All games are accessible on the ESPN app. You can see the schedule here.

Four groups, 16 teams and 24 first-stage matches. A record-breaking 450,000 tickets have been sold for the games and with streaming giants lining up to buy the rights to showcase these games and make them accessible in other countries, the 2022 Women’s Euros is sure to be the biggest one yet. And with European countries increasing investment in their women’s teams and with new and bigger talent emerging every day, this tournament will be a great opportunity for the world to see what sort of competition will be present at the 2023 Women’s World Cup as the USWNT seeks to earn a fifth star and an unheard of third consecutive World Cup title.

The Netherlands are entering the tournament as the title holders, but the Netherlands of 2017 are not the Netherlands of 2022. A new coach and a lack of identity exhibited in the last year mean it’s anyone’s game, and the Dutch aren’t guaranteed another championship. Not to mention the hosts are hungry, they have the Dutch’s old coach–Sarina Wiegman–and they’re looking to show their home fans a good time.

In short, it could be coming home. But we’ll see.

Let’s go over the groups, who is in what, and what player to look out for from each country. But before that, a recap of the tournament's opening match.

A Grand Match for a Grand Stadium

The opening match of the 2022 Women’s Euros kicked off yesterday in Manchester with a little less than 73,200 fans in attendance at Old Trafford. The hosts, England, took on Austria, in a match that would eventually result in just 1-0.

England scored their one and only goal in the 16th minute from a Beth Mead Hail Mary, who’s been absolutely lethal this season for Arsenal. Austria’s Manuela Zinsberger, Beth’s teammate at Arsenal, valiantly tried to stop it but the chip was just out of reach.

That would end up being the only excitement in the first half. Multiple Lionesses had good looks on goal–Ellen White and Lauren Hemp specifically–but the only real threat in the game would come in the final 10 minutes of the second half when Austria’s increased confidence resulted in a push that would force England goalkeeper Mary Earps into a diving save.

England faces Norway next on Monday, July 11th at 12:00PM PST, and Austria will play Northern Ireland, also on Monday, at 9:00AM PST.

Group A - England, Austria, Norway, Northern Ireland

England (Protagonist Soccer Projected Group Winner)

As the home team, they of course have home field advantage. But they also have demonstrated in the last year a tenacity and chemistry that always sets apart rosters, scoring 84 goals since September 2021 and beating the Netherlands and Switzerland 5-1 and 4-0 respectively. Their coach, Sarina Wiegman, took the Dutch all the way in 2017 so she has the experience needed to do it again with a new set of players. England is surely a favorite if not THE favorite to win the whole thing.

Who to watch for: Lauren Hemp (Left Winger)

Austria

Austria is ranked 21 in the world, so they surely have a long way to go before they’re contenders in a major tournament. Irene Fuhrmann, whose pedigree comes from the team she coaches now, has been coaching various age groups for Austria since 2008. While she knows her program and players better than anyone, their talent pool won’t be able to compete with the likes of groupmates England and Norway, so they’ll be relying on individual bravery. Their captain, Viktoria Schnaderbeck, currently on loan at Tottenham from Arsenal, has more than 70 caps for Austria. The center back will surely be looked to as a leader for success on the field. And our player to watch, Sarah Zadrazil of Bayern Munich, will surely be leading the tempo for her team’s attack.

Who to watch for: Sarah Zadrazil (Attacking Mid)

Norway (Protagonist Soccer Projected Group Runner-Up)

Five years ago, after coming in last in their group at the 2017 Euros, Ada Hegerberg walked away from Norway to focus on mental health and club play. Since then, she’s led Olympique Lyonnais to four Champions League trophies and four league titles, but she’s returned to play for her country. On her return match, Hegerberg scored a hat trick so needless to say, she’s ready to go.

But she won’t be alone. She’ll be flanked up top by Chelsea FC’s Guro Reiten and Barcelona FC’s Caroline Graham Hansen, two of Europe’s brightest stars. Martin Sjögren, Norway’s gaffer, has held this position since 2016 and before that, won a title with Linköpings FC. Norway is practically guaranteed to make it out of their group but we’ve rated them as Runner-Ups since their roster compared to England’s is slightly less complete.

Who to watch for: Ada Hegerberg (Forward)

Northern Ireland

There are 16 teams participating in the 2022 Women’s Euros. 15 of them are FIFA Top 30 teams. Northern Ireland is the ultimate dark horse, ranked 47th in the world. There is no one more underdog than Northern Ireland but then again, there is no one in a better position than them to just go out there and play football without any pressure.

Northern Ireland qualified for the Euros in April 2021 against Ukraine in a completely empty stadium without Rachel Furness, Demi Vance, Lauren Wade, Caragh Hamilton and Megan Bell. Infection rates were rising so the game was played behind closed doors but when the final whistle blew and word made it to the fans socially distanced in their cars outside in the parking lot that they had won, a chorus of car horns rang out into the night air in celebration.

The team is now in their first major tournament, hungry to show their country they deserve to be here. But it’s a tough group, as all the groups are to be honest, and England and Norway are favored to make it through.

