Wembley waits as Lionesses prepare to take on Germany for Euro 2022 crown
England go in search of their first major trophy in women’s football when they take on Germany at Wembley in the final of Euro 2022 on Sunday.
While the Lionesses are chasing a maiden piece of silverware, Germany have lifted the Women’s Euro no fewer than eight times.
England boss Sarina Wiegman does know how to win the competition after guiding her native Holland to glory five years ago and here the PA news agency looks at the the build-up.
Lionesses prepared to pay penalty
Wiegman has emphasised ahead of Sunday’s final that the Lionesses fear nobody and are “prepared for everything”.
The last time England reached a major final, they were beaten 6-2 by the Germans at Euro 2009.
The most recent meeting was a 3-1 victory for England in February at Molineux in the Arnold Clark Cup, part of an unbeaten run for the team under Wiegman that now stands at 19 games, with 17 wins, since she took charge last September.
“When you reach the final, then you are one of the best teams in the tournament. I think we have a very good team too, and we don’t fear anyone,” she said.
Asked about preparations for the possibility of a penalty shoot-out, Wiegman added: “We have practised penalties, we are prepared for everything. If that is what happens tomorrow, we are prepared.”
Golden boot contenders
The leading scorers in the competition come up against each other at Wembley, with Beth Mead and Alexandra Popp having scored six goals apiece and they could easily dictate who is successful on Sunday evening.
Mead has gone from Olympic exile to England essential, with the Arsenal forward enjoying a fine tournament.
Popp has a history of injuries but is enjoying herself at the finals and scored twice in Germany’s semi-final win over France.
Voss-Tecklenburg wants women’s game to take step forward
Germany boss Martina Voss-Tecklenburg believes a “dream” final provides the platform needed to take the women’s game to the next level.
After finishing top of Group B, Voss-Tecklenburg’s side beat Austria in the quarter-finals and France in the last four to set up a clash with the hosts at Wembley.
With tickets sold out and a bumper television audience expected, Voss-Tecklenburg believes the showdown offers an ideal chance to grow the sport even further.
“(Women’s football) will only win if everything that happens in Europe with Germany and England ends in a sustainable way,” the Germany head coach said.
“Something has to continue, this has to be a chance for all the countries to make the next steps for women’s football – if not now, when will this happen?'”
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What we've seen already is that this hasn't just been a change for women's football but society in general and how we're looked upon.
There will be a moment of reflection. It's my job to go out and win but I hope this is the start; this is a marker for the future.
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July 31
Final: England v Germany (5pm, Wembley Stadium, London)
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