Netherlands manager Mark Parsons said England are favorites to win the Women's European Championship because of the depth of their squad, the strength of the Women's Super League (WSL) and the support of a home crowd.
England secured a thumping 5-1 victory over the Netherlands in a warm-up match on Friday, with substitute Beth Mead scoring twice in a dominant second-half display.
5️⃣2️⃣ mins: Netherlands miss penalty ❌
5️⃣3️⃣ mins: @bmeado9 scores ✅What a brilliant goal by the #Lionesses! pic.twitter.com/RRMMiVnU6e— Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 24, 2022
It was @ellatoone99 with England's third!
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 24, 2022
So good, @lauren__hemp! pic.twitter.com/CdWKFB0axg
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 24, 2022
"England will be favorites in the Euros," Parsons told reporters. "The quality of players, the home crowd, the resources the WSL has been putting in, the work the clubs have been doing — it all comes together and it's very hard to see they're not favorites."
Parsons also highlighted the influence of England coach Sarina Weigman and assistant coach Arjan Veurink, who were both part of Netherlands' backroom staff when they won the Euros in 2017.
"They're very, very good," Parsons said. "I think opponents watching the last 30 minutes will be worried. You have a top, top coach that's been there and won it. Arjan and Sarina are doing some strong work."
England, twice runners-up at the Euros, kick off their campaign with a match against Austria at Old Trafford on July 6 before facing Norway and Northern Ireland.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
