Women's Euro 2022 likely to be most competitive ever - Lisa Fallon

The upcoming Women's Euro 2022 is likely to be the most competitive in the tournament's history, according to coach, analyst and former player Lisa Fallon.

Next Wednesday, the competition gets underway with hosts England taking on the 2017 surprise package Austria in the opening fixture at Old Trafford.

England will be among the favourites, but the likes of defending champions Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Spain and France are likely to have a say with most experts suggesting that at least half a dozen teams will have realistic aims of going all the way.

RTÉ will broadcast all 31 games of UEFA Women's Euro 2022 live and Fallon will be among our pundits for the tournament coverage.

"This is going to be potentially one of the most competitive European championships that we've seen," said Fallon, speaking at the launch of RTÉ's comprehensive coverage which will run from 6-31 July.

"I think there's quite a number of teams who go into this tournament with a genuine confidence and belief that they can be there at the end of it and have the credentials to lift the trophy.

"So I think it's going to be a very competitive competition. I think we're going to see a lot of really, really good footballing sides and it's going to be a joy to watch it, analyse it and embrace it."

Fallon cited Norway's superstar Ada Hegerberg and Spain's Ballon d'Or winner Alexis Putellas among the talents who will light up the tournament for their teams and it is the former's side who she feels can put their head above the parapet.

"For me Norway are a team I'm just so interested to see how they do," she said.

"The Ada Hegerberg factor is going to be a whole new dimension. She was stunning - the impact she made on the Lyon team in the Women's Champions