One week ago, one of the greatest English sports stories in history was created as England defeated Germany 2-1 at Wembley after extra-time to win the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.
The home EUROs was a resounding success, not only for the Lionesses but for football with the women’s game earning new levels of respect.
FAWSL Full-Time have reviewed all of the action and we have selected a Team of the Tournament. Here is our matchday squad including five reserves.
Daphne van Domselaar (NED – GK)
Van Domselaar came into the tournament probably not expecting to play a single minute. Sari van Veenendaal was the nailed on number one for the Dutch and Van Domselaar was likely to be happy just being the understudy. Yet, tragedy struck for veteran Van Veenendaal when she came off with an injury in the opening game against Sweden. Up stepped Van Domselaar and she never looked back, putting in commanding performance after commanding performance which following Van Veenendaal’s retirement, now cements herself as the Netherlands’ first-choice goalkeeper.
Ona Batlle (ESP – DEF)
A first major international tournament for the Manchester United full-back and not once did she look out of her depth. The strong, pacey and tenacious defender held her own against the likes of Lauren Hemp and Klara Bühl making her one of Spain’s stand out performers in the competition.
Millie Bright (ENG – DEF)
Bright was England’s brick wall at the back. A dominant aerial force throughout the EUROs, she looked nigh on unbeatable at moments and was a huge reason why the Lionesses only conceded twice in the whole competition.
Leah Williamson (ENG – DEF)
The ice to Bright’s fire. Williamson’s calmness in defence saw her recover the ball on 56 occasions without making a single tackle, more than any other player. This demonstration of superb positional play and reading of the game means that the England captain narrowly edges out Germany’s Marina Hegering.
Sakina Karchaoui (FRA – DEF)
Displayed tremendous drive and endeavour up the flank. She was a constant attacking threat whilst also proving to be solid in defence. One of the leading players in a French side which reached the EURO semi-finals for the very first time in their history.
Lena Oberdorf (GER – MID)
The 20-year-old German won the hearts of many after displaying a level of maturity and composure well beyond her years. She tallied up the most tackles in the competition which proved crucial both in protecting the German defence and instigating attacks upon retaining the ball.
Aitana Bonmatí (ESP – MID)
With both Alexia Putellas and Jenni Hermoso missing through injury, Spain were looking for someone to step up and be a leader and Bonmatï provided. She brought a calmness to the Spanish side and lots of quality. Bonmatí showed just why she is one of Europe’s top talents.
Keira Walsh (ENG – MID)
Previously an unsung hero of the Lionesses squad, Walsh is finally getting the credit she duly deserves. Ending the tournament joint-second for most assists from her deep-lying midfield position is an impressive feat and this also doesn’t account for the other defence-splitting actions that didn’t directly result in a goal.
Beth Mead (ENG – FWD)
Level with Alexandra Popp for goals scored and having the most assists meant that no-one had a greater impact on the scoresheet in this tournament than England and Arsenal’s Beth Mead. The forward has been a consistent goal thread since the appointment of Sarina Wiegman as England boss. She has cemented her place in the starting line-up and delivered a stellar showcase when it mattered most.
Alessia Russo (ENG – FWD)
Her talent was undeniable going into the tournament but few would’ve expected her to create the storm that she did. Four goals and one assist, all off the bench in her first international competition, with some fine displays of skill in amongst them. Russo was beaten only by Popp for minutes per goal by players with more than two games under their belt. The forward truly announced herself to the international stage with the quality and confidence that means that we could very soon be talking about her as one of the best strikers in the world.
Alexandra Popp (GER – FWD)
The fairytale story of the tournament was cruelly cut short just before the final. Popp played like a footballer making up for lost time after missing out on the last two tournaments. The German forward was beaten by Beth Mead only on assists for the Golden Boot and she was one of the reasons why the tournament was such a fascinating spectacle.
SUBSTITUTES: Nicky Evrard (BEL – GK), Giulia Gwinn (GER – DEF), Marina Hegering (GER – DEF), Grace Geyoro (FRA – MID), Kosovare Asllani (SWE – FWD)
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