England dominate Kelly Smith’s best XI Women’s Euro 2022 tournament – By Innocent Adulugba

Although the “Women’s Euros” have ended, the hangover has refused to be blown away.  There were so many stars expected to set England ablaze but some of them only dished out diminishing returns.

Netherlands national team Captain. Anna Margaretha Marina Astrid “Vivianne” Miedema one of the most prolific forwards of her generation who plys her trade with Arsenal, played below her own standards. Also, Wéndèleine Thérèse “Wendie” Renard, one of the most decorated players in modern women’s club football, could not lift the French to glory. The gangling Lyon and France national team captain failed to add to her record 14 French league titles and eight European Cups.

But after the tournament ended with the victorious English Lionesses beating Germany to lift the trophy,  former striker Kelly Smith rolled out her team of the Women’s Euro 2022 tournament. The English owed their glorious victory to the vast experience and ingenuity of Dutch football tactician, Sarina Petronella Wiegman, the England women’s national team Manager. Less than a year after her English employment (September 2021), Wiegmanwasted no time in cementing her legend in English football folklore.

Unsurprisingly, Wiegman’s girls dominated Smith’s list of best eleven. In goal is Mary Earps who had the tournament of her life, delivering climactic saves notably in the semi-final against Sweden just 23 after seconds! There may have been a different outcome if England conceded so early. At right back is Lucy Bronze, the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year (2018-19), Globe Soccer Awards Best Women’s Player of the Year (2019), BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year (2018 & 2020) and FIFA Best Women’s Player (2020). Bronze’s energy and drive stood her out. The center back positions went to Millie Bright. Her quarter-finals performance against Spain exposed her as arguably the best defender in the tournament. She made a flawless partnership with compatriot captain, Leah Williamson whose leadership was pivotal in the final versus Germany. Rachel Daly’s role (left back) in that back four made it a stingy English wall which conceded only two goals in the entire Euros!

In the midfield, two German footballers from VfLWolfsburg held their places. Lean Oberdorf (Young Player of the Tournament) proved a great defensive midfielder at only20 years old. Her compatriot, Svenja Huth really impressed with her vision and crossing ability from right midfield/winger position. Manchester City’s Keira Walsh, another holdingmidfielder aided the English victory with her excellent vision and passing range. She brilliantly set up Ella Toone for the opening goal against Germany which won her player of the match in the final. Completing the midfielders from a central attacking position was Beth Mead – Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner.

Attacking from the left is Alexandra Popp who scored in every match injury in the warm-up ruled her out in the final. Amazingly, Alessia Russo, always coming off the bench,made the list with four goals including an incredible overall impact.

Like the men of 1966, England are carving a reputation of “home winners” having never won any tournament away from home soil.