Germany’s Popp is a constant danger – but Lionesses can cause problems of their own

I know precisely how difficult it is to play against Alexandra Popp, but Germany’s leading scorer of the tournament is not the only problem England need to solve if they are to win Euro 2022. The key thing for them is to start the final well. That’s something Germany are very good at, which makes the first 20 or 30 minutes crucial. Germany will play with aggressive intensity right from kick-off, asking tough questions of England and not allowing them to settle.

It explains why Germany often score first-half goals. To match them, opposing teams must be at the races, with concentration levels at 100% and players constantly communicating properly, verbally and non-verbally, throughout.

The communication between England’s two defensive, or rather defensive-ish, central midfielders, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, will be super-important against a team who press so well and whose organisation out of possession makes them extremely dangerous in transition. England are strong in transition, too, and, with Germany playing a high line, Walsh’s through passes can enable the forwards to get behind the defence.

Germany were brave to play such a high line against a fast and dynamic France side in the semi-final and there were moments when they looked vulnerable. There wasn’t much wrong with the gameplan but the players couldn’t quite find the right final ball.

Just as Walsh is vital to England, so, too, is Germany’s midfield pivot, Lena Oberdorf, for her team. It’s hard to believe she’s only 20 because she is just so intelligent; she’s so good at slowing games down and controlling the tempo.

She’s also brilliant at breaking up play, recovers the ball very quickly and knows when to concede fouls. Up against Oberdorf, Fran Kirby must