UEFA Women's Euro – team review

With the Women's Euro having now reached the second phase of games it seems the usual suspects are stepping to the fore.

Not quite agreeing with the its ok opinions regarding the stuttering start for England with the 1-0 win against Austria who have just beaten a brave Northern Ireland 1-0 in the second round of games.

Yes, a win is a win in a tournament and yes nerves and yes big crowd but there was a punch missing in the final third.

Austria were really well organised defensively but did we do enough to penetrate that wall with the array of talent at our disposal. I for one would have liked to have seen the club Combination and understanding of Ella Toone and Alessia Russo start at Old Trafford and interesting to see the same starting line-up against Norway this evening at the time of writing.

Norway had an impressive first half in beating Northern Ireland and could be a tough nut to crack for England with Ada Hegerberg back leading the line .

Sweden and holders the Netherlands cancelled each other out but I do not see the Dutch retaining their title on that performance.

Spain despite some squad disruption still look contenders with the momentum of players from Barca and Real Madrid being high in confidence.

Germany as ever looked to have prepared themselves following a rebuild and their win against A decent Denmark side certainly raises alarm bells for the rest of the tournament hopefuls.

Then we come to tournament favourites France who quite literally demolished Italy in a powerful first half performance to stamp their authority on their group. I think the main protagonists are all spoken about above.

Of the remainder perhaps, Iceland are capable of being party spoilers as they always have strong powerful players who will never quit. Portugal are enjoying their late inclusion and did brilliantly to come back against the Swiss who for me fell into what I have always called the 2-0 trap at half time. Subconsciously in my humble opinion thinking the game is won and, in the end, Portugal finished the stronger and could have won it.

I do not see Belgium or Finland having enough squad strength to pose any threat overall.

England's Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh.

Post-match England (8) v Norway (0) Wow!

Well that for sure answered any doubts the England line up was obviously put out there to put right what did not go so well on game day one. A really poor penalty decision started the dismantling process of a decent Norway side. Beautifully struck by Stanway changed the dynamic of the game visibly and the following period was ruthless Assists and goals from Mead. Hemp in the right place and Ellen White at her tenacious best. Norway capitulated and looked shell shocked to say the least 6-0 at half time game won.

Second half became a formality, disciplined and a couple more good finishes - Russo & Meads hat-trick completed. For what it’s worth I predict Norway will regroup and qualify ahead of Austria.