Match of the event
The semi-final between Germany and France was not an event of the best finesse however felt like a correct heavyweight conflict: two positive groups rattling up in opposition to one another, a throbbing tempo and a becoming matchwinner in a tie that remained tense till the very finish. Nick Ames
The England v Spain quarter‑closing for positive. An unimaginable recreation between two superb groups with very totally different types that went to further time, left everybody with a “wow” feeling and would have been a worthy, extremely credible closing. It was so thrilling too. Anita Asante
What extra are you able to need than a packed Wembley watching the 2 greatest groups within the event taking part in out an ideal closing? It was only a unbelievable event: England received and it didn’t go to penalties! Excellent. Karen Carney
England’s quarter-final win in opposition to Spain is the one that basically stands out. The ambiance within the Amex Stadium, the pure drama of the spectacle, the Lionesses’ show of resilience. That victory in further time is after I really began realising England might go all the best way. Sophie Downey
Germany v France. Taut and technical and gripping from first whistle to final. The stage and the stakes, the talents and shithousery, the technique and ways: taken collectively, this was an exhibition of what girls’s soccer has develop into in 2022. Jonathan Liew
It’s exhausting to not go for England scoring eight – eight – however Norway have been no match for them, because it seems. The 4 in opposition to Sweden have been very particular, and that was a match. Sweden have been spectacular till the primary aim. However by way of the standard, rigidity, pleasure, and the event too: England v Spain. Sid Lowe
England v Spain. Speak about tense. This lengthy evening at Brighton confirmed England followers that their beforehand all-dominant group might address adversity and discover a option to win. All credit score to Sarina Wiegman for some impressed substitutions and the late swap to a again three which enabled Millie Vivid to advance and provoke equaliser-precipitating penalty space chaos. However hats off, too, to a positive Spain aspect. Louise Taylor
It needs to be England’s 8-0 defeat of Norway. The ambiance and vitality have been electrical. The swashbuckling, dominant show and the nullifying of a star-studded Norway assault had everybody turning to one another, mouths open, exclaiming that they couldn’t fairly imagine what they have been seeing. That included the households of the gamers sitting to the left of the press field. Suzanne Wrack
Participant of the event
Alexandra Popp neither began nor completed the event in Germany’s beginning lineup and her late withdrawal from the ultimate earned her the standing of tragic hero. However she was greater than that: for a 31-year-old coming back from profession‑threatening harm she confirmed staggering vitality and energy alongside together with her trademark explosive ending. The Wembley showpiece was an exquisite event however would have been even higher had she not pulled up. NA
England’s Keira Walsh. After spending a part of my profession as a central midfielder she is a participant to whom I can relate. A few of the issues Walsh does should not at all times appreciated however she is so necessary in linking every thing up for the group. And that go for Ella Toone’s aim within the closing was emblematic of her high quality. So, sorry Beth Mead, Alessia Russo and Popp, it’s obtained to be Walsh. AA
England have a unbelievable backbone to their group. Vivid at centre-back and Walsh in central midfield have been excellent from begin to end. Vivid didn’t put a foot incorrect and Walsh’s go for Toone’s aim within the closing was good. KC
It’s exhausting to select one however Mead is a worthy winner of this award. Her Golden Boot-winning performances with six objectives and 5 assists set England alight. And on a regular basis, she simply gave the impression to be having the time of her life. SD
Mary Earps. Underneath the best stress, in probably the most maligned place on the pitch, Earps made just about no errors and dug England out of hassle repeatedly. JL
Forgive my Spanish bias however I don’t suppose I noticed anybody play fairly like Aitana Bonmatí, and but she was gone too quickly actually. Lena Oberdorf, possibly. Walsh, maybe. Mead in all probability. And Jill Scott, simply because – for every thing. Can or not it’s Popp when she misses the ultimate? Sure, it could actually and is. SL
Popp. With out the indefatigable ahead and her objectives it’s uncertain if Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s spectacular, and enhancing, Germany would have gotten previous Austria and France within the knockout rounds. The one disgrace was that, after six objectives in 5 excellent video games, Popp injured herself within the pre-final warm-up. LT
Walsh, the anchor of England’s midfield, has turned heads however her performances have been overshadowed considerably by the goalscorers and creators in entrance of her. After struggling on the World Cup in 2019 Walsh has discovered her rhythm within the nationwide group and has been essential to England’s triumph. SW
Purpose of the event
It’s exhausting to select between three England objectives: that backheel from Russo, the ice-cool scooped end by Toone within the closing and Georgia Stanway’s rocket that defeated Spain. Maybe Toone takes it: in a recreation of few clear probabilities for England, she took hers with an aplomb that defied perception. NA
Toone within the closing in opposition to Germany at Wembley. I do know Stanway scored a pivotal, and spectacular, winner in opposition to Spain and Russo’s semi-final backheel in opposition to Sweden was very particular however to drag off that lob in entrance of 87,000 was an immense achievement. Toone was so composed within the face of all that stress and expectation. It was an exceptional second. AA
