Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will meet Germany in a historic Euro 2022 final at Wembley this weekend with every chance of breaking a run of three consecutive runners-up finishes in major leagues. England secured their place in the final in thrilling fashion, beating Sweden 4-0 on a memorable night at Bramall Lane. The third goal, a daring backheel from Alessia Russo, summed up a night of euphoria that left the home fans calling “Sweet Caroline” as they dreamed of glory – here’s when to see the Lionesses in the final.
What time is the Euro 2022 final?
The Euro 2022 final between England and Germany kicks off at 5pm on Sunday 31 July at Wembley Stadium. It’s being broadcast live on BBC One, with the match kicking off at 3.50pm, and you can watch live online via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. Live coverage will be presented by Gabby Logan, who will be joined by Alex Scott and Ian Wright in the studio, with commentary coming from Robyn Cowen and Rachel Brown Finnis. Germany beat France in the semi-final to book their place at Wembley (Picture: PA)
What can you expect from the Euro 2022 final?
Germany – who booked their place at Wembley with a semi-final win over France – are a powerhouse in European women’s football, having won all eight finals they have played in – and crushed England 6-2 in the 2009 final. However, the team’s momentum had slowed somewhat in recent years as other countries invested heavily in women’s leagues. England, meanwhile, have scored a league-high 20 goals en route to the final, more than half in two storming victories over the former European champions, thrashing Norway 8-0 before demolishing Sweden in the semi-finals.
More on Euro 2022 women’s
With little separating the two sides, how things play out on Sunday depends on who wins the key head-to-head battles – here are three of the most crucial:
Millie Bright vs. Alexandra Pope
Bright has been a stalwart in England’s defense throughout the Euros and has led the rearguard of a team that has conceded just one goal so far – however, she faces a tough challenge against Germany captain Alexandra Popp. Having missed the last two Euros through injuries – including a potentially career-threatening cartilage tear – Popp had a Euro 2022 to remember. The 31-year-old Wolfsburg forward is joint-leader – along with England’s Beth Meade – in the Golden Boot race with six goals in five games and will provide a formidable test for Bright and her fellow defenders.
Rachel Daly vs Svenja Huth
England left-back Daley arguably struggled against Spain during England’s quarter-final win and most of Spain’s attacking threat was down their right-hand side, but the 30-year-old has been a source of strength in other matches. German striker Huth has been in good form against English opposition this season – scoring twice in Wolfsburg’s Champions League win over Chelsea – and could look to exploit Dali and cause similar problems to those posed by Spain’s Athenea del Castillo, as well as limit the defender’s ability to break forward.
Keira Walsh vs Lena Oberdorf
Walsh has been impressive all tournament for England in the center of midfield and embodies the spirit that Wiegman instilled in the team, while 20-year-old Oberdorf has developed throughout the competition. While the defensive midfielders are usually the ones that go under the radar, the battle to gain the upper hand in the middle of the park could go a long way in determining the outcome of the final. Additional reports from agencies