It was delayed by a year, but for women’s football fans, the Women’s European Championship was well worth the wait.
Beginning on July 6 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, the tournament ended in awe-inspiring fashion when Sarina Wiegman’s England Lionesses defeated Germany thanks to a late extra time strike from Chloe Kelly at a sold out Wembley Stadium.
Attendances record were broken, record scorelines took place and for a generation of young girls – and young boys – female athletes made a mark on the world’s most popular sport that cannot be denied. Thankfully, it appears women’s football will now never look back.
Off the field, it was memorable – however, on the field, it was packed full of talented individuals and outstanding performances.
But who do we think were the best players in each position across the tournament? Who shone brightest at a tournament of leading lights?
Here is The Scotsman’s Women’s Euros team of the tournament.
5. Sakina Karchaoui (France)
The attacking full back gave a fantastic account of herself as France went further than they ever have before in a major tournament. She had an average of 8.4 recoveries per game, and travelled an impressive 9.05km per match. Photo: Harriet Lander
6. Lena Oberdorf (Germany)
Still just 20-years-old, Wolfsburg's midfield destroyer had an incredible tournament as the pivot for Germany. She was awarded young player of the tournament and can feel incredibly unlucky to have not come home with even more silverware, such was her displays. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
7. Keira Walsh (England)
Outstanding. So often the underrated player in the Lionesses rank, Manchester City's defensive midfielder shone brighter than she could have ever dreamed of at Euro 2022. The well deserved player of the match in the Wembley final, Walsh ended the tournament with an outstanding 88.5% passing accuracy and three assists. Photo: George Wood
8. Aitana Bonmati (Spain)
Spain's tournament was badly hindered by the less of Jennifer Hermoso and Alexia Putellas before it was halted by eventual champions England at the quarter final stage. However, football fans saw exactly why Aitana Bonmati was rated so highly across the globe during Euro 2022. Photo: Mike Hewitt