has stated…
“I don’t want to be another player who loses in a semi-final and doesn’t get to the final of a major tournament with England.
“It’s at the back of the minds of some of the ladies who’ve been there. We’ve been within the 4 semi-finals now, however for us it is concerning the current and ensuring we’re not in that place once more.
“No-one has really spoken about it in the camp, in terms of the ones who have been in that situation, so it’s about winning the game and getting to the final.
“For me, I might like to win the trophy, 100 per cent. I’m a really aggressive participant relating to soccer, so I might like to win.”
Fran Kirby talking to the media during Euro 2022
Georgia Stanway
Age: 23
Position: Forward
Club: Bayern Munich
Comfortable in a number of attacking positions, 23-year-old Georgia Stanway has been an everyday within the England aspect since scoring on her senior staff debut in November 2018.
The recently-signed Bayern Munich ahead was the youngest outfield participant in England’s World Cup squad three years in the past however is already a pure chief, having beforehand captained the Young Lionesses to 3rd place on the U17 Euros.
Stanway, who left Manchester City this summer season, joined the Citizens as a 16-year-old in 2015 and went on to make 186 appearances in all competitions, profitable seven trophies.
She leaves because the membership’s file girls’s goalscorer, having discovered the online 67 occasions.
She has written her identify into the historical past books too along with her beautiful quarter-final winner in opposition to Spain, and has began in every Euros 2022 recreation to this point.
What Stanway has stated…
“It was weird looking back [at the quarter-final] and thinking ‘why did I actually shoot, what caused me to do that action?’, but I’m glad I did.
“I am unable to consider it actually occurred. It’s a mad one since you need to rejoice it and luxuriate in it, however on the similar time, we’re not performed but. It means nothing actually. We’re blissful to be within the semi-final and push on.
“This is completely new. We’re in a completely different situation than we have been previously. There’s a different vibe and feeling among the team.
“Sarina has been right here and performed it earlier than so she may give us the phrases we want, the expertise, however we have to go into the sport as if it is every other recreation.”
Georgia Stanway speaking to Sky Sports News during Euro 2022
Bethany England
Age: 28
Position: Forward
Club: Chelsea
Now a longtime centre-forward, Bethany England’s versatility makes her an much more invaluable member of Sarina Wiegman’s squad.
Capable of enjoying in midfield and even at wing-back, it’s the ahead areas the place England has actually flourished lately, significantly as a No 9.
The 28-year-old scored 21 targets throughout Chelsea’s 2019/20 double-winning marketing campaign as she completed her membership’s high scorer for a second consecutive season.
Her efforts noticed her named WSL Player of the Season, in addition to PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
Despite her spectacular home kind, England missed out on being chosen within the Lionesses’ 2019 World Cup squad.
Her first senior cap got here in August that yr in opposition to Belgium, whereas she scored her first aim for her nation in a loss to Brazil two months later.
Although she struggled with harm early within the season, England nonetheless discovered the online 11 occasions as Chelsea retained the WSL title and gained the FA Cup.
She has scored eight targets in 16 video games on the worldwide stage to this point, however is but to function at Euro 2022.
What England has stated…
“I think the atmosphere is going to be electric. Women’s football is going to see another level this summer.
“I’m so excited for what it is going do for girls’s soccer, for younger women and boys and aspiring even all the way down to referees – they are going to see groups going to huge stadiums and watch us play in entrance of packed out stadiums is the dream.
“I’m not going to be the one to say ‘it’s coming home’ or anything like that. I think we need to be very level-headed and appreciate it’s going to be a tough pathway to the final.
“There’s probably not any simple groups in that and in event soccer, you by no means know what can occur.
“I just know that the group of players that she takes are going to be ones that she believes can win it. I can’t think of a better manager in place to try and make that happen.”
Bethany England chatting with Sky Sports in June
Chloe Kelly
Age: 24
Position: Forward
Club: Manchester City
Manchester City striker Chloe Kelly will need to have feared the worst when she was sidelined by an ACL harm a yr in the past.
The 24-year-old suffered severe knee injury in a WSL match in opposition to Birmingham in May 2021 and didn’t play once more till April this yr.
During her trip, England started a brand new period beneath Sarina Wiegman, however the fit-again Kelly has not been forgotten and was just lately introduced again into the worldwide fold.
Having impressed at former membership Everton, Kelly made her senior England debut in opposition to Austria in November 2018 and has gone on to symbolize her nation an additional six occasions.
She was named within the 2020 PFA WSL Team of the Year earlier than persevering with to excel at Manchester City beneath head coach Gareth Taylor, scoring 10 league targets earlier than that ACL harm stalled her progress.
Kelly, who was an everyday in England’s youth groups, has been utilised from the bench to this point – unable to oust Hemp or Mead from the wings – however has had an affect throughout her substitute appearances.
What has Kelly stated…
“I am definitely someone who doesn’t want to look back on their career having not won any trophies. I’d love to win the Champions League but winning an international tournament with your country, that’s really special as it’s something not many players actually manage to achieve during their careers.
“I positively need to be a type of gamers who does win a significant trophy with England. That’s all the time been one thing I’ve needed to realize.