Russo’s aim in opposition to Sweden was nice nevertheless it needs to be Toone’s chip, contemplating it was the ultimate. The audacity and composure proven to attain have been unimaginable. I like that second. KC
With out query, Russo’s backheel wonder-strike in opposition to Sweden. To have the audacity to try that within the semi-final of a significant event is simply outrageous. It confirmed every thing concerning the kind of striker Russo is. SD
Stanway for England in opposition to Spain. Given the magnitude of the second, the flawless method required and the gorgeous dip and curve of the shot, Stanway’s long-range quarter-final winner takes the honours. JL
The end within the closing was chic from Toone, the ball just about waving at Wembley because it went in. But it surely’s right down to this: an outrageous flip in opposition to Northern Eire or the ludicrous backheel. Both approach it’s Russo. SL
Stanway in opposition to Spain. The goalkeeper Sandra Paños was decreased to a state of helplessness as Stanway’s 22-yard, extra-time rocket of a shot scorched its approach past her outstretched fingertips. Defenders needs to be super-wary about standing off Bayern Munich’s new signing. LT
After all, it’s Russo’s backheel. There’s actually no different contender. Sure, it was magical, however extra considerably it spoke to the influence of the atmosphere created by Wiegman, one the place gamers really feel assured, snug and calm sufficient to take dangers and play with a freedom that’s exhilarating. SW
Breakthrough participant of the event
Oberdorf has been across the Germany scene for a while however, at 20, wouldn’t have been a well-known identify to most watchers. Her performances blended youthful vitality with the instinct of a veteran; the Wolfsburg midfielder ought to spend the subsequent decade among the many world’s greatest. NA
It’s obtained to be Russo. Nobody was speaking concerning the Manchester United striker earlier than Euro 2022 however everyone seems to be now. That claims all of it. Russo’s objectives, and expertise, have lit up the event. She has proved herself a significant asset and the entire nation has fallen in love together with her. AA
Oberdorf. I’ve recognized about her for some time however the German was excellent all through and rightly earned the younger participant of the event gong. KC
Oberdorf made that Germany midfield spot her personal. She was the centre by way of which the entire play flowed, the lynchpin. With a number of eye-catching performances, she is certainly an enormous expertise to keep watch over. SD
Russo’s expertise has by no means been doubtful, however the query was whether or not she would get the minutes to show it. Regardless of not beginning a recreation, she made herself indispensable with two of the most effective objectives of the event. JL
Oberdorf can’t be that younger, can she? And but it phrases of a breakthrough star, a way of pleasure, an idol rising, it needs to be Russo. The followers’ response to her merely warming up spoke volumes. SL
Oberdorf. Is she actually solely 20? Germany’s holding midfielder represents a really huge motive why her nation are so good in transition. An professional at breaking apart play, ball restoration, slowing video games down and controlling the tempo, Oberdorf is aware of exactly when to concede fouls. She ensured England’s Fran Kirby didn’t exert fairly the affect she would have wished within the closing. LT
When Wiegman began in September, Stanway stated she was out of favour. It wasn’t till the opening recreation of the Euros that she knew a spot within the midfield could be hers to lose. All eyes have been on Lauren Hemp, who has carried out effectively, nevertheless it has been the bodily and battling Stanway who has stepped up a gear. SW
Private spotlight
The ambiance inside Wembley on the closing: noisy, partisan, edgy, in the end delirious, however not one of the menace we’ve got seen at different occasions. Having the ability to sneak into Iceland v Belgium, a recreation I used to be not masking, straight after an Erling Haaland press convention throughout the Etihad bridge was a pleasing bonus early within the event. NA
Assembly the BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce and sitting alongside him within the hot-seat doing co-commentary on the closing. Jonathan has adopted girls’s soccer for such a very long time, because the days when it was retro and he’s actually invested within the recreation. On a private word he instructed me he was near tears after Phil Neville had recalled me to the England group for the SheBelieves Cup within the US in 2018 and I ruptured my ACL in opposition to France. That meant loads. Having performed within the 2009 closing, doing co-comms felt like I’d come full circle. AA
England successful. We now have waited a few years – gamers and followers – for a second corresponding to this and it was unimaginable to rejoice England successful a significant event on dwelling soil in entrance 87,000 and thousands and thousands at dwelling. KC
Having travelled dwelling and overseas masking the Lionesses for the previous decade, this complete event was a completely emotional and rewarding expertise. The very fact they received it simply doesn’t compute. Getting to write down about their success has been an enormous private honour. SD
The large crowd at Previous Trafford for England’s opening recreation in opposition to Austria. Horrible climate and never an ideal recreation, however the enthusiasm and keenness was a warning one thing particular was brewing. JL
The Euro 2022 cakes at Wembley. The 11-year-old boy beaming with Mead at Bramall Lane. And Brighton: sensible. SL
