Germany now stand between England and a historic first major international triumph at Wembley.
Die Nationalelf, World Cup champions in 2003 and 2007, are eight-time winners of the European Championship and certainly no strangers to such huge occasions.
While they are perhaps no longer the dominant force of old, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s side is still packed full of quality and experience and they have shown their abilities throughout Euro 2022 thus far.
Here, Standard Sport’s Malik Ouzia provides the lowdown on England’s opponents this weekend...
Merle Frohms
Similar to England’s Mary Earps, went under the radar in the group stage but has come up with vital saves in both knockout matches and was singled out for praise by her manager after the semi-final. The only player to have beaten her at this tournament is herself, with that unfortunate own-goal against the French.
Giulia Gwinn
Voted young player of the tournament at the 2019 World Cup, the Bayern Munich defender is still only 23 and already looks the complete full-back. Tenacious in both directions, has covered the most ground of any player at the finals.
Kathrin Hendrich
One of seven Wolfsburg stars in the XI and one of three in the back four, the 30-year-old was born in Belgium but chose to represent the country of her father. Reads the game brilliantly and has had a fine tournament.
Marina Hegering
Part of the side that won the Under-20 World Cup in 2010 but had to wait nine years for a senior debut and almost forced to retire due to a persistent heel problem in the interim. At 32, is the oldest member of the squad.
Felicitas Rauch
A threat both from set-pieces and long range, as shown when hitting the woodwork twice with screaming efforts against Denmark. Perhaps the most defensively suspect of a back four that has been almost flawless so far.
Lina Magull
Late runs from midfield are a key part of Germany’s attacking threat and England must be wary. Has scored twice in the tournament and averages almost one in three for her country across more than 60 caps.
Lena Oberdorf
Taken to the last World Cup as a 17-year-old, at 20 is already the key figure in a star-studded midfield. Has been a magnificent, dominating presence and would slot in alongside Keira Walsh in a team of the tournament.
Sara Dabritz
One of two in the XI that was part of the squad when Germany last won the Euros in 2013. Was a teenager then but is crucial now. The only starter playing overseas, having just swapped PSG for Champions League winners Lyon.
Jule Brand
Huge show of faith from Voss-Tecklenburg to turn to the 19-year-old for the semi-final after Klara Buhl’s positive Covid test. Tormented Arsenal in Champions League for Hoffenheim last season and has just joined Wolfsburg.
Svenja Huth
The other survivor from the 2013 triumph, two-time Champions League winner is among the most experienced members of a young squad. Set up both goals in the 2-1 win over France and battle with Lucy Bronze could be key.
Alexandra Popp
Had never played at a Euros until this summer after missing the past two through injury, but will win her 120th cap leading her country out at Wembley. The first woman to score in five consecutive Euros matches, the 31-year-old has six goals in all and is currently level with Beth Mead in the Golden Boot race.
Manager
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg
Four times a Euros winner as a player, made her managerial breakthrough when leading Duisburg to Champions League glory in 2009. She has turned a new generation of exciting German talent into major contenders.
