The Lionesses of England will attempt to make football history when they face Germany in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley Stadium later today.
Since Sarina Wiegman took over as coach in September, England has played 19 games and won 17 of them. England won the last meeting between the teams in February.
The home team, who could win their first major trophy, are underdogs, as Germany has won the championship eight times and 21 of the 27 meetings between the two teams.
Since September, when Sarina Wiegman assumed her position as coach, England has played 19 games and won 17 of them.
Wiegman stated late last night that despite the pressure, there is a sense of calm within her team. She went on: “When you reach a tournament’s final, you are among the best teams. I believe that we have an excellent team as well, and we do not fear anyone.
“I believe that the team’s environment has been very tranquil, and I believe that this has been a very effective strategy. Therefore, we returned to the hotel where we are staying and resumed our training sessions, recovery, and other preparation activities.”
When asked if the women could win and make up for the men’s team’s loss to Italy in last year’s Euros final, she responded: “Men and women should not be compared; there is only one England.
I do not believe there is a distinction.
The men of England have never won a European football championship, and their last major tournament win was the 1966 World Cup.
Wiegman stated regarding the German women’s team: “I believe at some point it may become a bit physical; Germany is capable of playing a very direct, physical, and direct style. That is what we anticipate.”
This evening, approximately 90,000 fans are anticipated at Wembley, a record for a Euros final.
The previous record was established in 1964 when 79,115 spectators witnessed Spain host the Soviet Union in the men’s final.
Last year’s men’s final at Wembley between England and Italy drew a crowd of 67,000, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the turnout was fewer.
Just before today’s 5 p.m. kickoff, a C-130 Hercules piloted by three women and two Typhoon fighter jets will lead an RAF flypast.
Flight’s captain Hercules Lieutenant Lauren, who has served 12 years in the RAF, stated: “With the RAF, I have flown missions all around the world, but this will be one of the most unforgettable.
“It has been awe-inspiring to see the Lionesses advance, and as soon as I arrive back at RAF Brize Norton, I shall cheer them on loudly.”
The Prime Minister of England, Boris Johnson, has addressed a letter of good luck to the England team.
He advised them: “Your passion for the game, tenacity in difficult situations, and extraordinary talent on the field have already provided millions of us with beautiful summer memories.
“You can see it in the sold-out stadiums, the filled fan zones, the young children dancing wildly to “Sweet Caroline,” and the TV viewing stats, which have broken records almost as thoroughly as Sweden’s defense did in the semi-final.
“In any pride, it is the lionesses who hunt mercilessly as a team and bring back the spoils, and I am confident that will be the case against Germany.”
And Mr. Johnson said that, regardless of the outcome, “the pitches, playgrounds, and parks of our country will be filled like never before with girls and women who know beyond a shadow of a doubt that football is for everyone, not just boys.”
His statement ended: “All credit goes to you and what you have already accomplished. Therefore, I hope that when the referee’s whistle blows tonight, you are as proud of yourselves as England is of you.”
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, stated to the players: “As a father, I am aware of the need for strong, successful sports role models.
“What you and your squad accomplished this summer will not only be remembered as a fantastic moment for English football but also as one that encouraged and motivated young ladies such as my daughter.”
Sir Keir attended the Lionesses’ victory over Sweden in the semi-finals on Tuesday and remarked that it will “live long in the memory.”
He said, “It’s returning!”
