Germany vs France LIVE: Euro 2022 result and final score as Alexandra Popp double sets up England final

Germany will play England in the Euro 2022 final after they defeated France thanks to a double from captain Alexandra Popp in Milton Keynes.

The eight-time European champions Germany took a deserved lead near the end of a fast-paced opening half, as Popp arrived into the box to score for the fifth match in a row at the tournament.

But it was quickly cancelled out before the break by the French, playing in their first major tournament semi-final, when Kadidiatou Diani’s fierce hit rebounded off the post and cannoned off the unfortunate goalkeeper Merle Frohms.

France would have the better chances in the second half - but Germany had the more clinical striker. Popp once again times her run to perfection and it was the Germany captain’s towering header that restored their lead on 76 minutes.

The goal, which also moved Popp level with England’s Beth Mead in the golden boot standings, proved to be decisive and Germany will face the Lionesses in the Wembley final on Sunday.

Follow all the reaction and relive the match as Germany edged France in a thrilling Euro 2022 semi-final:

Germany vs France

• 76’ GOAL! Popp’s towering header restores Germany’s lead

• 44’ GOAL! Diani strike hits off Frohms as France grab quick equaliser

• 40' GOAL! Popp arrives late into the box to continue goal streak

Germany squeeze past France to set up Euro 2022 final with England

22:02 , Michael Jones

Germany have won eight out of the 12 editions of the Women’s European Championships. That is some effort.

England are the only team left to deny them a record breaking ninth title.

Germany squeeze past France to set up Euro 2022 final with England

22:00 , Michael Jones

Full-time: Germany 2-1 France

21:57 , Michael Jones

England vs Germany, Euro 2022 final, Wembley, Sunday.

Full-time: Germany 2-1 France

21:52 , Michael Jones

90+5 mins: Germany are through to the Euro 2022 final!

Alexandra Popp is the hero for Germany, two goals including a second half winner from the captain is enough to see them home.

They’ve won the Euros eight times. They’re hunting down a ninth title with only England left in their way.

Germany 2-1 France

21:50 , Michael Jones

90+2 mins: Svenja Huth is taken off and Tabea Wassmuth comes on in her stead. Two minutes of added time played as Bacha wastes a France free kick with her cross into the box.

Can Germany see out this game?

Leno Oberdorf is booked for a crunching tackle on Kadidiatou Diani.

Germany 2-1 France

21:48 , Michael Jones

90 mins: Dallmann has a huge chance to score as Huth bombs down the left on the counter-attack. She squares the ball into the box where Dallmann shoots and should win a corner when the ball deflects behind.

She’s flagged offside though.

Five minutes of added time to play.

Germany 2-1 France

21:43 , Michael Jones

85 mins: Grace Geyoro skies a chance high and wide from around 10 yards but seems to have been offside anyway.

Selma Bacha then brings a cross from the right under control before hooking her shot over the crossbar as well.

France are putting loads of pressure on the German back line. Can they score again?

Germany 2-1 France

21:39 , Michael Jones

82 mins: There’s another change for Germany as Marina Hegering is swapped out for Sara Doorsoun.

Time is ticking away from France. They’ve played a very good match and have cuased real problems for Germany but now is the time to step up another gear.

Eight minutes to play and they need a goal.

Germany 2-1 France

21:36 , Michael Jones

79 mins: The German supporters start to celebrate but their jubilations are cut short by a VAR check. The referees are looking for a potential offside in the build-up but there isn’t one.

Germany’s lead remains in tact. Just over 10 minutes of the 90 to play.

GOAL! Germany 2-1 France (76’, Popp)⚽️

21:32 , Michael Jones

76 mins: It’s Popp again! France’s free kick comes to nothing and Germany sweep quickly up the pitch before hooking the ball out to the right wing.

The initial attack is cleared back out to Svenja Huth on the wing and she recycles the ball with a curling cross into the middle.

Alexandra Popp rises above everyone else and clinically nods it home!

Germany 1-1 France

21:32 , Michael Jones

75 mins: Selma Bacha is top quality, how she doesn’t start for France is a mystery. A diagonal ball comes over to Bacha who takes down the ball and shifts inside of Giulia Gwinn.

Gwinn does her best to win the ball but Bacha is too skilful and too strong. She wins a free kick for France.