Who to watch for: Rachel Furness (Center Mid)

Group B - Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland

Is there anything more dramatic in football than a “Group of Death?” The concept that there’s one group that is more difficult than any other in a tournament where groups are created by a random draw. A group where it could be anyone’s game. Group B is, by all accounts, such a group. Let’s take a look.

Germany (Protagonist Soccer Projected Group Winner)

Germany has won this tournament more than any other team ever, eight times. They’ve won some other things too, of course, but the Euros are special. They have victory in their blood but in the last few years, haven’t made it very far in major tournaments. They’ll be looking to change that this year and to ensure their success, have rostered a spate of young talent that tore up European domestic football and will likely do the same in the tournament.

Those players are Bayern Munich dynamic duo Lina Magull and Klara Buhl, proven goal scorers for club and country alike. Jule Brand is the Next Big Thing and will likely be coming off the bench this summer more than anything. And last but not least, our player to watch, Tabea Waßmuth. The only person who scored more than her this UWCL season was Alexia Putellas. With all of them firing on all cylinders, they certainly have the ability to go far in the tournament, maybe even win it all. But at the very least, win their group.

Who to watch for: Tabea Waßmuth (Forward)

Denmark

With Nadia Nadim seemingly fully recovered from her ACL tear, Denmark will be banking on her and Pernille Harder having the summer of their lives and if recent friendlies are any indication, they’re surely ready for the pressure. It also helps that Denmark’s system allows Harder freedom to play how she prefers.

Denmark came in second place in 2017, falling to Netherlands in the finals, but they don’t call it the Group of Death for nothing. More than likely Denmark won’t be able to overcome Spain and Germany this year.

Who to watch for: Pernille Harder (Forward)

Spain (Protagonist Soccer Projected Group Runner-Up)

If Spain was coming to the tournament with Alexia Putellas and Jenni Hermoso–maybe even just Alexia–they would be clear favorites to either win or at the very least make the semi-finals. Without them though, they still have a stacked roster with some of the best footballers in the world at every position, but it might not be enough.

Claudia Pina, Patricia Guijarro, and Aitana Bonmati, the projected main scorers for Spain, are all under 25 years old but the experience they’ve picked up playing for a very busy Barcelona means they’re entering this tournament with the ability to handle the pressure. They’ll surely have their backs protected by the older players and their Barcelona teammates–center back stalwart Mapi Leon, captain Irene Paredes, and goalkeeper Sandra Paños. But without Alexia’s quiet leadership and Hermoso’s thirst for goals, it’s hard to imagine Spain being able to win it all, especially considering the drama brewing in the background at RFEF.

Who to watch for: Aitana Bonmati (Midfielder)

Finland

Finland is the Northern Ireland of Group B, just happy to be here. Recent games have been hit or miss for them as well, so it’s hard to glean how well they might be able to perform in an incredibly powerful group. But we’ll be watching anyway, not only because the teams they’re playing are fun to watch but also because we love FSU alumnae Natalia Kuikka, who currently plays for Portland Thorns.

Who to watch for: Natalia Kuikka (Center Back)

Group C - Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal

Netherlands (Protagonist Soccer Projected Group Runner-Up)

The Netherlands are going into this tournament with a lot of expectations. 2017 European title winners. 2019 World Cup silver medalists. But crashed out early in the 2020 Olympic Games and recently, lost 1-5 against England and in February, 1-3 against France. Sad to say but they’re a team that just isn’t inspiring right now, especially in the back. The Dutch star Vivianne Miedema will be looking to out score opponents, however, and will likely pair with PSG’s newest signing, Lieke Martens, for some spectacular goals. However, 25 year old Wolfsburg standout Jill Roord is our person to watch. Since transferring from Arsenal to Wolfsburg, she’s been in top form, and will likely continue that trend for her country,

Who to watch for: Jill Roord (literally any attacking position but primarily attacking mid)

Sweden (Protagonist Soccer Projected Group Winner)

Are you familiar with the phrase “Always a bridesmaid but never a bride?” That phrase is frequently used to describe Sweden, one of the most formidable and complete teams in not only the Euros, but the world, who have yet to win a major tournament. They’re also the only ones who’ve made the USWNT bleed, which has instilled in them confidence that no other team at the tournament has. But like I said, no major title. Could that all change this summer? Chances are very high.

They’re incredibly stacked and their gaffer, Peter Gerhardsson, is well respected by his players as well. Fridolina Rolfo, Stina Blackstenius, and Kosovare Aslanni will likely be their country’s main goal scorers. Filippa Angeldal and Swedish captain Caroline Seger will provide the stability to the team in the center of the park. Chelsea FC captain and Swedish vice-captain Madgalena Eriksson and Hanna Glas will pair on the wings and provide width. And finally, Hedvig Lindahl, 39 years old but hanging with the best of them, will do what she does best: be the final defense for a team that at every point on the field is prepared to defend a counter attack and start a counter of their own.

