In a highly anticipated rematch of the EURO 2022 final, the England and Germany women’s national football teams are set to clash once again at the historic Wembley Stadium. However, the buzz surrounding this international friendly seems to have diminished compared to their record-breaking encounter just over two years ago.
A Drop in Attendance
While their epic final in 2022 saw an astounding 87,192 fans pack the stands, this time around, a more modest crowd of 50,000 to 55,000 is expected. The significant decrease in attendance has raised some eyebrows, but England manager Sarina Wiegman and captain Leah Williamson remain optimistic.
I don’t see it as a real negative. It’s really positive that over the next two windows we play at Wembley twice, with over 100,000 fans coming to the stadium.
Sarina Wiegman, England Manager
Contrasting Fortunes
Since their triumphant EURO 2022 campaign, the Lionesses have experienced mixed results. They reached the World Cup final in 2023 but struggled early in their EURO 2025 qualifying matches. Meanwhile, Germany suffered a shocking group stage exit at the 2023 World Cup, leading to the appointment of new head coach Christian Wück.
Both teams view this friendly as an opportunity to assess their progress and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. For England, consistency will be key as they aim to build on their recent successes. Germany, on the other hand, will be eager to prove that their World Cup disappointment was merely a blip on the radar.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Hannah Hampton vs. Mary Earps: Hampton retains her starting spot in goal for England, keeping the experienced Earps on the bench.
- Lena Oberdorf vs. Keira Walsh: The battle in midfield could prove decisive, with both players renowned for their ability to control the tempo of the game.
- Alexandra Popp vs. Millie Bright: Popp’s aerial prowess will test Bright’s defensive resolve as Germany looks to exploit any weaknesses in the England backline.
A New Era for Women’s Football
Despite the dip in attendance, the match between England and Germany serves as a reminder of the incredible strides women’s football has made in recent years. The increased level of competition across domestic leagues and international tournaments has raised the bar for the sport as a whole.
We always want to [progress] faster but I think the game has increased, the level of the leagues in international football has increased and developed.
Sarina Wiegman, England Manager
As the Lionesses and Die Nationalelf take to the pitch at Wembley once more, fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see which team emerges victorious. Regardless of the outcome, this match serves as a celebration of the growth and evolution of women’s football, with both England and Germany at the forefront of this exciting new era.
