Euro 2022 final: England on the brink of history as Lionesses prepare to face Germany at sold-out Wembley

England could be on the brink of footballing glory as the Lionesses face Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final.

The England Women’s squad are looking to secure the first major silverware in their history in the match, due to kick off at 5pm.

The squad, led by captain Leah Williamson, are the underdogs against firm favourites Germany, who are aiming for a ninth Euro title.

“What we’ve seen already is that this hasn’t just been a change for women’s football but society in general, how we’re looked upon,” Williamson said.

“I think regardless of the end result of the game, there will be a nice moment of reflection. Naturally, it’s my job to go out for 90 minutes to play and win, but when we look back on this tournament as a whole, we’ve really started something… I want this to be a mark for the future, not looking back on what’s come before.”

England fans pose for a photo on Wembley Way ahead of the Women’s Euro 2022 final. (Photo: PA Wire)

If England beat Germany, it will be the first major trophy lifted by an England squad of any gender since the men’s team won the 1966 World Cup.

Some 90,000 fans are due to fill Wembley Stadium – while millions more watch from homes, pubs and fan zones.

Thousands of fans are currently pouring onto Wembley Way ahead of the sold-out match at the 90,000 capacity stadium.

Many of those attending are family groups, including young women and girls, and there are reports of a calm and positive atmosphere.

Emma Newman, 21, a student from Whitby, North Yorkshire, who is among the crowd, said: “It’s a really nice atmosphere, people are just here to see the match and nothing else.

“It’s right that fans aren’t causing trouble, these women are inspiring and deserve to be supported properly.

“I just hope they can get the job done.”

Rachael Wilson, the mother of a young academy footballer, who is attending the match praised the Lionesses for showing that girls “can play football”.

Ms Wilson, from Preston, Lancashire, is attending the game with her daughter, Holly, who plays for Manchester United’s under-13 girls’ team.

Speaking ahead of the match, Ms Wilson said: “We hope the Lionesses make history today.

“We are so proud of the team for showing that girls and women can play football.

England fans arriving at Wembley Way before the final. (Photo: James Manning/PA Wire)

“The atmosphere is going to be out of this world with (the song) Sweet Caroline.

“We think England will win, with goals from Beth Mead and Ellen White.”

The game is expected to draw in the biggest home TV audience on record for a women’s football match.

The previous record number of UK viewers for a women’s game was nine million, which was set during England’s semi-final defeat by the United States in the 2019 World Cup – while 9.3 million viewers tuned in on Tuesday as the Lionesses steamrolled Sweden in the semi-final.

Ahead of the 5pm kick-off on Sunday, an all-female RAF flypast will take to the skies.

Flanked by two Typhoon fighter jets, a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crewed by three women will soar over the north-west London arena.

Fans gather for England v Germany in the Women’s Euro 2022 final (Photo: HENRY NICHOLLS/Reuters)

Enthusiastic goalkeeper Princess Charlotte, seven, sent a message of support ahead of kick-off, appearing alongside her father, Prince William.

In the clip, William says: “We both want to wish the Lionesses the best of luck.

“You’ve done amazingly well in the competition and we are rooting for you all the way.”

Charlotte added: “Good luck, I hope you win. Bye.”

Thousands of fans pouring onto Wembley Way before England take on Germany. (Photo: Charlotte Tattersall/ UEFA via Getty Images

The team also received a letter from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who heaped praise on them for inspiring “girls and women who know beyond any shadow of a doubt that football is not just for boys – it really is for everyone”.

Labour Sir Keir Starmer thanked the Lionesses for inspiring his daughter.

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He wrote: “As a parent, I know how vital it is to see strong, successful role models in sport.

“What you and your team have accomplished this summer will not just be celebrated as a great moment for English football but as one that encouraged and inspired young women like my own daughter.

“For that, I want to pass on my heartfelt thanks.”

Additional reporting by Press Association.