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With a Women’s EURO-record finals crowd expected at Wembley, the tournament has the blockbuster final it deserved: a meeting of the hosts and the most successful team in the competition’s history. Germany have won this title an incredible eight times (including a 6-2 win against England in the 2009 decider in Helsinki.
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side went under the radar coming into this tournament, but their high-pressing style and composure in front of goal have taken them back to the pinnacle of the European game. England, meanwhile, have pulled off some hugely eye-catching results, but showed they can battle for victory (even without seeing much of the ball) when they eliminated Spain in the quarter-finals.
England have already had their most successful Women’s EURO campaign since 2009, and doing so at home has catapulted these Lionesses into public consciousness. Should they beat Germany in the final at a sold-out Wembley, it would potentially be a game-changer for women’s football in England, but Sarina Wiegman will be eager to avoid such big-picture talk. It has to remain about the match itself. Her side have shown composure, flair and character when they have had to. They will doubtless need to do so again on Sunday.
Only given a slim chance of reclaiming the title in most pre-tournament rankings, Germany have proved the doubters wrong. Their relentless pressing, resolute defence and clinical finishing have helped them steamroll their way to the final for a record ninth time. Germany have faced so many different tests so far: Spain’s control, Austria’s tenacity, France’s pace – and they have overcome them all. Led by their inspiring captain Alex Popp, this is a team in every sense of the word.
“We’ve got to believe in our ability and stick to our game plan. We’ve done that really well going through this tournament. We’ve had a few rough patches – that’s football – but we’ve believed in our ability. The full 23 in this squad have been exceptional,” England forward Beth Mead said.
“Nobody expected us [to get here]. We’re in the final at Wembley against England – it doesn’t get any better than that.” Germany captain Alex Popp said.
