As the Women’s Euro 2022 begins this evening, we’re taking a look at which players you should pay close attention to over the coming weeks.
The 2022 Women’s European Championship kicks off this evening, as hosts England face Austria at Old Trafford. The kick-off time for the tournament curtain-raiser is 8 pm.
Sarina Wiegman’s side will be looking to begin their tournament in the best possible way, having been labelled as one of the favourites for the trophy.
The Lionesses defeated reigning champions Netherlands 5-1 in June in a pre-tournament warm-up match. They then beat Switzerland 4-0 last week, concluding their preparations for the Euros in the best possible fashion.
England find themselves in Group A with Austria, Northern Ireland and Norway, and have a real chance of achieving success this summer.
The final takes place on Sunday, July 21, at Wembley, and Lionesses supporters will be hoping that the women can bring football home this summer.
Ahead of the tournament’s start this evening, get the lowdown on five players you should keep an eye on in this year’s Women’s Euro 2022 tournament.
Lauren Hemp
The first name on our list is a Lioness, in the form of Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp. The 21-year-old is one of the youngest members of Sarina Wiegman’s squad, but she is destined to be a star.
Despite her age, Hemp earned her fourth PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award after the 2021/22 season. The award was her third successive win, and record fourth overall.
The dynamic and energetic winger has proven to be a great asset to both her club and country, and she has already racked up 22 senior caps for the Lionesses. In that time, she has also scored seven goals.
Georgia Stanway
Georgia Stanway is also a Lioness for fans to keep an eye on this summer. After enjoying seven impressive years with Manchester City, the midfielder recently moved to German giants Bayern Munich.
The 23-year-old has played 34 times for England so far, scoring nine goals. Her wealth of experience and knack for getting goals from midfielder mean she will be a massive asset for the Lionesses this summer.
Vivianne Miedema
Vivianne Miedema is a deadly Dutch striker with an eye for goal. Previously of Bayern Munich, the forward has plied her trade for Arsenal since 2017.
Her record during that time is incredible. Miedema has scored 74 goals in 89 matches for the Gunners.
The all-time leading Women’s Super League goalscorer won the Euros with the Netherlands in 2017 and will be looking to fire them to glory this year.
Ada Hegerberg
Norwegian striker Ada Hegerberg won the first-ever women’s Ballon d’Or in 2018. She currently plays for Lyon and won the Champions League with the French side last season.
Having refused to represent the national team for five years, in protest, Hegerberg returned to the fold in March 2022. Fans will be eager to watch her in action for Norway again this summer.
Lena Oberdorf
German midfielder Lena Oberdorf is certainly one to watch in the 2022 Women’s Euros.
A versatile player, the 20-year-old possesses composure beyond her years. She was called up for the last World Cup at the age of 17 and has since grown into a great leader.
Germany enter the tournament in search of their ninth Euros trophy, and there is no doubt that the Wolfsburg star will be a vital part of any success they have this year.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
