Key events:
Have you subscribed to our weekly women’s football newsletter, Moving the Goalposts, yet?
If not do so below! There are cracking interviews, thought pieces and guest columnists. One of my favourites so far has been Anita Asante writing about her retirement.
The latest one, written by Júlia Belas Trindade, is all around France’s chances at the Euros and whether they can overcome infighting and Henry’s absence.
I’d love to hear from you!
From thoughts on the Euros, including potential Golden Boot winners, to what you are up to on this cloudy Wednesday. Get in touch! You can do so by Twitter or email.
In my predictions I said Alexia Putellas would get the Golden Boot but now she is injured I’ll need to select a new pick. Maybe Millie Bright …
Did anyone else just get goosebumps?
Transfer klaxon!
Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Ellie Brazil, who left Brighton earlier this month. The forward has agreed a deal until 2024 and Spurs boss Rehanne Skinner is delighted.
The manager said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Ellie to Spurs. Having had significant experience across the England youth teams and played club football at home and in Europe, she has a vast experience base that will enhance the team, but has years ahead of her in her career as well.”
Fans may be excited for the tournament to get under way but England captain Leah Williamson says she and the team will experience nerves.
The Lionesses start their campaign to their first major tournament trophy this evening against Austria, kick-off coming at 8pm.
“There are going to be nerves,” the skipper said. “We’re aware of the expectation but from within the camp it’s all about enjoying it.” And she added: “We know what it is, we know what to expect and we’re ready for it. Everyone has their own things in place to be able to deal with it.
“Pressure is a privilege so it’s something we’re embracing and it comes with it – it’s part of the job.” Read the full piece:
In a blow for Spain, just a day before the Euros is due to start, their star player Alexia Putellas was ruled out through injury.
She ruptured her ACL in training and is due to be out for several months. The Spain captain joins Jennifer Hermoso on the sidelines, who is also out through a knee problem.
It’s not only a sad moment for Spain but for the tournament as a whole who will miss out on watching one of the world’s best on the international stage.
Read the full piece:
Preamble
So the day is finally here. All the build-up, excitement and rivalries have led to this. Euro 2022 gets under way with hosts England taking on Austria at Old Trafford.
More than 500,000 tickets have been sold across the tournament with the competition set to bring unprecedented attendances and coverage.
The thousands of fans will be treated to some sublime football and some close results. There are a whole hosts of countries who are among the favourites. The Lionesses, Spain and Norway the ones in the bookies favour.
Jorge Vilda’s team have suffered losses with Jennifer Hermoso and Alexia Putellas ruled out through injury – we’ll look more closely at this shortly – so it will be interesting to see how they adapt.
So today, in the build-up to this evening’s match, we will be looking at injuries, what people have been saying, any breaking transfer news from the world of football and contributions from yourselves.
Get in touch with me via Twitter, my handle is @rendellx, or email. I’d love to hear what you are up to on this Euros opening day and any thoughts you have around the tournament.