Germany 1-1 France

21:28 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Inside the final 20 minutes and it’s Germany’s turn to make a couple of changes. Linda Dallmann and Sydney Lohmann come on to replace Sara Dabritz and Lina Magull in midfield.

Germany 1-1 France

21:25 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Germany are caught in possession deep in their own half and Bacha comes away with the ball. She slides it into the box to Diani who drives it around Hegering before drilling a low effort at the near post.

Frohms has it covered and turns it wide for a corner that then comes to nothing.

Germany 1-1 France

21:22 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Great save! France’s resultant corner is swung into the box by Bacha who expertly picks out Wendie Renard at the back post. Renard nods the ball into the deck but Frohms drops low and keeps it out with her legs.

Germany need to absorb this pressure.

Germany 1-1 France

21:20 , Michael Jones

63 mins: What a stop!

Svenja Huth hangs on to the ball too long and loses it just outside the French box. Les Bleus fly forward on the counter-attack and slide Diani into the right side of the box.

She pulls the ball back to Bacha who takes a touch then smashes a shot at goal only for Hendrich to head it clear off the line.

Germany 1-1 France

21:18 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Delphine Cascarino is hooked off for France and is replaced with Clara Mateo. It’s a big call from Corinne Diacre as Cascarino has been one of France’s better players throughout this tournament.

Can Mateo provide the difference France need to take the lead?

Germany 1-1 France

21:14 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Lena Oberdorf has bought a yellow card for Selma Bacha. There was a stray arm from the French substitute but she hardly connected and Oberdorf’s reaction - she went down theatrically - convinces the referee to pull out a yellow card and award Germany a free kick.

Germany 1-1 France

21:12 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Sakina Karchaoui gets the ball on the left side for France and skips past a midfielder into the middle of the pitch. She plays a one-two with Selma Bacha to evade another tackle before both players fly up the pitch.

Karchaoui then sends the ball back out to the wing but it’s too far in front of Bacha who can’t keep it in play.

Germany 1-1 France

21:09 , Michael Jones

51 mins: Magull slides a nice through ball between the French lines and gets Huth in behind. She takes a heavy touch then can’t recover the ball before it runs out of play.

Magull is starting to take control for Germany. She receives another pass and spins to the edge of the box. The midfielder wants to play a one-two with Dabritz but the communication between the two isn’t great and Dabritz passes it to the opposite side of Magull’s run.

Germany 1-1 France

21:04 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Chance! Germany win an early corner that gets swung into the box. The ball is won by one of the French defenders but drops for Svenja Huth on the left side of the area.

She goes for goal with a first time shot but scuffs it into the side-netting.

Second half: Germany 1-1 France

21:02 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Germany get the match back underway.

France have made a substitution at half-time with Selma Bacha replacing Melvine Malard.

Which way is this one going to go?

Half-time: Germany 1-1 France

20:56 , Michael Jones

France’s equaliser will go down as an own goal from Merle Frohms but it’s an opportunistic shot from Kadidiatou Diani that has earned that goal.

More of the same please in the second half.

Half-time: Germany 1-1 France

20:52 , Michael Jones

Alexandra Popp opened the scoring for Germany with her fifth goal in five games at this year’s Euros. She’s the first women to do that in a single European Championship campaign.

Half-time: Germany 1-1 France

20:48 , Michael Jones

45 mins: No added time. All square at the break.

GOAL! Germany 1-1 France (44’, Frohms OG) ⚽️

20:45 , Michael Jones

44 mins: Equaliser! France do go level before half-time.

They recycle a clearance from the Germans and pass the ball up to Kadidiatou Diani. The froward has moved into a more central position and spins off the shoulder of the centre-back before blasting a low early shot at goal.

Merle Frohms leaps across to her right but the ball beats her. It smacks into the post before bouncing back, hitting the goalkeeper’s sprawled body and deflecting back into the net.

Massive goal for France.

Germany 1-0 France

20:44 , Michael Jones

43 mins: France will have to dig deep now. Germany know how to see out games and have dealt with everything France have thrown at them so far.

Can Les Bleus get back on level terms before the break?

GOAL! Germany 1-0 France (40’, Popp)⚽️

20:41 , Michael Jones

40 mins: Germany take the lead!

Giulia Gwinn pushes up the pitch on the right side and knocks the ball up to Jule Brand. Brand carries it into the box before slipping a short pass to Svenja Huth.

