Women’s football has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past few years, and this week, the 2022 Euros competition kicks off in Manchester as England plays host to the European Championship.
After reaching the semi-finals in the 2019 Women’s FIFA World Cup in France, the Lionesses have come a long way since Phil Neville’s tenure as England manager, with new boss Sarina Wiegman hopeful of leading the host nation to their first piece of international silverware.
With a stacked squad and home advantage, it’s no surprise that England are one of the favourites to win the Women’s Euros this summer, with the likes of Spain, Sweden and Norway all set to challenge the host nation for the European title.
Indeed, this summer is expected to see women’s football enjoy another surge in popularity, and with that in mind, here are five England players you should be keeping an eye on in the coming weeks, with the Lionesses keen to bring it home.
Alex Greenwood – Manchester City
Steph Houghton might be the most famous women’s England defender in recent memory, but with the 34-year-old centre-back not selected for the final 23-player squad, Alex Greenwood is set to become the new defensive star in town.
The Manchester City titan is will partner Chelsea defender Millie Bright in the defence, with Greenwood establishing herself in recent years as one of the Women’s Super League’s best centre-backs and a player who could be vital for England this summer in the Euros, with Wiegman set to start the 27-year-old right from the start against Austria.
Leah Williamson – Arsenal
With Houghton not selected for England, the role of captain will befall a new player this summer in what could be a nation-defining tournament for the host country, and that honour will belong to 25-year-old Arsenal superstar Leah Williamson.
A talent who barely played for England in the 2019 World Cup, Williamson’s rise for both club and country had been astonishing, with the Arsenal academy graduate the poster girl for this Lionesses side for the Women’s Euros and a general who excels both in midfield and in defence.
Georgia Stanway – Bayern Munich
It might seem crazy to be just 23-years-old and already a top WSL side’s record goalscorer, but that’s exactly what Georgia Stanway is, with the midfielder this summer joining Bayern Munich as a free agent.
One of the deadliest midfielders in the women’s game and a talent who has scored some truly outrageous goals during his time with City, Stanway could be England’s secret weapon this summer with the Barrow-born superstar capable of moments of magic out of nothing, a factor that could mean the difference between winning and losing.
Lauren Hemp – Manchester City
England’s current pool of women’s talent is one of the most exciting in Europe, and Lauren Hemp is arguably the best of the bunch, with the 21-year-old winger last season winning the PFA Young Women’s Player of the Year award, here fourth in total, and winning personal plaudits from footballing legend Kelly Smith.
With 20 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last season, Hemp is set for a breakout tournament this summer with England, and with Ellen White likely to lead the line for the Lionesses, goals could be pouring in for the host nation if their pair can continue their incredible partnership.
Beth Mead – Arsenal
It’s been a rollercoaster 12 months for Beth Mead, who went from being snubbed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games to becoming one of the most complete forwards in the WSL with Arsenal, and the attacker is set to make her mark with England this summer.
Named Arsenal Fans’ Player of the Season alongside Bukayo Saka and over the likes of Williamson and Vivienne Miedema, Mead heads into the Women’s Euros in the form of her life, and the 27-year-old forward will be key for England if they’re to win the entire tournament this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
