Rachel Brown-Finnis: ‘England truly believe they can win Euro 2022’

Seventeen years ago, goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis stepped out at Ewood Park to represent England against Sweden at Euro 2005. 

The hosts were defeated 1-0, but the lively crowd of 25,694 was something to be proud of, establishing a foundation from which women’s football could grow.

Now, England are set to play the opening match of Euro 2022 at a sold-out Old Trafford. Around 80,000 fans will be cheering the Lionesses on as they come up against Austria.

“They will feel so valued as players – to have thousands of screaming fans there at the game will just be absolutely unbelievable,” Brown-Finnis explained. 

“They’ll have to prepare for it, because I remember stepping out as a goalkeeper in packed-out stadiums, and the change that you felt once the stadium filled up. The back line couldn’t hear me.” 

“But they’ll know these things, they’ll prepare for these things. How do you communicate with a backline, when do you communicate with them?

“Each and every one of them will be filled with pride – certainly the players who have been involved in tournaments previously. It will be nothing but a huge sense of pride, and a huge desire to want to deliver to those screaming fans as well.”

Brown-Finnis is now retired, having stepped back from football in 2015. She quickly entered the world of broadcasting, and will be an integral part of the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2022. 

The 42-year-old listed the Netherlands, France, Germany and Spain as potential title contenders, but was crystal clear in her belief that England could lift the trophy at Wembley on July 31st. 

“I feel this squad knows they can win the European Championship, and 12 months ago, I guarantee you that was not the case,” she said. “They might have told you that, but did