Huth lifts the ball to the middle of the box where Alexandra Popp forces her way in front of Eve Perisset and smokes the ball into the back of the net on the half-volley!

Germany 0-0 France

20:40 , Michael Jones

37 mins: Germany are persisting with their efforts down the right side but Wendie Renard is winning every challenge she’s going into.

The main battle is occuring in midfield, neither team has managed to get a foothold to push the other back as of yet.

Germany 0-0 France

20:35 , Michael Jones

34 mins: France target Renard from their set piece but she’s put under pressure from Popp who holds her ground and wins the ball allowing Germany to clear.

As expected there isn’t a great deal to separate the teams in this first half.

Germany 0-0 France

20:33 , Michael Jones

31 mins: Renard slides a through ball up to Geyoro who takes it past Oberdorf and looks to drive into the box. Sensing the danger Oberdorf yanks back the French midfielder and gives away a free kick.

Germany 0-0 France

20:31 , Michael Jones

28 mins: Wendie Renard isn’t happy with Lina Magull’s antics as she brings the ball into the box and goes down softly under a tackle from the French captain.

There’s a VAR check to see if a penalty needs to be given but it’s over quite quickly and the game goes on.

Germany 0-0 France

20:28 , Michael Jones

25 mins: Germany win another free kick just outside the French penalty area. They are now seeing more possession in the French final third.

Felicitas Rauch takes this one and hoofs it straight over the crossbar.

Germany 0-0 France

20:24 , Michael Jones

22 mins: Save! Alexandra Popp takes the set piece and drills her shot through the French wall. The ball is trailing away from the goalkeeper and looks to be heading it but Pauline Peyraud-Magnin leaps across and pushes it wide with two strong hands.

Good save from the French keeper.

Germany 0-0 France

20:22 , Michael Jones

20 mins: Jule Brand has her first real impact on the game with a storming central run to the edge of the box. Sandie Toletti has seen enough and comes flying in from the French right side before taking out the German forward.

Free kick right on the tip of the ‘D’ for Germany.

Germany 0-0 France

20:20 , Michael Jones

17 mins: Alexandra Popp and Marina Hegering both look to get on the end of a German free kick and jump into the French goalkeeper giving away a foul.

France then sweep down the left with Delphine Cascarino holding off three defenders before squeezing the ball out to Charlotte Bilbault.

Bilbault rolls it to Perisset whose cross lands straight in the hands of Merle Frohms.

Germany 0-0 France

20:17 , Michael Jones

14 mins: A clearance from France comes up to Melvine Malard who brings the ball under control before turning it around the corner for Kadidiatou Diani.

Diani drives towards the box and sees Grace Geyoro running through the middle Diani attempts to pick her out but Marina Hegering blocks the pass.

The ball rolls back to Diani but she’s too indecisive about what to do next and gets closed down by two German defenders.

Germany 0-0 France

20:13 , Michael Jones

11 mins: Wendie Renard jogs across to the right side of the box and clears a through ball into the penalty area. Sara Dabritz collects it from the resultant through and drives at Eve Perisset who knocks the ball out for a corner.

Germany 0-0 France

20:09 , Michael Jones

8 mins: France are looking confident when they’re attacking and it’s the Germans who seem slightly flustered at the back. Merle Frohms attempts to punch the ball clear from a corner but it drops to Wendie Renard who is tackled just inside the box.

Les Bleus recover the ball and send it over to Diani who drives down the wing before cutting inside and shaking off a couple of tackles. He options are limited and she eventually gets closed down from three sides and loses possession.

Germany 0-0 France

20:06 , Michael Jones

5 mins: These early stages have shown off Germany’s keen attempts to press and close down the ball as quickly as possible in midfield.

France come down the left wing before Delphine Cascarino switches the play with a curling pass into the right side of the box. Kadidiatou Diani looks to sprint in behind Felicitas Rauch but the defender manages to poke the ball behind for a corner.

Germany 0-0 France

20:03 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Lina Magull - who scored in Germany’s quarter-final against Austria - tries to drive down the right wing but is hacked down by a sliding Charlotte Bilbault who gives away a free kick.

The set piece is curled into the box with Alexandra Popp the target but it doesn’t reach her and France work it clear.