Who to watch for: Filippa Angeldal (Midfielder)

Switzerland

Switzerland has a realistic chance of making it out of their group, but the chance is pretty low and is hidden somewhere in an Ikea in Sweden. Lia Wälti is a fan favorite over at Borehamwood and for Switzerland, and although she isn’t a primary goal scorer, she’s an astute leader. She’ll be expected to provide leadership to main goalscorers, the 19 year old Svenja Fölmli, and Swiss veterans, Ana-Maria Crnogorčević and Ramona Bachmann. It’s going to be a climb for them this summer and the next few years might still be a slog for them as well, but they have an incredible academy system in place now thanks to the decisions of the previous coach. In due time, they’ll surely be a top contender for most major tournaments.

Who to watch for: Svenja Fölmli (Striker)

Portugal

Originally, this spot was taken by Russia, but thanks to Putin, the Russian footballers who worked hard to qualify for this spot lost it to Portugal, who they originally beat in qualifiers. Portugal was not expecting to be here just a few months ago, but they rolled with it and regardless of how they got here, they deserve the opportunity to show Europe what they’re made of.

Jessica Silva will be the likely favorite to send the ball to for goals, but we’ll also be watching Benfica’s Kika Nazareth. At only 19, she has no major tournament experience, but every tournament is an opportunity to learn and grow, and she’ll surely be a star in the coming years. Very unlikely they make it out of their group but we’ll be rooting for them regardless.

Who to watch for: Kika Nazareth (Forward)

Group D - France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland

France (Protagonist Soccer Projected Group Winner)

There are a number of teams in the tournament with questionable coaches but none who have a coach quite like Corinne Diacre, whimsically dubbed “Cocovirus” by her players. Diacre, once the captain of Equipe de France, took up the mantle of manager in 2017 and since then, has ruled without popularity regardless of her team’s winning culture. Honestly, they win despite her.

She infamously left France’s top domestic goal scorer, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, off the 2019 Women’s World Cup. They went all the way to the quarterfinals but lost to the USWNT after failing to score enough goals (something MAK is obviously able to do). She’s had public spats with all her best stars, all of whom are no longer regular call ups for France regardless of league performances. And much like Spain, there’s something brewing behind the scenes and Diacre, much like Vilda, seems to be a federation stooge.

But regardless, despite all that drama, the talent housed in this roster is just so incredible. Overcoming a lame duck federation and an unpredictable manager will be a tall order but if anyone can do it, it’s this group.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Sandy Baltimore and Kadidiatou Diani will likely lead their team in goals, and MAK specifically has a high chance of winning the Golden Boot. She recently has settled some transfer drama and with her mind focused solely on the Euros, she’ll surely be in fine form this summer. Paired with her PSG bestie Diani and OL standout Delphine Cascarino, along with full backs who are equally capable of scoring, defending this team’s deep deep runs, through balls, and high flying crosses is going to be a tall order. It just depends on what lineup Cocovirus uses that day and what mood she’s in.

Who to watch for: Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Forward)

Italy (Protagonist Soccer Projected Group Runner-Up)

Italy is one of the dark horses of the entire tournament. They’ve quietly been rebuilding a fine system over in the country shaped like a boot, starting with the qualification of the 2019 Women’s World Cup. And their main star, Girelli, although 32 years old, will surely be showing Europe that Italy is still a women’s football powerhouse.

Will they win the group? Maybe, if France is besieged by locker room drama or if Italy can isolate and negate MAK before she gets into the box. But then you have to contend with the half dozen other Frenchwomen who are also dangerous.

Italy might just have to out score France, something they should easily be able to do against Iceland and Belgium. Girelli paired with Bonansea and Giacinti is just too dangerous, unpredictable, and untamable. Much like my aunt’s homemade limoncello.

Who to watch for: Cristiana Girelli (Forward)

Belgium

Belgium are quite behind most other countries in this tournament in terms of professionalism. Most of their players are amateurs and much like Switzerland, had players who had to take PTO to come represent their country. Until their federation can invest in their women’s program similarly to their men’s program, they won’t be contenders at any major tournament. But hopefully this summer influences them to change things for the better.

Belgium’s main goal scorer will either be attacking midfielder Tine De Caigny or forward Tessa Wullaert (the latter of which is a CEO of her own company). If Belgium is lucky, they’ll both be in fine form and they can show their fans back home a tournament to remember and convince their federation to invest in their program more. Another player to watch out for is defender Amber Tysiak, who’s a full time teacher so thankfully she had the summer off to participate in this tournament. She’ll be paired with Laura De Neve on the backline and more than likely will make things difficult for Girelli and Katoto.

Who to watch for: Tine De Caigny (Forward)

Iceland

And last but not least, Iceland. Sara Björk Gunnarsdóttir, midfielder and all-around good human, just won a UWCL trophy in May and will likely be hoping to carry the good vibes through the rest of the summer. However, we’ll be most excited to see what Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir can do in a big tournament. Jonsdottir has played exceptionally well in Germany since transferring to Wolfsburg in January, even scoring a brace in her first match and winning the league title.

However, France and Italy are just too in form this summer. Iceland has hopefully a chance at 3rd place or if miracles happen, a small chance at shaving some points off Italy and eeking by as group runner-ups.

Who to watch for: Sveindis Jane Jonsdottir

- Elisabeth Schendel