Seeing some really wonderful feminine coaches in technical areas. Step ahead not simply Wiegman and Voss-Tecklenburg however France’s inscrutable Corinne Diacre and Austria’s tactically tremendous‑sensible Irene Fuhrmann. Albeit in a distinct context, these managers have been simply as inspiring because the gamers. LT
I really feel like I’ve been on a journey with this England group. As they’ve obtained higher and because the recreation has grown, the alternatives for ladies’s soccer journalists have opened up. To see these gamers attain a closing, one thing which is able to elevate our trade in addition to themselves and ladies’s soccer, has been particular. That, and interacting often with the extremely likable Wiegman. SW
Greatest disappointment
A usually well-run event was rewarded with in-depth protection nevertheless it might have been even higher: for a number of the knockout video games Uefa appeared to have underestimated the sheer quantity of media consideration and it meant some items needed to be written from couch somewhat than stadium. Extra might have been accommodated with out denying followers area; maybe it may be used as a pleasing lesson that curiosity is sky excessive. NA
The intense knee accidents which disadvantaged Spain of Alexia Putellas and Jennifer Hermoso earlier than the event and France of Marie-Antoinette Katoto through the group recreation in opposition to Belgium. I used to be additionally dissatisfied for Popp that her harm within the warm-up meant she missed the ultimate. That quartet would have provided the event – and the ultimate – actual added stardust. AA
The event surpassed all of my expectations. It was excellent. KC
I got here into this event with a variety of curiosity round Italy. Their performances on the World Cup in 2019 and the expansion of the home league appeared as an example that issues have been on the right track. To not emerge from the group stage was an enormous disappointment. SD
The harm that dominated out Putellas days earlier than the beginning. Your complete event might have regarded totally different together with her presence. JL
Popp: there within the group image, now not there at kick-off. Simply so merciless. SL
The dearth of ambition over a number of the grounds used and the absence of any venues north of the M62 hall. Brighton’s Amex Stadium and Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane have been too small for England’s quarter- and semi-finals respectively and the north-east was neglected. The organisers missed a trick in not utilizing Newcastle’s St James’ Park and Sunderland’s Stadium of Mild. LT
I’ve just a few “what ifs”. England might have offered out Wembley six instances over. I’m not saying they essentially ought to have performed all their video games there, however grounds of 30,000-35,000 denied so many the prospect to expertise, as my dad put it after the Northern Eire recreation, “among the best soccer match atmospheres I’ve ever skilled”. SW
What now for ladies’s soccer in England?
As typical, the phrase “legacy” will probably be worn out over the approaching weeks and it’s important that the sport, and pathway inside it, develop into simply accessible to the thousands and thousands of children who can have watched latest weeks in awe. The energy of the home product beneath the highest groups, who play to an exciting stage, wants to enhance too. Mobility between the divisions will not be what it needs to be and means a number of the extra progressive setups hit a brick wall earlier than they will have a crack on the prime two tiers. NA
It’s all about turning phrases into actions. The boys’s dad or mum golf equipment of WSL sides, and their media groups particularly, have to do extra to drive the ladies’s recreation ahead and make folks conscious of when and the place matches are occurring. A brand new collective mindset is required to make the sport extra inclusive and various. It’s a possibility that may’t be wasted. AA
The momentum can’t cease. We’d like Lionesses video games to be offered out each time, we’d like WSL attendances to extend and equal alternatives for ladies to play in school. KC
All of us have a duty to ensure we capitalise on this historic second. Meaning women and girls accessing play soccer in any respect ranges. But additionally because the media, we have to proceed our protection, placing the game in entrance of individuals’s eyes. We are able to’t let our foot off the fuel now. SD
Cautious optimism. The curiosity is there; the actual query is whether or not infrastructure and grassroots funding can preserve tempo. JL
Fingers crossed that: extra women will have the ability to play at school; WSL crowds will improve as extra video games are performed at established Premier League grounds; and, significantly with the Ladies’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand beckoning, media protection will probably be a lot amplified and expanded. LT
Thirty years of damage, presumably. Extra significantly: at this stage, Wiegman’s aspect has solely simply obtained began so the World Cup could possibly be enjoyable; past that, Leah Williamson’s post-final name to arms says it effectively. SL
Please, please let this vitality and enthusiasm not dissipate. Chelsea and Liverpool are the newest groups to have introduced video games at their primary grounds come the brand new WSL season, at Stamford Bridge and Anfield. Arsenal have dedicated to 6 video games on the Emirates Stadium throughout the season. There’s a likelihood for folks to take their ardour for this event and the journey of the gamers into the home recreation. However followers must also go much more native. There are some unbelievable Championship and nationwide league sides that present inexpensive soccer and nice atmospheres. SW