Kick off: Germany 0-0 France

20:02 , Michael Jones

France kick of the game. This is the second Euro 2022 semi-final with the teams playing for the chance to take on England in the showpiece on Sunday.

The French boot it long up the pitch and the ball skips out for an early goal kick.

Germany vs France

19:56 , Michael Jones

Here come the players.

Alexandra Popp leads out Germany with Wendie Renard at the head of the French team. The national anthems are played, the stage is set.

Who will join England in the Euro 2022 final?

Kick off is next...

Renard aiming for the trophy

19:53 , Michael Jones

France captain, Wendie Renard, says that reaching the final is not good enough for her team and that in order to be remembered they need to win the European Championship trophy.

“It will not mean anything if we don’t win the trophy.” she said at the pre-match press conference, “People don’t talk about finishing third, people only talk about the winners and if you win a trophy.

“I’m competitive and love winning trophies and I’m doing everything here that I can. The young players are gaining experience and also really want to win a trophy for the national team.

“It will be a great game against a top team that’s already won this tournament before so we know it’s going to be difficult but nothing is impossible. There’s plenty of quality in our team and I believe in my team-mates.

“It’s two top football nations coming together, it’s the semi-finals of the Euros and both teams are here for a reason. Germany have scored many goals and not conceded any so we need to be determined and clinical when we get into the box. We’re taking it calmly and not putting pressure on ourselves.”

For Klara

19:50 , Michael Jones

Germany boss Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said the news that Klara Buhl had tested positive for Covid-19 left the squad feeling “subdued”, while 20-year-old defensive midfielder Lena Oberdorf added that it provided extra motivation for the team to succeed.

“It’s such a pity for Klara, she’s been in really good form and played really well in all the games,” she said, “We will play the game for Klara and try to win it for her, we will give everything.”

Ones to watch: Kadidiatou Diani

19:46 , Michael Jones

With her Paris Saint-Germain colleague Marie-Antoinette Katoto ruled out of the tournament through injury, Diani is forging on as the effective spearhead of the France attack.

She was moved from usual her right-hand side to centre forward during the quarter-final against the Netherlands as Corinne Diacre looked to break down their stubborn defence.

Fast and skilful, Diani is always willing to take on defenders and turn a seemingly unpromising situation into a clear chance for herself or a teammate.

The sight of the 27-year-old in full flight, her flowing hair following slightly behind, is as thrilling for spectators as it is ominous for opponents.

Ones to watch: Alexandra Popp

19:41 , Michael Jones

Alexandra Popp missed the 2013 and 2017 final tournaments through injury and she would have missed these finals too had they happened as scheduled in 2021.

The emotion showed after she came off the bench against Denmark to score the final goal in Germany’s 4-0 opening win

She has gone from strength to strength since and has scored in all four of Germany’s games in England, becoming the first player to register in four successive games at a single Women’s Euros - Heidi Mohr did it across three tournaments in the days of four-team knockout finals.

An all-action, inspiring presence, Popp is driving her team towards claiming one of the very few major honours she hasn’t already won.

Germany vs France

19:36 , Michael Jones

This is France’s first ever Women’s Championship semi-final tie, the only one of this year’s four semi-finalists to reach this stage for the first time.

Each of the last four first-time semi-finalists were eliminated (Spain 1997, Finland 2005, Netherlands 2009, Austria 2017).

Germany were the last team to progress in 1989.

Germany vs France

19:31 , Michael Jones

Germany have won eight of the last 10 European Championships. There have only been 12 Euros to date.

They progressed from eight of their nine semi-finals, failing only against Italy in 1993.

They are the giants of this competition.

Germany vs France

19:26 , Michael Jones

Warm-ups are underway, just over 30 minutes to go until kick off.

Fans start to arrive in Milton Keynes

19:20 , Michael Jones

The weather has turned in Milton Keynes and it’s drizzling over the fans as they arrive at the stadium ahead on kick off.

This is going to be a close match, either team can win it and the odds of it going to extra-time are quite favourable. Which sets of supporters will be cheering at the end of the night?

England captain Leah Williamson focused on finishing the job in Euro 2022 final

19:15 , Michael Jones

Captain Leah Williamson has stressed England’s focus is on completing their task after the Euro 2022 hosts secured a place in Sunday’s final at Wembley.

After goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby saw them power to a 4-0 semi-final victory over Sweden at Bramall Lane, the Lionesses are in their first major tournament final since Euro 2009.

