Women's Euro 2022 Final: England provide value in epic Wembley clash with Germany

Greg Lea selects the best bets, and previews the Women's Euro 2022 Final between hosts England and Germany at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.

England on the brink of history after Sweden shellacking

Having been outplayed for large chunks of their quarter-final against Spain, there was some concern that England could fall to the occasion when they faced Sweden in the last four. Instead, Sarina Wiegman’s side delivered a magnificent display at Bramall Lane, as goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby earned them a 4-0 victory that will live long in the memories of all those who witnessed it.

Russo’s goal, an outstanding, improvised back heel, summed it all up. England played with confidence throughout, asserting themselves on the match from the first whistle. They made a quick start, playing with the intensity and belief that was lacking in the opening 45 minutes against Spain. The final scoreline did not flatter the hosts in the slightest.

This England side are now just one win away from making history: the Lionesses have never won a major tournament before, and this will be only their third appearance in a final. The majority of fans inside Wembley on Sunday will be hoping to see a new name on the trophy.

Germany know what it takes to win tournaments

England will also be hoping that Gary Lineker’s old adage proves inaccurate this time. “Football is a simple game,” he once said. “Twenty-two men (or women) chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.”

That has certainly been a common experience throughout the history of the European Women’s Championship. Germany have won this tournament eight times –double the number of victories of every other national team combined. They have been consistently excellent this month and only conceded their first goal in the semi-finals against France.

Their 2-1 win on Wednesday was professional and authoritative. France are perhaps the most exciting team in Europe right now, and they played some fantastic football on the night. But Germany were more effective in both boxes and will now be looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in Euros finals. 

England and Germany will meet in the Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley on Sunday afternoon

Lionesses could edge what promises to be an exciting final

Showpiece events in international tournaments are often cagey affairs. With the stakes so high, defences usually come out on top as both teams adopt risk-averse mindsets. However, there is reason to believe Sunday’s showdown could be different – which is why both teams to score and over 2.5 goals look like smart choices at 1.97 and 1.76 respectively.

Caution did not predominate in the semis, as England blew Sweden away and Germany and France traded blows in Milton Keynes. Germany have scored twice or more in each of their matches to date, while England have averaged four goals per game across the tournament. And while Germany will be content to sit back in the opening stages, with the Lionesses likely to come flying out of the traps, they will not stand off England for the entire encounter.

This is a final between two brilliant teams and a win for either would not come as a surprise. But the manner of their display against Sweden, together with home advantage, suggests the best bet is on England at 2.64. Even this Germany team will struggle to handle Wiegman’s side if they can pick up where they left off on Tuesday.

Recommended bets

England @ 2.64

Over 2.5 @ 1.97

BTTS @ 1.76