SARINA Wiegman’s Lionesses begin their Euro 2022 adventure this Wednesday evening in great shape and with every advantage at their disposal. Naturally, this makes us wary to the point of pessimism.

Of course it does. As a sporting nation England don’t typically head into major tournaments without a worrisome cloud in the sky. Usually there is an injury to a key player to fret about or – in the men’s game – a controversy to jeopardise morale. Failing this, it’s a nation that in hindsight have been guilty too often of entering the fray blinded by patriotic delusions of excellence.

Only here, there is none of that. England are 7/2 favourites for many good reasons and on taking everything into consideration they have a cracking chance of going deep and reaching their first major final since 2009.

Feeling jittery now? Like they’ve been jinxed? Okay, let’s briefly inhabit familiar and comforting ground and highlight what few negatives there are.

Ever since Wiegman – a winner of this competition last time out with the Netherlands – took charge of a national side that was losing its way back in September of last year it could be argued that her side have yet to be properly tested. An Arnold Clark Cup victory over Germany was one of their hardest challenges and even then an early strike by Ellen White settled the nerves. In 14 games under the Dutch coach, England have only been behind for ten minutes and while this is a remarkable accomplishment it also leaves us in the dark as to how this collective handles adversity.

There is also a legitimate suspicion that England’s strongest eleven is not yet fully known. Is captain Leah Williamson best deployed at the back alongside Millie Bright, or holding in midfield? Should Ellen White get the striking gig or Alessia Russo, who excelled in White’s absence? Thankfully these are quibbling concerns with Williamson superb in either role while forwards tend to quickly stake their claim in international tournaments.

Lastly, there is their opening opponents to acknowledge, an Austrian team that is too casually regarded as a straightforward obstacle. In reality they are obstinate and sprinkled with quality, with keeper Manuela Zinsberger accruing the most clean sheets in the WSL last term for Arsenal and Nicole Billa offering a genuine threat up front. The Hoffenheim striker scored 10 goals in Austria’s World Cup qualifying campaign, boasts 43 in 79 for her country, and won the Footballer of the Year merit in Germany last year.

Indeed, should we go back to last September, and Wiegman’s appointment that saw an immediate rejuvenation from England, Austria have only been behind for 70 minutes in that period, from 12 games. They are a decent side who will look to frustrate their hosts, as they did when these teams met in November.

Though England should be strongly fancied to prevail, go for under 2.5 goals for the Lionesses at 22/25

Now for the good news of which there is plenty.

Wiegman’s overhaul has seen Williamson and co unbeaten in 14, averaging six goals per game and even factoring in the disparities within the women’s international game that saw Latvia concede 20 across 90 cruel minutes, that is still a phenomenal return. In February, the inaugural Arnold Clark Cup was won and though nine of England’s squad are about to participate in their first major competition, in Lucy Bronze, Frank Kirby and Ellen White there is ample experience to guide them through.

Expect some sustained pressure from England this Wednesday. With that in mind, over 7.5 corners for the hosts at evens is well worth a punt.

It matters too – potentially quite a lot, in fact – that England are the tournament hosts here, and with every win and every step navigated, those partisan crowds become ever more vocal, as excitement builds.

Yet it is when we drill down to individuals that England’s pluses really come to the fore.

Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp enjoyed another sensational campaign in 2021/22, bewitching defenders and scoring 20 goals for good measure. The ever-dangerous winger is a decent shout to be the stand-out star of the tournament.

Beth Mead, meanwhile, scored 11 and assisted nine in 22 WSL appearances for the title-winning Gunners, an upgrade on pervious seasons as evidenced by a 0.38 xG per 90 that is double that of 2020/21. If Mead turns it on against the Austrians, then England will have one foot in the quarter-finals.

Back the 27-year-old to score anytime at Old Trafford this Wednesday at 23/25

Beyond these two, Georgia Stanway’s prolonged good form has earned her a move to Bayern Munich this summer. The midfielder will dictate England’s tempo and will do so in exemplary fashion though the 7/2 available on her being carded v Austria is worth noting as she certainly takes no prisoners.

Fran Kirby also merits a mention, a gifted player who can change a game in a heartbeat and it will be interesting to see how much the Chelsea star features after being out of action for several months due to fatigue.

From a broader standpoint, what particularly impresses about this England set-up is their inherent self-belief and patience, both qualities that will be needed on Wednesday. In this regard it is pertinent that exactly two-thirds of their prolific 84 goal-haul this past year have been converted in the second half of games.

England to win the second half 1-0 offers up a tempting 14/5