Either Germany or France will be the opponents as they look to get their hands on major silverware for the first time in their history.

When asked about the development English women’s football has had and working towards a moment like Sunday, Williamson said: “We started a journey, and people have changed the game.”

England captain Leah Williamson focused on finishing the job in Euro 2022 final

Alessia Russo ‘loving playing football’ amid dream Euro 2022 run

19:10 , Michael Jones

Alessia Russo has spoken of how much she is enjoying herself on the pitch after her brilliant back-heel in England’s 4-0 Euro 2022 semi-final triumph over Sweden.

Substitute Russo notched the third goal at Bramall Lane in the 68th minute when she back-heeled the ball through Hedvig Lindahl’s legs after the goalkeeper had parried her initial shot.

It was a fourth goal for the Manchester United striker in the Lionesses’ home Euros campaign, which will now conclude with Sunday’s final at Wembley against either Germany or France.

Russo, who is at her first major international tournament and has come off the bench to replace Ellen White in each of England’s five matches, said when asked about her confidence levels: “I’m loving it, so that helps with confidence.”

Alessia Russo ‘loving playing football’ amid dream Euro 2022 run

Beth Mead, Millie Bright and Alessia Russo: Evaluating England’s strengths at Euro 2022

19:05 , Michael Jones

England are preparing for their first European Championship final since 2009 thanks to a stunning 4-0 win over Sweden at Bramall Lane.

The Lionesses, who have never won the competition, will face either France or Germany in Sunday’s Wembley decider following goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby.

Here we pick out three players who have been instrumental to the hosts’ Euro 2022 campaign.

Evaluating England’s strengths at Euro 2022

Germany vs France

18:57 , Michael Jones

Just over an hour to go until kick off.

Popp relishing Euro 2022 appearances

18:52 , Michael Jones

Germany captain Alexandra Popp has won a lot with her country. She’s got an Olympic gold, a Fifa Under-20s World Cup, multiple Uefa Women’s Champions League and Frauen-Bundesliga titles as well as individual honours including 118 international caps.

But, she’s never won the Women’s European Championship.

Popp was sidelined with serious injuries for both the 2013 and 2017 editions of the competition, with a torn ankle ligament and a meniscus issue respectively, then in early 2021, she suffered a potentially career-ending injury when a piece of cartilage broke off inside her knee.

Had the tournament not been postponed until 2022, she would have missed the finals for a third consecutive time and after playing Germany’s opening fixture at Brentford Popp said:

“It was a really special moment because I had the feeling that many people had already written me off,

“I was able to show with my fighting spirit and mentality that I’m still a force to be reckoned with. I’m not just here to make up the numbers.”

Germany vs France: Team changes

18:47 , Michael Jones

Germany boss, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, makes one enforced change as Klara Buhl drops out after testing positive for Covid-19 and Jule Brand comes in to replace her.

France are unchanged from the side that defeated Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

Germany vs France: Line-ups

18:42 , Michael Jones

Germany XI: Frohms; Gwinn, Hendrich, Hegering, Rauch; Magull, Oberdorf, Dabritz; Huth, Popp, Brand

France XI: Peyraud-Magnin; Perisset, Mbock Bathy, Renard, Karchaoui; Bailbaut, Toletti, Geyoro; Diani, Malard, Cascarino

Germany vs France

18:40 , Michael Jones

France are up against it this evening. Germany have won this tournament a staggering eight times with tonight’s fixture being the first time Les Bleus have reached the semi-finals.

However, France had won one of their previous nine matches against Germany before prevailing in two of the last three meetings.

A good sign then if they hope to reach Wembley.

Germany vs France

18:35 , Michael Jones

Germany have scored in all 23 of their knockout matches at the European Championship finals whilst France have not conceded more than once in any of their last 38 Women’s Euros qualifying and final tournament games.

If Germany score tonight they’ll become the first team to reach 100 goals at the Euros finals.

Euro 2022: England women’s semi-final watched by 9.3 million viewers

18:30 , Michael Jones

England’s Women’s Euro 2022 semi-final victory over Sweden attracted a television audience of 9.3 million people on Tuesday evening, the biggest that the tournament has seen yet.

That official figure doesn’t account for fans watching in pubs or other large gatherings.

