Euro 2022 has sent records tumbling on the pitch and in the stands, and the tournament reaches its hotly anticipated climax on Sunday as England take on Germany at Wembley.
Germany are the most successful side in European Championships history, and are vying to lift the trophy for the ninth time, with their most recent triumph coming in 2013. They topped a tough group ahead of Spain, Denmark and Finland, before knocking out Austria and France to get here.
Hosts England meanwhile overcame their semi-final hoodoo to book their place in the final, and are looking to land their maiden piece of silverware after a decade of falling just short. They have beaten Austria, Norway, Northern Ireland, Spain and Sweden so far.
When is kick off? Sunday 31 July, 17:00 (BST)
Where is the match being played? Wembley Stadium, London
TV channel/livestream? BBC One (UK)
What time does coverage start? 15:50 (BST)
England have all 23 players fit and available for Sunday’s final. Sarina Wiegman has named the same starting XI for all five fixtures this tournament, and will be expected to do the same against Germany. Alessia Russo will likely still be introduced as an impact substitute, while Beth Mead is in contention to scoop the Golden Boot.
Germany will continue to be without Klara Buhl after missing her side’s semi final victory over France with a positive Covid-19 test. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg confirmed the winger will not be selected in the squad even if she tests negative before kick off. Jule Brand came into the team in place of Buhl against France, and could continue to deputise for her.
England (4-3-3): Earps; Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Daly; Walsh, Stanway, Kirby; Mead, White, Hemp.
Germany (4-3-3): Frohms; Gwinn, Hendrich, Hegering, Rauch; Oberdorf, Magull, Dabritz; Huth, Popp, Brand.
Both Germany and England have flawless, near identical records heading into the Euro 2022 final. The pair have both won five from five and conceded just once. Mead and Alexandra Popp are currently tied in the race for the Golden Boot with six goals each.
England have been devastating going forward, hitting four past Sweden and eight past Norway, but Sunday will see the Lionesses go up against Euro 2022’s most organised and defensively well-drilled side. Germany have been the queens of perfectly executing a game plan this tournament, while England’s substitutions have consistently been smart and impactful. Sunday will be an intriguing tactical battle between Sarina Wiegman and Martina Voss-Tecklenburg.
It will be a case of fine margins, but buoyed by the home crowd, England could just edge it.
Prediction: England 2-1 Germany
