W Euro 2022: England Squad Player profiles – The stars leading a new England squad
This England squad have made one heck of an impression, inspiring women and girls across the country – and it looks like their star power will only continue. Here are the England Squad Player profiles – these are the players who have been instrumental to England’s success at the W Euro 2022.
England’s ‘Inside The Pride’ – Full documentary on the Lionesses.
Mary Earps – (Manchester United)
First-choice goalie Mary Earps is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Sarina Wiegman’s appointment.
She has played for five different clubs in the WSL as well as German side Wolfsburg – not easily ruffled, she describes pressure as a “privilege”.
She has been instrumental in England’s success at Euro 2022 – Watch her “sensational” save she stopped Sofia Jakobsson from scoring for Sweden in the first minute of their Euro 2022 semi-final.
Beth Mead (Arsenal)
Mead, 27, has been leading the race for the golden boot.
She has now scored 19 goals for England since Sarina Wiegman took charge last September – 28 in total – and is also a key source of assists.
She was left out of the GB squad for last summer’s Olympics, and her impressive run at the Euros may be a bit of a response to that shocker.
She has shown that she is full of belief and possesses great resilience, after overcoming a weak start in the semi-finals.
Millie Bright (Chelsea)
Bright, 28, began her career with Doncaster Rovers Belles and despite some shaky moments at the beginning of the campaign, she has stood out with a colossal display at the last-four clash.
She gives England stability and is a powerful tackler and has a strong presence. Bright combines imposing physicality with leadership skills and a relentless work ethic. She possesses an incisive passing range and the ability to score spectacular goals.
Alessia Russo (Manchester United)
Russo, 23, has shone in the role of an impact substitute, exciting sold-out crowds with her direct running and eye for goal.
She assisted England’s most crucial goal of the tournament so far – Ella Toone’s late equaliser to force extra-time in the quarter-final win over Spain – before taking her own tally to four with an impish back heel against the Swedes.
Her superb second goal against Northern Ireland in the group stage had shades of Dennis Bergkamp.
Sarina Wiegman (England) – MANAGER PROFILE
Age: 52 Place of birth: The Hague, Netherlands Teams managed: Ter Leede, ADO Den Haag, Netherlands, England.
Experience
She’s England’s first permanent female head coach since Hope Powell and has a remarkable international record. She took the Netherlands to Euro 2017 glory and reached the 2019 World Cup final. She began managing in club football in her homeland, before being appointed Netherlands manager on a full-time basis in 2017 following a spell as assistant coach and interim boss.
England record
She took over from Phil Neville last September, becoming England’s first permanent non-British coach. She remains undefeated in the role, having won 16 of 18 fixtures – draws against Canada and Spain are the only winless fixtures of her reign.
Management style
With a direct approach to communication and a serious demeanour, Wiegman has instilled greater belief and resilience in the Lionesses. She is tactically astute, consistent in her team selections and has been likened to men’s boss Gareth Southgate due to her impressive people skills.