For comparison, the record British TV audience for a woman’s football match was set during the 2019 World Cup, which saw 11.7 million people tune in to watch England, who ultimately lost to the US.

That number could potentially be matched on Sunday (31st July) when the Lionesses take on either Germany or France in the tournament final.

England women’s Euro 2022 semi-final watched by 9.3 million viewers

Ian Wright says women’s football is ‘here to stay’ in wake of England’s Euro 2022 heroics

18:25 , Michael Jones

Ian Wright says nothing will stop women’s football thriving in England after the Lionesses stormed into the Euro 2022 final with a 4-0 thrashing of Sweden on Tuesday.

Sarina Wiegman’s side overcame a tough start at Bramall Lane to blow away a team ranked second in the world, with Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby on target.

Former Arsenal forward Wright said during BBC’s coverage he felt “as proud as I’ve felt of any England side” and reiterated his positivity on its breakfast programme ahead of Sunday’s Wembley final.

“The women’s game is here and it is here to stay. What we are seeing with these ladies, and the way they are inspiring everybody, is nothing is going to stop it,” Wright told BBC Breakfast.

Ian Wright says women’s football is ‘here to stay’ in wake of England’s Euros heroics

Euro 2022 Golden Boot: Beth Mead on course for top goalscorer prize

18:20 , Michael Jones

Beth Mead is on course for the Golden Boot at Euro 2022 after firing England to the final.

The Arsenal striker took her tally for the tournament to six with the opening goal in Tuesday evening’s emphatic 4-0 semi-final win over Sweden.

Here we look back at Mead’s goalscoring heroics so far:

Beth Mead on course for Euro 2022 Golden Boot

Ian Wright wants to see a lasting legacy from England’s run to Euro 2022 final

18:15 , Michael Jones

English football has been urged to ensure the host nation’s run to the Euro 2022 final leads to a lasting legacy.

Sarina Wiegman’s side thrashed Sweden 4-0 in the first semi-final at Bramall Lane to book their place in Sunday’s showpiece at Wembley against France or Germany.

Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby all found the net to leave Ian Wright feeling “as proud as I’ve ever felt of any England side”.

Ian Wright wants to see a lasting legacy from England’s run to Euro 2022 final

The teams arrive at Stadium MK

18:10 , Michael Jones

France and Germany have had their first looks at the pitch for tonight’s clash and will be readying themselves for a pressure-filled encounter with a place in the Euro 2022 final at stake.

Everyone looks fairly relaxed about it though.

Oberdorf on missing Buhl and facing France

18:05 , Michael Jones

Germany midfielder Lena Oberdorf spoke in the pre-match press conference about playing tonight’s semi-final with Klara Buhl missing from the team saying:

“It will be a tough loss, but we’re able to compensate for it as a team. We have a strong squad and lots of wingers on the bench that have been able to bring in their qualities when they have been subbed on, so I’m not worried.”

She went on to explain her expectations for the game adding: “France have many strong players, but we definitely need to keep an eye on Wendie Renard, especially at set pieces.

“Cascarino is also incredibly strong on the wing, with great crosses, strong shots and a lot of pace. However, we also have strong players in our squad, and are focused on playing to our strengths.”

Germany vs France

18:00 , Michael Jones

France are aiming to record successive victories against Germany for the first time. They won 1-0 in a friendly in June 2021 in Strasbourg thanks to Kenza Dali’s 30th-minute chip over goalkeeper Merle Frohms.

But, history is somewhat against France this evening. No side has won their debut semi-final at the Women’s Euros since West Germany in 1989.

Since then four more teams have reached the last-four stage for the first time, and all went no further: Spain vs Italy in 1997, Finland vs Germany in 2005, Netherlands vs England in 2009 and Austria vs Denmark in 2017.

Sarina Wiegman’s very different England write yet more history

17:55 , Michael Jones

“You asked: ‘Are you ready to write history?’ I think this is history,” Sarina Wiegman declared. She was right, too.

This was the biggest win in European Championship semi-final history, in fact, whether you consult the record books of the men’s or the women’s game.

Rarely does a team come this far into any tournament and go home with a nose as bloody as Sweden’s was by full time at Bramall Lane. Rarely does a team reach a major final with a display of the control, authority and outright domination demonstrated by England.

Rarely does an England team play that well full stop, in fact. Never mind the comparisons to the men’s national side, inevitable though they are, and their many, equally inevitable disappointments down the years.

