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Euro 2022: Leah Williamson calls England vs Germany a dream final as boss Sarina Wiegman says Lionesses fear no one | Football news


England captain Leah Williamson has described Sunday’s Euro 2022 final against Germany as a “fairytale match” – and she believes “is not the end of a journey but the beginning of one”. “.

The football rivalry between the two nations continued with the showdown at Wembley sold out.

The Lionesses are looking to claim the first major silver trophy in their history, while Germany, the competition’s most successful team, are aiming for a ninth Euro title.

Williamson said: “I think it’s a good story for you guys. Obviously, it’s a fairy tale, with history behind it.

“I think the journey that we’ve both been through, you’ve got two teams that have had the best tournaments in the final, that’s the best thing. I think this is what we expect. , to go up against a team that plays their best football, and luckily we’re playing ours.”

Williamson then spoke broadly when asked how important it was for England to win on Sunday.

The Arsenal defender said: “I think what we’ve seen in the league is this is not just a change for women’s football but for society as a whole, the way we look at it and I think tomorrow. not the end of a journey but the beginning of a journey.

“Of course my duty is to go out for 90 minutes to play and win, but I think looking back on this whole tournament we really started something and like I said, I think tomorrow is the beginning. want it to be the beginning, I want this to be a mark for the future.”

She added: “I’ve only ever been involved in this workplace, in football, but I think in most workplaces around the world, women still have a few more battles to face and try. overcome.

“And I think that for every success that we make, and for every change in judgment or perception, or the opening of someone’s eyes to see a woman as someone with equal potential, her male career, I think that will make a change in society.

“I think that’s a powerful message. In an often male-dominated environment, the steps we take can impact everyone on a broader scale.”

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Former England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain says England will be brimming with confidence ahead of the Euro 2022 final against Germany on Sunday

An attendance record for any Euro match, women’s or men’s, could be set tomorrow, and Williamson said: “I think this has felt unattainable for a very long time. Those who came before me had to fight.

“I think it’s a moment of nice reflection, that there’s going to be a lot of people filling that stadium with interest in women’s football, having the opportunity to watch it as it has been offered, because a while ago Soon it won’t be like that.”

Ten years ago, a crowd of 70,000 gathered at Wembley to watch the UK women’s team beat Brazil at the London Olympics.

Williamson, who attended that match as a fan, said: “I think tomorrow will be another such moment. It’s unbelievable it happened and I think the fall Then we hope that’s not what happens after this tournament.

“We can’t help but be interested in this tournament as it defeats the goal of everything we’ve achieved over the past six weeks.”

Wiegman: England is not afraid of anyone

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England women’s coach Sarina Wiegman couldn’t help but be confused before the Euro 2022 final with the 8-time champion Germany team

Meanwhile, England coach Sarina Wiegman stressed ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2022 final against Germany that the Lions fear no one and are “preparing for anything”.

The last time England reached a major final, they were beaten 6-2 by the Germans at Euro 2009.

Their most recent encounter was a 3-1 win for England in February at Molineux in the Arnold Clark Cup, part of an unbeaten run by Wiegman’s side, now 19 games, with 17 wins, since she took power last September.

The Dutchwoman, whose win on Sunday will help her return to victory in the Euros after she led the Netherlands to glory in 2017, said when asked about Sunday’s opponents: “When You make it to the final, you are one of the best teams in the tournament.

“I think we also have a very good team and we are not afraid of anyone.

“I think at some point it can be a bit physical, Germany can play very direct, physical, straight, so that’s what we expect. We’ve seen some things. We might want to dig, but we’ll see (about) that tomorrow.

“I think the team we played against (in the Arnold Clark Cup) was a little bit different, their style of play was similar but different players on the pitch.

“But of course we bring that experience and all the analysis we have about Germany from their recent matches.”

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Germany’s Alexandra Popp is well aware of the historic rivalry between the two teams ahead of the women’s Euro final at Wembley on Sunday

Wiegman was asked about preparations for a penalty shootout, and said: “We’ve practiced penalties, we’ve prepared for everything. If that’s what happens tomorrow, We’re ready.”

Wiegman said of the potential crowd that “it’s great that we have that opportunity tomorrow,” before insisting: “Ultimately it’s just a game we’re going to play. Yes, it’s a general match. end, but we’re going to approach it like we do with every other game.

“I think the pressure is on both (teams), we both want to win the final and we both have a very good squad. I think it’s going to be a very good game. It’s going to be interesting, but we don’t feel pressure more or less. It’s just a game – it’s a very interesting game with two very good teams both wanting to win.”

Wiegman, who has had an unchanged starting line-up throughout the tournament so far, confirmed all 23 members of her team are present, saying: “Everybody is a good fit, we’re going to give it a go. tough choices and we know how strong our squad is.”

Follow the Euro 2022 final on Sky Sports

Sky Sports News and Sports Sky’ Digital platforms will follow every step of England’s Euro 2022 journey ahead of Sunday’s final.

The Sky Sports News Mobile Presentation bus brings you all the best guests and analysis outside of Wembley, with the likes of Karen Carney, Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Laura Bassett providing insights their expertise.

On SkySports.com, the Sky Sports App and on social media, we’ll have all the big moments with our previews, features, reports, analytics, plus Sky Sports Women’s Euros podcast featuring Sky Sports senior football journalist Charlotte Marsh and Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui.

And if you’re new to England, don’t worry – Here is our guide to meeting the Lionesses.





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