The long-awaited start of the Women’s EURO 2022 finally arrived on Wednesday evening, as hosts England take on Austria at Old Trafford. The Lionesses will be hoping to go all the way in the tournament this year, and will be the heavy favourites to pick up maximum points on matchday one in Group A.
Women’s EURO 2022 Preview
There isn’t much surprise to see England head the betting to win the Women’s European Championships this summer, as they have home field advantage. The Lionesses, now managed by former Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman, have been in excellent form and have won their last eleven international fixtures. England are yet to win a major honour at the top level of the women’s game, but they will be looking to build on their strong showing at the 2019 World Cup where they finished fourth.
With the absence of the USA and Canada, England should be primed for a strong showing at the EUROs this summer. The quality and strength in depth was evident in their latest fixtures, as they won all three warm up games and scored 12 goals in the process. The standout win was their 5-1 success against defending European champions, the Netherlands. Beth Mead scored twice in that win, while further goals were added by Lucy Bronze, Ella Toone and Lauren Hemp.
Austria will have the challenge of stopping a free-scoring England on matchday one at the Theatre of Dreams. They have shown some fine form over recent fixtures, with their only defeat in three matches coming against Denmark in the middle of June.
However, they would have taken great confidence from their last warm-up fixture, as they managed to seal a 1-0 success against Belgium. The only goal in that win was scored by Maria Plattner. They enjoyed a fine run at the last European Championships as they made it through to the semi-finals, and they could be a big opening test for the Lionesses.
England vs Austria Head to Head
This is only the second time that the two nations have clashed. The only previous meeting came in November 2021, as England clinched a 1-0 win. The only goal in that win was scored five minutes before half time by Ellen White.
England vs Austria Prediction
This will be a huge fixture for England, and Wiegman’s side will be looking to hit the ground running. Based on the recent form of the Lionesses, we find it hard to see anything other than a win for the hosts. However, it may be slightly harder than their previous fixtures, which could mean a 2-0 win may be the most likely result.
Make sure to bet on England vs Austria with 22Bet!
