Euro 2022: our writers select their highs and lows from the tournament

The semi-final between Germany and France was not an occasion of the highest finesse but felt like a proper heavyweight clash: two fine teams rattling up against each other, a throbbing tempo and a fitting matchwinner in a tie that remained tense until the very end. Nick Ames

The England v Spain quarter‑final for sure. An incredible game between two amazing teams with very different styles that went to extra time, left everyone with a “wow” feeling and would have been a worthy, highly credible final. It was so exciting too. Anita Asante

What more can you want than a packed Wembley watching the two best teams in the tournament playing out a great final? It was just a fantastic occasion: England won and it did not go to penalties! Perfect. Karen Carney

England’s quarter-final win against Spain is the one that really stands out. The atmosphere in the Amex Stadium, the pure drama of the spectacle, the Lionesses’ display of resilience. That victory in extra time is when I truly started realising England could go all the way. Sophie Downey

Germany v France. Taut and technical and gripping from first whistle to last. The stage and the stakes, the skills and shithousery, the strategy and tactics: taken together, this was an exhibition of what women’s football has become in 2022. Jonathan Liew

It’s hard not to go for England scoring eight – eight – but Norway were no match for them, as it turns out. The four against Sweden were very special, and that was a match. Sweden were impressive until the first goal. But in terms of the quality, tension, excitement, and the occasion too: England v Spain. Sid Lowe

England v Spain. Talk about tense. This long night at Brighton showed England fans that their previously all-dominant team could