The Road to Wembley: Women’s Euro 2022 Qualifying Review

When qualifying for Euro 2022 began, there were 48 teams – now we’re down to the final 16 when the tournament gets underway on July 6th. Who impressed during qualification, who are the favourites to lift the trophy, and who are the new faces this time round?

Who impressed during qualification for Euro 2022?

Nine group winners included three teams who finished the qualifying campaign with a 100% record: the defending champions Netherlands, Norway and the eight-time champions Germany.

Denmark, Spain, Finland, Sweden and France all went unbeaten in topping their groups, while Belgium were beaten a single time and still finished top.

Netherlands, led by the likes of Vivianne Miedema, scored a remarkable 48 goals in their 10 qualifying games. Even so, Denmark actually finished with a higher goal difference, having conceded just once in 10 games.

Iceland, Austria and Italy all qualified as the runners-up with the best record in their groups. Switzerland and Northern Ireland were play-off winners, while Portugal replaced Russia after they were suspended by FIFA and UEFA.

Who are the favourites for Euro 2022?

Spain are the current favourites to win Euro 2022 at 7/2, with a squad stuffed with talent including Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas. The Netherlands are 5/1 to defend their 2017 title, while Germany are 7/1 to win an incredible ninth Women’s Euros.

As for the host nation, England? Euro 2017 was won by the host nation, and the manager of that triumphant Netherlands side, Sarina Wiegman, is now in charge of the Lionesses – all good omens ahead of a potentially thrilling summer. England are 4/1 to lift the Euro 2022 trophy at Wembley at the end of July.

What about England during qualification for Euro 2022?

As the host nation, England qualified automatically for Euro 2022 without needing to go through the same qualification process as the other 15 teams. The Lionesses have been playing competitive football, though, as part of qualification for the next World Cup. They are yet to concede a goal in their eight matches, which includes a pair of wins over Northern Ireland who they’ll face at Euro 2022.

Who might cause the biggest surprise at Euro 2022?

While most teams have a long history at the Women’s Euros, there are also plenty of fresh faces at Euro 2022. Northern Ireland make their tournament debut after winning their play-off tie, landing them a spot in England’s group along with Norway and Austria. This is only Belgium’s second-ever appearance at the Women’s Euros, and they will be seen as dark horses having powered through qualification to top their group.

Portugal, Austria and Switzerland all made their Women’s Euros debuts in 2017 and are back for more. Meanwhile, Finland, the Euro 2005 semi-finalists, didn’t qualify in 2017, but may be out to cause an upset in a tough group that includes Germany, Spain and Denmark.