Sarina Wiegman’s very different England write yet more history

England’s win over Sweden sends a message to the world, Sarina Wiegman claims

17:50 , Michael Jones

England women boss Sarina Wiegman believes England’s 4-0 semi-final victory over Sweden will make the rest of football sit up and take notice.

Goals from Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby sent Wiegman’s side through to Sunday’s Euro 2022 final against either France or Germany.

And beating Sweden, the side who sit second in the rankings behind world champions the United States, sends a message to all the other countries, according to England’s boss.

England’s win over Sweden sends a message to the world, Sarina Wiegman claims

Sarina Wiegman rewarded for trust and team consistency as England seal Euro 2022 final place

17:45 , Michael Jones

After one of the most difficult nights in Sarina Wiegman’s tenure so far, came perhaps the most complete.

Only a round earlier, England almost faced an early exit, having to come from behind against Spain, eventually winning in extra time and only after having to really change their approach to combat a side who had prevented the Lionesses from playing their preferred gameplan.

But here, after an end-to-end and hold-your-breath first quarter of an hour or so, England managed to first control, then excel, then be utterly ruthless against one of the world’s best sides.

A 4-0 scoreline against Sweden to reach the final of Euro 2022 is more impressive by a huge stretch than putting 20 past Latvia in a qualifier, or even beating the holders – and Wiegman’s former side –Netherlands 5-1 in a warm-up.

This was a game which mattered, with everything riding on it, and England did a lot more than just win: they reminded themselves how good they can be, and reminded the watching world what happens when their best players are allowed to impose themselves.

And for that, perhaps Wiegman deserves an extra mention, an extra nod of approval.

Wiegman rewarded for trust and team consistency as England reach Euro 2022 final

‘This team gives everything’ says Diacre

17:40 , Michael Jones

In some ways France have already achieved their goal for Euro 2022 in reaching the semi-finals for the first time ever and in others they haven’t got started yet.

The team is full of star quality but lacks a clinical, ruthless edge in front of goal which could be a problem against the more difficult opponents like Germany.

On reaching the semi-finals head coach Corinne Diacre said: “I’m very proud because this team aimed at a big target; this team gives absolutely everything.

“This group is doing well; we have a semi-final to prepare for now, calmly. We will savour... getting through, and we are taking it step by step as always.”

Voss-Tecklenburg on France

17:35 , Michael Jones

Germany’s head coach, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, spoke about her expectations for tonight’s game and explained how her team will give everything they have to reach the Euro 2022 final.

“We know that France have tremendous quality in transition and fantastic individual players with a lot of pace.” she said, “We’ll give everything we have on Wednesday.

“I believe France also respect us after our performance [in the quarter-finals]. From that point of view, it’s going to be a game of equals.”

Predicted line-ups and score

17:30 , Michael Jones

Germany will be forced to make a change due to Klara Buhl’s absence but France will probably name an unchanged team from their own quarter-final. Here’s out predicted line-ups for tonight’s semi-final:

Germany: Frohms; Gwinn, Hegering, Hendrich, Rauch; Oberdorf, Dabritz; Magull; Huth, Brand; Popp

France: Peyraud-Magnin; Perisset, Mbock Bathy, Renard, Karchaoui; Geyoro, Bilbault, Toletti; Diani, Malard, Cascarino

Our score prediction: France to edge a tight game and make their way through to the final, though this is another game where extra time could be needed to separate the sides.

Germany 0-1 France.

‘Is this real?’ Alex Scott and Ian Wright’s delighted reactions to England reaching Euro 2022 final

17:25 , Michael Jones

Former England international Alex Scott was full of praise for the women’s national team as they beat Sweden 4-0 at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night to seal a place in the Euro 2022 final.

The Lionesses emerged from a back-and-forth first half to totally dominate after the interval and cruise through their semi-final showdown, with the scenes at the end of the match seeing fans and players alike celebrating with songs and the latter dancing on the pitch.

Speaking after the final whistle, Scott also spoke of the enormity of the moment in reaching the biggest stage, while Ian Wright called for momentum to be kept to ensure the team’s successes so far could create a lasting “legacy”.

But in the present moment, it was the resilience and versatility of Sarina Wiegman’s side which should be hailed, Scott said, after they produced a very different type of performance to that needed to see off Spain in the last round.

