England Women Euro's 2022

When thinking about England and major tournaments there is often excitement before a mountain of misery; however Sarina Wiegman’s squad went all the way this summer. With memorable goals and celebrations for the history books, not only did the lionesses secure a win but also a large focus on women’s football. 

England were assigned group A, consisting of Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland, in which they delivered four wins including an 8-0 victory against Norway. The quarter-final brought more of a challenge for the lionesses against Spain, the women secured the win in extra time with a striking goal from Georgia Stanway. Unbeaten England who were getting closer towards going to Wembley, first had to face Sweden in the semi-final which was another crucial 4-0 win. Goals from the likes of Beth Mead and Fran Kirby saw the squad reach the final of the major tournament. 

On the 31^st of July the women welcomed Germany to Wembley with a crowd of 87,192. No senior England team had won a major trophy in 56 years but this did not stop the ladies dreaming. England were off the mark in the 62^nd minute with a goal from Ella Toone, Germany then levelled before full-time. With tensions rising, England needed a special moment to seal the delight of making history. This moment was provided by Chloe Kelly in the 110^th minute, whose celebration has become as well known as her goal. This was enough for England’s newest history makers to secure the trophy, start an array of celebrations and finally bring football home. 

Following the attention the women’s tournament received over the summer, there has been an increase in awareness of women’s football and an attitude change overall. England captain Leah Williamson emphasised this stating “this hasn’t just been a change for women’s football but society in general”.

Since the triumphant summer, two stars of the tournament leading goal scorer Ellen White and one of the most capped players Jill Scott have since announced their retirement. Manager Sarina Wiegman is yet to lose a match coaching the lionesses, and also went on to win UEFA Women’s coach of the year after the summer success. 

This was a summer that will go down in history within English football, and after a very long wait it can finally be said that football did come home.