By Sumaiya Vawda
The summer's headline tournament kicks off at a sold-out Old Trafford tomorrow. Below are brief descriptions of the 12 Arsenal players participating.
England
The host nation has borne some of the greatest stars in Arsenal's history. Jordan Nobbs is an unfortunate injury absentee for the Lionesses who (without her) lack a proper number 8.
Arsenal's ball-playing centre-back, Lotte Wubben-Moy, features in Sarina Wiegman's squad. The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks in North London before taking up a scholarship in North Carolina and finally returning home.
Beth Mead scored 14 and assisted 19 across all competitions for Arsenal this season. Her 14-minute hat-trick against Northern Ireland at Wembley placed her in the history books. She'll certainly look to replicate that form for her country on the big stage after omission from the Team GB squad last year.
Nikita Parris could add some sheen to her slightly dull year of club performances at the Euros. Her experience and technical control will be valuable in closing out games.
Leah Williamson will captain her nation from central midfield rather than the defensive role she holds for Arsenal. Yesterday, Tower Bridge was illuminated by a Williamson Nike advert reading, 'You've never seen an icon like this. Leah Williamson is never done.' Leading the home nation at age 24 adds a weight of pressure. Still, Williamson will hope to showcase her progressive passing and athleticism.
Austria
Manuela Ziensberger won the WSL's 2021/22 golden glove with a record-breaking tally of 13 clean sheets. This season, Arsenal's number 1 improved her overall game, and her ability to make quick, low stops shone. She will oppose several familiar faces in the tournament's opening fixture as Austria battles England.
Laura Wienroither joined Arsenal in January 2022. The 23-year-old right-back made 8 WSL appearances in her first half-season at the club. Statistically, her passing and shot-creation are top-notch. Viktoria Schnaderbeck, who Arsenal released at the end of her contract, will captain the team.
Norway
Frida Maanum recently hit 50 caps for Norway. She has grown past the label of 'wunderkind' and excels at progressive carries and creative passing. Her first season in North London saw her maintain high shot, xG and xA tallies despite playing a deeper role. Norway will also meet England in the group stages.
Denmark
Simone Boye Sørensen joined the club from Bayern Munich at the start of the 2021/22 season. Her experience and familiarity with coach Jonas Eidevall made her a good squad fit. While she struggled for fitness and game-time at club level, Denmark will rely on her seniority and mental fortitude on the European stage.
Netherlands
Vivianne Miedema remains (all praise be!) an Arsenal player for at least the upcoming season. She holds the Netherlands' all-time goalscoring record (for men and women) with more than 90 international goals. She will likely revert to a traditional striker role after occupying a second-striker or number 10 role for the second half of the season under Eidevall. The 25-year-old helped her nation to the Euros title in 2017 and will be looking to repeat the feat this year. Former Gunners Daniëlle van de Donk, Jill Roord and Sari van Veenendaal also made the squad.
Sweden
January arrival Stina Blackstenius ended her season with an xG per 90 in the 91st percentile. She can run the channels and attack the penalty area with venom. Her goals will be critical to Sweden's hopes.
Switzerland
Lia Wälti will skipper the Swiss at Euro 2022. While Arsenal fans may believe she needs rest, her side will require her to anchor the midfield. Her two-footedness and clean tackling technique set her apart from other defensive midfielders.
Noëlle Maritz's impressive season was rewarded with a contract renewal in North London. Her ball-carrying and tackles in the attacking third help spring attacks. She will be integral to the team's successes on both ends of the pitch.
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