'World’s very best players on the doorstep': Excitement builds as signs go up ahead of EURO 2022 tournament

Excitement is building ahead of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 after Greater Manchester welcome signs to welcome Austria, Belgium, England, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland. The tournament is expected to be the biggest women’s sporting event in European history, with many of the world’s greatest female footballers taking part.

Manchester, Trafford and Leigh will play host to eight games throughout July, including England’s opening match against Austria at Old Trafford and a quarter-final tie. The new UEFA Women’s EURO road signs showcase the national flags of the teams playing in the region.

The signs are installed in preparation for the biggest celebration of women’s football in European history.

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With over 450,000 tickets sold, even before a ball is kicked, this year’s event has already surpassed the previous tournament record of 240,045 set in the Netherlands (2017). Ahead of the opening match at Old Trafford on July 6, fans are encouraged to welcome and embrace all the teams arriving into the region.

The FA’s Head of Tournament Delivery, Chris Bryant said: “We’re delighted to be able to officially welcome the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 teams to England. We have an exciting few weeks ahead and a fantastic opportunity for football fans to experience some of the world’s very best players on their doorstep.

“As we look ahead to the opening match, excitement across the country is growing at an incredible rate. Anyone who hasn’t got a ticket still has a chance to get involved and show their support for what is already a huge history-making moment for women’s football.”

During the tournament,