Three of England's triumphant Lionessess make the final XI after their victory over Germany on Sunday
The 2022 Women's European Championship came to a close on Sunday evening at sold-out Wembley, with England lifting their first ever major title for the women's team on an historic occasion.
It was a superb ending to a brilliant month of football, one in which the star performers were perhaps not those that many expected.
That has introduced and highlighted a number of excellent stories throughout the summer, many featuring in GOAL's Team of the Tournament…
GettyGK | Daphne van Domselaar (Netherlands)
It was just 22 minutes into the Netherlands’ tournament that Daphne van Domselaar’s summer took quite the turn.
None expected the 22-year-old to get on the pitch in England, with captain Sari van Veenedaal the Dutch No.1. But an injury to the veteran changed things very quickly.
Having come into the Euros with just one cap to her name, Van Domselaar was one of the stories of the summer. No goalkeeper made more saves, as she routinely drew gasps of astonishment from the crowds with her incredible reflexes.
Showing amazing composure in a high-pressure situation despite her lack of experience, she certainly took her chance this summer and could well be the Netherlands’ new first-choice shot-stopper.
AdvertisementGettyRB | Ona Batlle (Spain)
Spain might have exited the competition in the quarter-finals, but right-back Ona Batlle was superb this summer in both halves of the pitch. Even in the game against England which ended in defeat, she did exceptionally well to keep the opposing wide players quiet.
The 23-year-old has made a real name for herself at Manchester United as someone who can defend as well as she attacks, and she showed that again at this tournament.
Only England's Rachel Daly, who played two extra games, won more tackles than Batlle, and only two players won more duels – both, again, played more matches than her.
GettyCB | Millie Bright (England)
For several years, one of England’s big problems has been in defence, in stopping sloppy goals from being conceded and helping their top centre-backs translate their club form to international level.
This summer, it was not a problem at all and Millie Bright was crucial to that. The Chelsea defender was a rock at the back, not letting anyone or anything past her no matter what the cost.
But it’s not just her strength and aerial presence that helped the Lionesses win the tournament. Her ability on the ball and in possession allowed the team to build up so well from the back and dominate games.
GettyCB | Marina Hegering (Germany)
Hampered by injuries, Marina Hegering played just 307 minutes in the league for Bayern Munich last season, which was hardly ideal preparation for a major tournament.
However, if you didn’t know that before watching her performances, you wouldn’t have suspected it. She was immense at centre-back, with no player making more interceptions in England. The 32-year-old also ranked fifth for the number of times she won possession.
Only England conceded fewer goals than Germany in the Euros and Hegering, with her leadership as important as her form, was at the heart of that record.