England start their UEFA Euro 2022 campaign tonight by kicking off the tournament’s opener with a game against an Austrian team that reached the semi-finals five years ago. Sarina Wiegmans Lionesses are one of the tournament favorites after stunning form under her tutelage, although that’s not to say there aren’t any issues to work out yet.
Still, this is a team from England that seems poised to thrive under pressure. After all, this is exactly the kind of stage that women’s play was built for. A packed crowd at Old Trafford and a nation desperate for a trophy won at home, it just doesn’t get any bigger than this.
An Austrian outfit that proved the surprise package of the Women’s European Championships five years ago stands in their way and one who is quietly convinced they’ve only gotten better since then. With all that in mind, it promises to be quite the happening. Follow all the action LIVE with Standard Sport’s match blog as Dan Kilpatrick and Simon Collings provide expert analysis!
Live updates
Last Chances
betfair: England vs Austria specials
England to win and Ellen White to score anytime: Evens
Ellen White & Beth Mead both score: 11/4
Leah Williamson scores or assists: 9/2
Betfair: England vs Austria match chances
England: 1/7
Draw: 13/2
Austria: 18/1
Simon Collings’ pre-match thoughts
Euro 2022 relies on ‘turbo-charge’ women’s football in England
This summer’s European Championship at home could take women’s football in this country to another level, according to leading figures in the game.
“It will give us a turbo charge,” said Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football. Standard Sport, ahead of England’s opening game against Austria tomorrow. “These special moments give you a special push.
A view from inside Old Trafford
An overview of tonight’s opponents
England look after: Austriathe surprise package of Euro 2017, are determined to spoil the opening party on Old Trafford†
International tournaments are always better for the success of the host nation and one can write that with or without bias as England kick off their home Women’s Euros campaign; the result is the same.
But if there’s to be an opening night at a sold-out Old Trafford, maybe we’ll all think we should have seen it coming. Fool me for once.
Read Malik Ouzia’s full analysis here!
Confirmed line-up in England
Here it is, the first English line-up of Euro 2022!
England ready for the pressure
As she walked into a packed press conference at Old Trafford on Tuesday, England women’s manager Sarina Wiegman couldn’t keep the smile off her face.
All eyes are on the Lionesses as they kick off their Euro 2022 campaign against Austria in front of 75,000 fans in Manchester on Wednesday, but the clear message from the camp is that they love the pressure.
Wiegman’s smile on Tuesday as she surveyed the crowded media room demonstrated that attitude, as did Captain Leah Williamson’s grin when asked what it’s like to have her face all over billboards, drinks and crisp packets.
‘It’s not normal, is it? But it’s good, it means that the visibility of us as a team and the women’s game is recognized – and recognized as it should be,” Williamson said. “It’s strange, but it’s a good thing for the game.”
Prediction: England will win
While England have been criticized of late for their slow start, the way they regularly hit those goals is sure to deter any opponent.
England win 3-2†
Team news England: Lucy Bronze fit to start
Lucy Bronze returns after missing the final exhibition game against Switzerland, leaving Wiegman with a fully fit team to choose from.
Austria, meanwhile, has no new concerns about injuries.