The New York Stadium will host four games during the month-long tournament.
By Sam Ridding
Though the return of the domestic season is still one month away, there will be no shortage
of thrilling football being played in Rotherham in the meantime. The 2022 Women’s Euros
promises drama, action and world class competition, which will certainly be on display in
the city over the next three weeks.
Four games are set to be played at the home of The Millers, consisting of three group stage
matches and a quarter final between the winners of Group D and runners up in Group C.
One side hoping for success in Group D is France, with the star studded side taking residency
in Rotherham for all of their group stage games and possibly the quarter final. Their prowess
and ability is undeniable, boasting one of the best attacking trios in Europe; PSG’s Sandy
Baltimore, Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antionette Katoto all lit up the Champions League
this season. One can expect a plethora of goals from France at the Euros, though Les Bleues
are not the only international side gracing the hallowed turf. Italy, Iceland and former
victors Germany will soon be battling for further progression in the competition.
Alongside Rotherham, nine other cities will be hosting the Euros including Wigan, Sheffield,
Southampton, Brighton and Manchester. The country is preparing for a nationwide
celebration of football, particularly the astronomical progress of women’s sport has made in
recent years in terms of sheer popularity. This is evidenced by the already enormous
attendance, with over 500,000 tickets sold and more to be bought as the competition draws
ever closer. This is more than double the number sold for the last Women’s Euros
tournament, and shows just how much more popular the sport is now than five years ago.
Football fans from Europe and beyond will be coming to England en masse to support their
sides and watch top level athletes.
Rotherham is set to host its first game on the 10 th of July with France hosting Italy, a side
who hope to repeat the heroics of their men’s side at last summer’s Euros. One thing to be
certain of is the superb quality of football, as well as the vibrancy and culture that an
international tournament brings.
Fixtures:
France vs Italy – 10 th July, 8pm KO
France vs Belgium – 14 th July, 8pm KO
Iceland vs France – 18 th July, 8pm KO
Quarter final – 23 rd July, Group D winner vs Group C runner-up
