England and Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze has expressed the team's ambition to make history by becoming back-to-back European Champions. The Lionesses are set to kick off their Euro 2022 title defense with a match against Sweden at Wembley Stadium, followed by a clash with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
This campaign marks the first time England enters as the reigning champions, adding extra motivation for the squad. Bronze emphasized the team's goal to not only qualify for the Euros but also to secure victory in the tournament, aiming for a remarkable back-to-back achievement on the international stage.
The Lionesses' memorable 4-0 victory over Sweden in the Euro 2022 semifinal, featuring Alessia Russo's Puskas Award-nominated backheel goal, serves as a source of inspiration for the team. Despite acknowledging the historical rivalry with Sweden, Bronze highlighted the team's focus on the present and the upcoming challenge at Wembley.
England finds itself in Group C1, considered one of the toughest groups in the tournament, alongside top-ranked teams like France and Sweden. To secure automatic qualification for the Euros, England must navigate past formidable opponents and finish in the top two of the group.
Following their disappointment of missing out on the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Lionesses have regrouped under manager Sarina Wiegman's guidance. Wiegman emphasized the team's readiness for the qualifiers after a reset period and a friendly camp in February, viewing the upcoming matches as an opportunity to showcase their capabilities.
With a strong determination to defend their title and a challenging group stage ahead, the England Women's National Team is geared up for an exciting journey in pursuit of European glory.
