The 2022 edition of the UEFA Women’s Euros will be held in England. Starting at Old Trafford, as Austria take on the tournaments host. In front of a sold-out crowd packed into the Manchester United stadium. Ahead of the competition the Lionesses played two friendlies. Winning convincingly against Belgium, with over nine thousand spectators looking on. Followed a week later with a perfect performance at Elland Road. Doubling the previous weeks attendance. Leaving the following squad dreaming of cup glory, twenty-three players making the cut.
Leading the goalkeeper selection is Mary Earps. Having seen out both build up fixtures. Conceding once, against two highly rated opponents. A header let in from a corner being the only error made. Hannah Hampton and Ellie Roebuck the Lionesses’ other options between the sticks. With the Aston Villa shot stopper taking the world by storm, after a breakout season. At only twenty-one years old. Neither playing a part in the preparations. Beginning Sarina’s options at the back is Millie Bright. Who recently reached her fiftieth cap for the lionesses, after a superb showing against Belgium. Following a fantastic season for Chelsea. Where she lifted two trophies, alongside teammate Jess Carter. Club and country combination. Winning the Women’s Super league and the Women’s FA Cup. Against Manchester City in dramatic fashion, who have three defenders in the squad. Coming in the forms of Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood and Demi Stokes. Joining the FA Cup finalists is Lotte Wubben Moy and Rachel Daly. Daly playing her football out in the United States, for Houston Dash.
Further up the field. Mainly Manchester and London based players got the pick. Captain Leah Williamson the stand out selection, in a star-studded midfield. Including new Bayern Munich singing Georgia Stanway. After the Barrow in Furness born player made the switch from Manchester to Munich following seven seasons at the club. From the south, Chelsea and Arsenal starters add to the Lionesses’ choices. Whilst Manchester United and City players make up the northern variety. Fran Kirby and Jill Scott guiding youngsters Elle Toone and Keira Walsh on the big stage. Experienced England icon Ellen White is expected to lead the Line this summer. Attacking alternatives feature Arsenal’s dynamic duo, Beth Mead and Nikita Parris. Both impressing fans on the road this June. Beth bagging a brace in the final home encounter before the Euros. Breaking Jimmy Greaves sixty-year record! Getting the call from Chelsea was Bethany England, having also won a domestic double during the season. Citizen choices for England are Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly. Kelly being the QPR fan representee on the big stage. Also making the cut was Alessio Russo.
Summarising the summers selections. Sarina’s squad will offer England an excellent opportunity, harvesting hope amongst supporters. Will the lionesses be able to go one step further than their male counterparts? Let’s find out!
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