It had to be Germany, it just had to be. Germany stand between the Lionesses and a famous first major tournament success at a packed Wembley on Sunday evening.
It's a final the tournament deserves; England have been the best team in the competition but they must now face the most successful side in the tournament's history. Germany have won this title an incredible eight times (including a 6-2 win against England in the 2009 final), while their overall record against the Lionesses is extremely strong (W21 D4 L2).
However, there is no longer a huge gulf in class between these nations, indeed England beat Die Nationalelf 3-1 in a friendly in Wolverhampton earlier this year.
The Lionesses breezed through the group stage (14 goals scored, none conceded) and although the quarter-final against Spain provided a much sterner test, Sarina Wiegman's team showed terrific spirit ti fight back from a goal down to win in extra time. That was probably the moment the nation sat and and genuinely believed that England can go all the way in Euro 2022.
That opinion can only have been enhanced markedly after the semi-final demolition of Sweden (the first side they faced who were ranked above them). Beth Mead and Alessia Russo made headlines in that 4-0 win, but the togetherness of this group looks their most potent weapon.
Germany have proved almost impenetrable in this tournament, conceding just a single goal in their five games. Their progress through two tight knockout affairs against Austria and France has largely been down to their excellent organisation, particularly in defensive areas, and the clinical finishing of forward Alexandra Popp, who is tied on six Euro 2022 goals with Beth Mead. The battle for the Golden Boot is a terrific sub-plot to this final.
England vs Germany prediction
England's sizzling attack must find a way past Germany's dogged defence and that might ultimately prove the where this game is won and lost. An early goal for either side would significantly change the dynamic but that looks unlikely.
England might need some time to break down Germany but they've proved in this tournament already that they play to the death and the hosts can make the breakthrough in the second half.
With that in mind, a suitable wager is in the HT/FT market where we can back the draw at HT and England to be in front by FT, which is an appealing 5/1 wager on what could be a momentous night for the women's game in this country.
Draw/England (HT/FT) - 5/1 with Betway
England vs Germany odds from Betway
Match odds (90 mins only)
- England - 7/5
- Draw - 23/10
- Germany - 19/10
Women's Euro 2022 winner
- England - 31/40
- Germany - Evens
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