How Arsenal stars got on at Euro 2022

England women's Euro winning squad

How Arsenal stars got on at Euro 2022

By Megan Armitage

After 56 years of waiting, it was a Gunner who brought football home.

Leah Williamson skippered England to the Women's 2022 European Championship title with her team's 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley last month.

The Arsenal defender was head of the pride and her captaincy saw history everywhere they turned with the final played in front of the biggest crowd in women's or men's Euros history, and their 8-0 victory over Norway at Brighton the biggest victory in any European Championship game.

Williamson proved an unshakeable opponent in defence, moving away from central midfield at the start of the competition to help keep a calm presence at the back.

And with England conceding only two goals all tournament, her leadership could only be described as a resounding success.

Brilliant Beth

Against Norway, it was fellow Arsenal player Beth Mead who took charge on the pitch, claiming a hattrick which catapulted her to the golden boot of the tournament.

Mead scored a total of six goals with five assists over the course of the competition, with Germany's Alexandra Popp taking second-place in the top scorer running.

Taking Player of the Tournament for her scintillating performance on the right wing, the 27-year-old started for England in all six of their matches and has undoubtedly proved her worth as England's star player.

Wubben-Moy makes mark

Arsenal's Lotte Wubben-Moy was also an integral part of the Lionesses journey to European champions.

Although the centre-back did not find any minutes on the pitch, her presence in training and determined mindset were not ignored.

A home-grown Gooner, Wubben-Moy was the mastermind behind the Lionesses open letter to the UK Government demanding that young girls had access to football in PE.

Overseas stars shine

Outside of the England camp, Arsenal enjoyed success all over the European Championships.

Manuela Zinsberger stood strong as goalkeeper for Austria as they faced both finalists on their journey.

Zinsberger only let three goals past her as Austria held England to a 1-0 victory in the group stages before losing 2-0 to Germany in the quarterfinal.

The Arsenal goalkeeper pulled off 11 saves and two clean sheets during the tournament and was pivotal to an impressive Austrian defence.

The Netherlands' Vivianne Miedema saw Covid impact her time on the pitch, but the Gunner still put up a strong performance for her side whilst returning to full health.

The striker missed out on group games against Portugal and Switzerland but was back in action against France, playing a full 120 minutes.

The natural goal scorer still proved a vital player on the pitch despite her health and will no doubt be back on top form for the start of the WSL season.

Newby Lina Hurtig will make her Arsenal debut this season after moving from Juventus and was a key player in Sweden's qualification for the Euros this summer, scoring four goals on route.

Signed to Arsenal for the 2022/23 season, Hurtig will be ready to make her mark at Borehamwood.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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