‘Is this real?’ Pundits’ delighted reactions to England reaching Euro 2022 final

‘I’m buzzing, I’m bouncing, I can’t stop smiling’: Joy for England fans as Lionesses roar into Euro 2022 final

17:20 , Michael Jones

For five-year-old England fan Milo Jones, there will, inevitably, be years of footballing heartbreak and torment to come. But not yesterday.

The youngster was one of 32,000 supporters packed into Bramall Lane, in Sheffield, to watch the Lionesses destroy Sweden 4-0 in the semi-finals of Euro 2022.

And, as fans poured out onto the Steel City’s streets afterwards, there was unbridled joy at the historic victory. Talk of football coming home could be heard everywhere.

“Amazing,” said Milo. “Amazing.”

It was, said dad Ryan, his first ever football match. “What a way to start off,” the 39-year-old university teacher beamed. “He absolutely loved it. I just hope he doesn’t think watching England is always this good.”

‘I can’t stop smiling’: Joy for England fans as Lionesses roar into Euro 2022 final

England surge into Euro 2022 final with thrashing of Sweden

17:15 , Michael Jones

Last night wherever you looked, history was against England.

Take your pick: their record of only winning a handful of their many previous meetings with Sweden; the fact that their semi-final opponents were the highest-ranked team at this Women’s European Championship and unbeaten in 90 minutes since 2019; or, perhaps most pertinently of all, the Lionesses’ three consecutive semi-final defeats at their last three major international tournaments.

The record books provided little comfort.

Yet as Sarina Wiegman has insisted throughout this tournament, history counts for nothing. The Lionesses are one game away from winning their first major tournament, having booked their place in Sunday’s Wembley final in emphatic style.

Four unanswered goals –the third being a truly sensational backheel by Alessia Russo – put world-class opposition to the sword at Bramall Lane and ensured that the Lionesses progress to their biggest game in 13 years with all the momentum they need.

England surge into Euro 2022 final with thrashing of Sweden

France move away from Rotherham

17:10 , Michael Jones

Tonight’s match is being played at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes and it will be the first game of Euro 2022 that France have played outside of Rotherham.

The New York Stadium was France’s base for the group stages and they played all three games there before topping the group to set up a home tie against the Netherlands.

France captain, Wendie Renard, spoke about her new surroundings saying: “It’s a lovely stadium. The pitch seems fine and a bit softer. That is a good thing for us.

“We’ll get our bearings later on, during training. The most important thing is the quality of the pitch. Here, in England, it’s something that we don’t really think about because all the pitches are amazing.”

Rest of German squad negative for Covid

17:05 , Michael Jones

The German FA explained that Klara Buhl is now isolating after her positive Covid test and is not showing symptoms. The rest of the team and staff have tested negative. In a press conference on Tuesday head coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said:

"The most important thing is Klara is feeling very well and has hardly any symptoms, that’s why we were surprised to hear she is positive.

"It has made us all a bit subdued. We knew it could happen and see this as our next challenge. We will try to stay in this tournament and provide some happiness for her.

"We’ve tested everyone else and everyone seems fine. We had a meeting with the team and we can only influence the things we can influence.

"We give support to the player and everyone got in touch with Klara. I know this team is so amazing so it will bring them closer together."

Buhl out for Germany

17:00 , Michael Jones

The eight-time European champions have been dealt a blow ahead of tonight’s semi-final with France as winger Klara Buhl will miss the match due to testing positive for Covid-19.

The 21-year-old has played in all four of her country’s games so far with Germany winning each on, scoring 11 goals and not conceding any.

Germany vs France

16:41 , Michael Jones

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the second Euro 2022 semi-final as Germany face France in Milton Keynes.

Germany are unbeaten through their campaign so far, keeping four clean sheets in as many games. They topped Group B before easing past a resiliant Austria 2-0 in the quarter-finals.

France also finished top of their group and faced the Netherlands in the last-eight. A flurry of missed chances threatened to hlat Corinne Diacre’s sides progress but Eve Perisset sank a penalty in extra-time to send Les Bleus into their first ever Women’s Euros semi-final.

The winner of this semi-final will journey on to Wembley where they’ll face England who cruised into the final after demolishing Sweden 4-0 in the first semi-final.

We’ll be bringing you all the action from tonight’s game as well as reaction from England’s victory over Sweden yesterday.