“If I’m on the pitch I’ll make sure I’ll give it everything to make sure we’ve got a chance. And if our team can play the way I know we can, there’s everything to play for.”
Chloe Kelly chatting with VERSUS in May
Ella Toone
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Club: Manchester United
England have a repute for unearthing potent goalscorers and Ella Toone is definitely the most recent in a very long time.
The Man Utd ahead solely made her debut within the 6-0 pleasant win over Northern Ireland in February 2021 however has now scored 12 targets in simply 19 worldwide outings.
She netted a debut penalty, scored once more within the 8-0 demolition of North Macedonia in September, then helped herself to a hat-trick within the 10-0 win in opposition to Latvia the next month.
Then got here another within the 20-0 win in opposition to the sorry Latvians, earlier than a second treble in opposition to North Macedonia and another in opposition to Northern Ireland in April.
She additionally scored an important equaliser within the quarter-final victory in opposition to Spain, having impressed in her 4 substitute appearances to this point.
Remarkably, at home stage, the 22-year-old has not missed a single WSL recreation in two seasons. With each youth and expertise on her aspect, she appears to be a participant not solely on the coronary heart of England’s future, however on the coronary heart of its current, too.
Follow the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
What Toone has stated…
“It [winning the tournament] would mean everything and that’s what you want to do, you want to win major tournaments with your country.
“But I feel, for us, it is about going there, having fun with ourselves and making ourselves and one another proud and, extra importantly, making the nation proud and galvanizing a load of younger women to get entangled in soccer.”
Ella Toone speaking to Sky Sports in April
Nikita Parris
Age: 28
Position: Forward
Club: Arsenal
Nikita Parris is already a prolific England worldwide and this summer season’s Euros represents her third main event for the Lionesses, having featured on the 2017 Euros and 2019 World Cup.
In qualifying for the France showpiece three years in the past, Parris was England’s high scorer with six targets. She scored within the opening group match in opposition to Scotland too, profitable Player of the Match, however got here beneath scrutiny for 2 missed penalties within the following matches.
But she has proven no ill-effects since – scoring from the spot in a 3-3 draw in opposition to Belgium shortly after the World Cup and continues to be concerned within the England set-up.
Domestically, Parris’ arrival at Arsenal for a club-record price final summer season hasn’t fairly lived as much as the billing. She has solely made one substitute look at this summer season’s Euros, however brings a wealth of expertise to the squad.
Alessia Russo
Age: 23
Position: Forward
Club: Manchester United
After surgical procedure on a hamstring harm, the 2021/22 season has seen Alessia Russo return to motion as an integral a part of the Manchester United squad.
She had her best-ever aim return of 11 targets in 30 appearances – 9 of which got here within the WSL – and was named because the Man Utd Players’ Player of the Year, including to her WSL Player of the Month accolade for March.
Russo, who performs as a ahead, is one other participant to have made her means via the England youth ranks – starting with the U15s – earlier than making her senior debut in March 2020 on the SheBelieves Cup. She was initially included within the coaching squad, however was added to the ranks after Lucy Bronze withdrew resulting from harm.
The 23-year-old has already had fairly the affect for England too. Her 11-minute hat-trick within the record-breaking 20-0 victory in opposition to Latvia in November is the quickest treble ever scored by an England participant in historical past.
Russo has carried that kind into this summer season too. She has scored three targets, together with two in opposition to Northern Ireland, and has been Wiegman’s go-to tremendous sub.
Some have even requested whether or not she ought to change White up entrance. However, whereas she is definitely England’s future No 9, she is unlikely to oust her fellow striker simply but.
Sarina Wiegman
Age: 52
Wiegman has performed all of it earlier than. She lifted the trophy along with her native Netherlands in 2017 and as England supervisor, she’s credited with assembling a squad able to profitable this summer season’s event.
Before the event, England described her as “phenomenal” and “someone who is used to winning”, whereas Toone credit Wiegman for creating optimism within the camp.
While her Lionesses have appeared unstoppable all through the event, she has had to deal with testing constructive for COVID-19 through the group phases.
But that did not disrupt the staff on the pitch, with Wiegman lauded for making ready the gamers for each potential situation forward of the event.
A vastly skilled supervisor, Wiegman made 99 appearances for the Dutch nationwide staff between 1987 and 2001, whereas she has gained silverware at each membership or nation she has managed.
Her managerial profession began off at her former membership, Ter Leede, who she helped information to a home double within the 2006/07 season, profitable the Dutch championship and KNVB Cup.
Read extra:
Eight gamers to look at as event will get beneath means
The state of the sport – from pitches and entry to pathways
Why England’s Lionesses would possibly simply win Euro 2022
She gained one other double in 2011/12, profitable the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup and she or he gained the Euro’s with the Netherlands in 2017.
On 9 July 2019, it was introduced a likeness of Wiegman might be added to the statue backyard of the Dutch Football Association, KNVB, for her contributions to Dutch soccer. She is the primary girl to obtain this honour.
She changed Phil Neville as England’s supervisor in 2020 and has set the nationwide file with a 20-0 win in opposition to Latvia in 2021, whereas her England aspect gained the inaugural Arnold Porter Cup in March.
Source: information.sky.com”