England football

JACQUI OATLEY: The Germans were fitter and stronger, with a steely mentality that England weren't able to match yet. Though they weren't full-time ...

A decade ago, the women's football competition of the London Olympics was hailed as a breakthrough tournament. But boy, it was a lonely experience and the scrutiny which accompanied my debut commentary on Match of the Day was incredibly difficult to navigate, the nation clearly still mistrusting of a female voice. Today marks the latest landmark on a long journey towards respect and the holy grail of self-sustainability. Attitudes towards women's football in the UK still reeked of misogyny, a hangover from the 50-year FA ban on women's football, which ended only in 1971. But I didn't suffer from 'imposter syndrome'. I had a right to be in the commentary box. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders and it crushed my confidence for a while. Now they debate the contrasting merits of Ellen White and Alessia Russo with authority and gusto. Only at that point, when everyone realised that England were in a major football final, was coverage required. The Germans were fitter and stronger, with a steely mentality that England weren't able to match yet. Few had paid attention to England until the final. That was the last time England's women reached a major final. The date is etched in my memory: September 10, 2009.

Host nation England take on Germany in the Euro final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday; kick-off 5pm; The Lionesses finished runners-up in 1984 and 2009; ...

Wiegman has transformed this side into hotly-tipped tournament favourites in less than a year and knows all too well how to handle the pressure amplified by home nation hysteria. She wants to win football matches by playing a brand of football that entertains crowds, inspires younger generations, and leaves a lasting imprint on the fabric of the footballing community. Unfazed by the burden of expectation, England have never been better placed to cap a momentous summer of football with a winner's medal and their first-ever major honours on July 31. There's a lot of clarity in the way we've played." When she guided the Netherlands to back-to-back major finals in 2017 and 2019, she made three and five changes to line-ups respectively. It's because Wiegman has utmost faith in the responsibility bestowed upon each player, and their value is no more or less worthy from the substitutes bench. Her words are unerring and the impact she's making with this team is creating a legacy. Should she stick with that formula again on Sunday, she'll become the first coach in Euros history to name the same starting line-up in every game - men or women's. There is no doubt that the 52-year-old's influence on this squad has been transformative. She makes bold, unflinching decisions that benefit the development of the squad even if they attract scrutiny. Generations of football fans, male and female, young and old, will talk about the night the Lionesses tore up European record books by dismantling Norway 8-0. She's carried that mantle ever since she stepped into the role, but what has followed has surely even surpassed her very own projections.

The game at Wembley will see the Lionesses go in search a maiden piece of silverware, with their opponents having won the tournament eight times. England boss ...

“I’ve only ever been in this football workplace but, in most workplaces across the world, women still have a few more battles to face to try to overcome. “The final is not the end of a journey but the start of one. And regardless of the end result, there will be a nice moment for reflection.

England vs Germany live commentary stream, team news, TV channel and updates as the Lionesses play in the Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley.

Despite tackles flying it she keeps her feet before a Germany defender came in to clear At the opposite end Germany have looked physical and ruthless. Germany have been very physical in the first half but only Felicitas Rauch has been booked. Moments later Ellen White is booked for dissent. Fans were then treated to a spectacular 4-0 win over Sweden in the semi-finals which saw them comfortably through to today's final. She has now won all eleven matches she has overseen in this competition, with her team having scored 20 goals while conceding just one this year.