England youth and women’s teams look to make amends for senior team’s European Championship heartbreak last summer

After that penalty shootout defeat to Italy at Wembley last year, England fans expected to wait until 2024 until their next shot at European Championship glory.

But, less than 12 months later, the Three Lions have already been crowned European Champions – and that could happen again this summer.

England’s under-19s scored two extra-time goals to beat Israel 3-1 in their European final, despite going behind in Slovakia.

Goals from Aston Villa starlets Carney Chukwuemeka and Aaron Ramsey secured the victory, which saw the Young Lions (as they’re more affectionately known) win the tournament for the first time since 2017.

The likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Reece James and Mason Mount were involved in that squad – but you can argue this current crop of youngsters looks even more promising.

As well as Chukwuemeka, who is reportedly wanted by the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich, there are plenty of young players who look destined for the top.

Tottenham’s Alfie Devine and Manchester City’s Liam Delap are highly rated, whilst Bristol City’s Alex Scott and Peterborough United’s Ronnie Edwards demonstrate the talent in the EFL.

There are numerous other star players in that England squad, which makes it unsurprising why they were eventually crowned champions of Europe.

The same thing can be said for Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses, who start their Euro 2022 campaign on Wednesday.

Just like you can do with the under-19 side – and most of the Three Lions squads, throughout the age groups – there are star players in every position.

Lauren Hemp, 21, is one of the most exciting young players, having dazzled for Man City last season, winning the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year.

She has won four of the last five editions of the award and, with her pace, good feet and eye for goal, she could really make a name for herself this summer.

You can now list multiple household names in the squad, with Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Fran Kirby, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, and Ellen White all in the squad and ready to show what they’ve got.

Wiegman is also still unbeaten as manager of England and a 4-0 win over Switzerland in their final game before the tournament was a warning sign to the other sides.

So it’s easy to see why they’re one of the bookmaker’s favourites to win the tournament, which could mean England’s name is engraved on two European trophies this summer.

Forget last year, 2022 is when it’s really coming home.