UEFA is paying out 16 million euros in bonuses this time, which of course does not come close to the more than 330 million from the 2021 men’s European Championship. According to an FA report, 54 million pounds (around 63 million euros) will be turned over during the tournament in the nine venues. 250 million TV viewers are said to watch games in 195 countries. Organizers, UEFA and national associations such as the DFB are hoping for a lasting effect on their sport, which is still not fully accepted.
Athletically balanced
The appeal of this European Championship, which will take place this summer without the competition of an international men’s tournament, is also its sporting balance: at least half a dozen teams – including England, Spain, France, the Netherlands and Norway – are believed to be capable of the title.
The German selection, most recently failed at the 2017 European Championship and the 2019 World Cup in the quarterfinals, is something of a grab bag. “A total of 16 teams are taking part – and I’m sure eight can legitimately hope for the title. In such an extraordinary competition we can’t afford any big mistakes,” said Voss-Tecklenburg before the first group game of the record European champions against Denmark on Friday (21.00 CEST/ZDF and DAZN) in a “FAZ” interview. She can only advise every football fan: “Check it out, it’s worth it.”
The dream of the final on July 31 in the already sold-out Wembley Stadium is alive with the German players – and especially with the previously untitled English team. Almost 20,000 fans wanted to see the hosts’ friendly as they defeated the holders of the European Championship, the Netherlands, 5-1. In addition, the English league is considered the financially strongest on the continent.
England want the title
The expectations of the team around stars Lucy Bronze and Ellen White are high. “It would be a success for England if they got to the final and lifted the trophy,” said former international and BBC presenter Alex Scott. “With all the effort and whatever else they have put into football, they should win the tournament.”
First of all, all eyes are on Old Trafford, which promises an atmospheric start to the European Championship. “The historic place should show where the journey is going. It’s already crazy how great the interest has become,” said Kessler.
The top official emphasized at the opening press conference in Manchester: “Now you have to make sure that all these doors are open for all girls in Europe so that they can play football. That’s pretty simple, but that’s the basis for a large audience. And we’re not there yet. There’s still some work to do.”