Women’s Euro 2022 Tournament Preview

England’s men came so close to lifting the Euros last summer. Will the women go one step better? Excitement for the 2022 Women’s Euros has reached fever pitch ahead of the opening game – England v Austria – on Wednesday, 6th July.

But the Lionesses will have a tough task if they are to lift their first Euros. This looks like being the most competitive Women’s Euros ever, with many teams setting their sights on lifting the trophy.

The Netherlands are the defending champions, having triumphed on home soil in 2017. Could England follow in their footsteps by winning Euro 2022? They will be backed by raucous home crowds and led by a coach, Sarina Wiegman, who tasted victory with the Dutch five years ago.

Striker Ellen White is the Lionesses’ record goalscorer and is one of the favourites to win the Golden Boot this summer. After making the semi-finals in 2017, we’re offering a top-price guarantee of 4/1 on England to win Euro 2022.

Eight-time winners Germany had won the previous five Euros before coming unstuck in 2017. They’re back among the favourites thanks to their blend of experience and fresh talent, that includes Bayern Munich’s Lea Schuller.

Spain have never won the Women’s Euros but are serious contenders this time round at 7/2 thanks in part to the brilliance of their core of Barca stars like Jenni Hermoso and Alexia Putellas.

Netherlands won’t have quite the same level of boisterous support as their 2017 win, but they do still have some of the world’s best players in the shape of Vivianne Miedema and Danielle van de Donk.

Stina Blackstenius ensures Sweden have a chance no matter who they play, and 2017’s surprise package Denmark are looking to go one better after reaching the final last time out. France have the ever-reliable Wendie Renard in defence while Marie-Antoinette Katoto is one of Europe’s newest stars.

England look to be one of the most balanced sides at Euro 2022 and boast a wealth of tournament experience in the likes of Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Jill Scott, Alex Greenwood. Leah Williamson has been a strong leader since taking the captain’s armband, and Lauren Hemp offers additional firepower alongside Ellen White.

England are looking to make history this summer. One record they should break is in the stands: the biggest-ever crowd at a Women’s Euros match is just over 41,000. With England kicking the tournament off at Old Trafford, it’s likely they will smash that in what should be a glorious summer of women’s football.