The Euros are back, and this time all eyes are on England's women's team, the Lionesses, as they vie to win the tournament for the first time. Here's a need-to-know guide to the tournament, and watching it in London and beyond.
What is the UEFA Women's Euro 2022?
Founded in 1984, the UEFA Women's Euro is the all-female version of the men's football tournament, in which international teams from across Europe battle it out for the title.
It's really grown in popularity and size lately, and this year, there are 16 competing nations: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Northern Ireland (it's their Euro debut), Norway, Russia (their participation could change, based on current events), Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
2022 is the 13th edition of the UEFA Women's Euro, and it's hosted entirely in the UK. The competition was supposed to happen in summer 2021, but was postponed due to... yes, that.
When is the Women's Euro 2022?
It runs from 6-31 July (so it's another summer of footie, folks). The opening match — England Vs Austria — is at Old Trafford on 6 July.
Which Women's Euro 2022 matches are in London?
The UK is hosting all 31 of the matches, at stadiums in Trafford, Rotherham, Manchester, Sheffield, Wigan & Leigh, Milton Keynes, Southampton and Brighton & Hove. London also hosts matches at two stadiums — the spanking new Brentford Community Stadium (8, 12, 16 and 21 July), and Wembley (the setting for the final, on 31 July).
In the group stages, Brentford hosts Germany Vs Denmark (8 July); Germany Vs Spain (12 July) and Denmark Vs Spain (16 July). Spain are faves to win the whole thing, while Germany have won eight of the last 12 tournaments — so if you mange to get tickets for these early London matches, you should be royally entertained.
Who are England playing?
Starting in Group A, England face Austria (6 July, Old Trafford); Norway (11 July, Brighton Community Stadium); and Northern Ireland (15 July, St Mary's Stadium, Southampton). So no London games to begin with. But with a bit of luck, they'll go on to play more matches; if they win their group, England play at Brighton again on 20 July; but as runners-up they'd play at Brentford on 21 July.
Of course, we'll all be hoping to see them at Wembley at the end of the month. That'd be pretty special.
How do I get tickets for the Women's Euro 2022?
Early batches of tickets sold out, with general sale tickets available now.
Prices are between £10-£40 depending on seats, while the most expensive tickets for the Wembley final are £50. A darn sight more reasonable than the men's tournament, then.
Where else can I watch the Women's Euro 2022 in London?
As we're writing this in early January 2022, it's too early to say exactly where will be screening the matches. We can assume some of the city's best sports bars will get in on the action. And if the Lionesses progress into the further reaches of the competition, maybe there'll be some big screen action too. Come back closer to the time for an update.
Does the England team stand a chance of winning?
Definitely! As well as having the home advantage, the Lionesses are in fine form. Recent matches have seen them beat Northern Ireland 4-0, Luxembourg 10-0, and Latvia 20-0 (that's not a typo — there were four hat-tricks!). At the time of writing, betting sites are offering odds of 4/1 on England winning the whole thing.
As we say, though, Spain are overall favourites, withs odds of 7/2. Last time the two teams met, in March 2020, Spain won 1-0.
