Women’s EURO 2022: Can this England side win the title? 

Having started every game this competition with an unchanged eleven, the Lionesses have scraped through the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championships quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against the tournament favourites. 

Spain proved to be England’s toughest test to date. From halting time on the ball to infiltrating all elements of attack, La Roja successfully kept the Lionesses’ roar to a minimum for around 80 minutes and even took the lead in the second-half.

Yet still, England prevailed.

An Alessia Russo assist to Ella Toone resulted in an 84th minute equaliser taking the game to extra time, and a Georgia Stanway strike in the 95th sealed the deal.

Despite this quarter final fixture being the first occasion we’d watched a slightly shaky England, a moment of magic reignited their quality and helped to secure a place in the semi-final.

Consistency is key

Consistent cohesion has been Sarina Wiegman’s weapon this tournament.

Starting an unchanged eleven in all four of England’s games so far has paid off, with each 90 minutes proving to bring this already tight-knit group of players closer.

Some criticism was voiced before England’s final group stage game against Northern Ireland, with fans worried that an obvious chance to rest squad members had been ignored. Yet a trouble-free 5-0 win and lack of team injuries put any worries to bed as England breezed through to the quarter-finals.

The manager instilled her full confidence in this England squad yet again, sticking with the same starting eleven for their quarter-final against Spain.

Despite a very shaky 90 minutes, Wiegman’s further allegiance to a consistent set up instilled a strong level of belief within her players and helped to get the job done - even in the most tricky of situations.

Unsung heroines

England’s attacking force has made all the headlines this summer.

From Beth Mead leading the Golden Boot race to Fran Kirby, Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp all impressing in front of goal, the Lionesses talent going forward is second to none.

Revel too long in the outstanding amount of goals England have scored this tournament and you’d be at risk of forgetting about their equally superb defensive record. With only one goal conceded in four, England’s backline seems unshakeable.

From the relatively new centre-back partnership of Leah Williamson and Millie Bright to the pivotal work of defensive midfielder Kiera Walsh - this defensive unit has just about kept any opposition at bay with such harmonious silence. 

Their only slip up so far came when tournament favourites Spain produced their best performance of the competition. England’s defence struggled against a stubborn, possession-hungry Spain but collectively improved as the game progressed.

Super subs

So far this summer, we’ve felt the full force of England’s youth. 

Ella Toone, Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly may not have started any of the Lionesses’ games this tournament, but they have definitely cemented themselves into Sarina Wiegman’s game plan.

From finding the back of the net against Northern Ireland to knowing how to control a difficult match-up against Spain, the talent that sits on England’s bench can only strike fear in the hearts of any opposition.

With an average age of 23, the trio have proved themselves indispensable to England’s EURO 2022 journey. Whether Wiegman has introduced either three at half-time, or looked to them for an injection of creativity late on - the Manchester based trio have certainly played their part.

Move as one

This England team seem to be a collective like no other when it comes to camaraderie. 

Never has an English side moved with such togetherness both on and off the pitch - qualities that can only be a testament to the work of Sarina Wiegman, who’s first game in charge was still less than a year ago.

Whether player's are starting every game or coming on with five minutes to play, each member of this England side understands and respect the role that they play within the squad.

Rid of any egos and misunderstandings, England have the characteristics of a complete outfit that understand one another and it's this element that helps to develop such a high level of synchronicity on the pitch.

What's next?

Following their 2-1 win over Spain, England progress to the semi-finals where they'll meet either Sweden or Belgium on July 26th with a kick-off time of 20:00 BST.

With Sweden as favourites to progress through the quarter-finals, England will be ready to face their toughest challenge yet.

Much like England, the Swedes have emerged as a complete outfit within this competition - boasting a highly talented team in all areas of the pitch.

Although an unsteady performance, England will take hope from their quarter-final clash against Spain.

Not only was it their biggest test in the tournament thus far, but a reminder of the grit and resilience that they can produce when needed.

Wiegman's Lionesses will need to be better for their next EURO 2022 match-up, but there's no doubt that this comeback has given them faith that anything is possible.

And as Georgia Stanway said after scoring the quarter-final winner, “it just shows the level that we’re at."

This England side will be more than ready to take on whatever is thrown their way.