Germany are setting their sights on a possible rematch with England in the Women’s European Championship final, as memories of their painful 2-1 extra-time defeat in the 2022 final continue to linger.
Former German international Melanie Leupolz is among those dreaming of a chance at redemption — though both nations still face formidable semi-final opposition. England take on Italy on Tuesday, while Germany face reigning world champions and tournament favourites Spain the following day.
“It would be a good revenge, that would be amazing,” Leupolz said during an Adidas event in Zurich on Sunday. “So fingers crossed they win against Spain and make it to the final.”
The quarter-finals delivered no shortage of drama: England edged Sweden in a tense penalty shootout, Italy stunned Norway with a last-minute winner, and Germany prevailed against France in another nerve-jangling shootout after finishing 1-1 following extra time.
Leupolz, who played for Chelsea until 2024, offered a measured take on England’s prospects. “I won’t underestimate Italy — I think they are playing a good tournament, a lot of passion and just giving it all. So I think it will be very difficult for England as well,” she said.
Reflecting on England’s tournament so far, she added: “They had a few ups and downs… some good performances, some not so good. So I think they have to have a good day on this day to win against Italy.”
Germany’s path to the semis was anything but easy. They overcame an early red card and a goal deficit to draw level with France, eventually sealing a 6-5 win in the shootout — a performance Leupolz believes can galvanise the squad.
“Just fingers crossed for Germany. But I think after yesterday’s game with so many challenges, they’ll take all of the confidence they got and carry it into the semi-final against Spain,” she said.
At 31, Leupolz is now watching from the sidelines following her retirement from international football. Though she admits to missing the game itself, the decision to step away felt right.
“I already miss the 90 minutes of football for sure,” she said. “But everything around — the travelling, the training, everything you have to invest — I think I won’t miss. I think it was the right time, but when I see games like yesterday, just like really highlight games, the 90 minutes, I will miss for sure.”
England and Germany must now each take one final step to set up what would be one of the most anticipated showdowns in recent women’s football history.