How long euro 2017

However, questions remain about the resulting competitiveness of the French top flight overall, as Lyon have claimed 11 consecutive domestic titles and they won an ominous seven league matches by six or more goals in Compared to other European countries, German sides have long been backed with greater finances and, of the past 16 women's European champions, nine have been German clubs. However, the emergence of Lyon in recent years has seen the Germans challenged from outside Scandinavia for the first time - with the exception of Arsenal Ladies' quadruple-winning side - and the power-shift has attracted players across the Franco-German border.

Tickets have sold out for all of the Netherlands' group-stage games at the Euros, as the country hosts the tournament for the first time. But Dutch top-flight sides do not yet train on a completely full-time basis, prompting some of the nation's best players to move abroad, including star striker Vivianne Miedema, who now plays for Arsenal.

That's amazing for the girls. But in Holland, the salary is not enough for you to live off it alone. So when might the Women's Eredivisie reach a stage when clubs can train on a full-time basis? It's not important for the club. They don't give the girls priority. There are more than , girls and women playing football in the country. When the clubs' boards are more enthusiastic, that's the starting point. The Women's Super League is attracting more overseas stars than ever before - including the Fifa World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd - as it emerges as a destination of choice for world-class players.

However, only seven WSL sides can claim to have absolutely all of their players training on a full-time basis, and some clubs have struggling financially, most notably with top-flight side Notts County folding on the eve of the Spring Series. In terms of television deals, wage packets and sponsorship, the women's game remains men's football poorer relative.

Yet in branding terms - with Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool the top four in the WSL 1 Spring Series - the likeness is now undeniable after rapid changes over the past four-year international tournament cycle. Everything you need to know to make sure you never miss a moment. The latest rumours and stories from around the world of football.

But a lot of their big names have retired. They are so gifted and talented, and that group of players have been playing together for quite a long time. Also tipped for a strong tournament are England, who want to improve on their impressive third place at the World Cup. The Lionesses were unbeaten during qualifying for the Euros, winning seven of their eight matches, and conceded only one goal in the process. Manager Mark Sampson named his squad more than three months before the tournament, and his side have performed well during their warm-up fixtures, beating fellow qualifiers Austria, Switzerland and Denmark.

France are the only team England have not beaten in this modern era of women's football. I've learnt to trust Mark and his methods. After their silver medal at Rio , Sweden should not be underestimated. Spain also have a talented squad, and four years ago they stunned England with a win in the group stages of the Euros. Norway, runners-up in , have reached two of the past three finals and - as two-time winners - are the only country other than Germany, or West Germany, to have won the competition since Leading the attack for the Oranje will be new Arsenal Ladies striker Vivianne Miedema, who scored 14 goals in 22 Bundesliga games for Bayern Munich in They will be backed by lively home crowds, with all three of their group-stage games having sold out well before their opener against Norway on Sunday.

Scotland Women have qualified for their first major championship at the 14th attempt. Led by coach Anna Signeul, who will leave her role following the Euros after 12 years in charge, the Scots qualified as runners-up to Iceland thanks to wins - home and away - over Slovenia, Belarus and Macedonia.

But injuries have robbed them of some of their key players, including Arsenal playmaker Kim Little and Manchester City centre-back Jen Beattie. The Scottish Football Association and women's national team had been involved in a dispute over financial, commercial and equality matters, but the issue was resolved in June.

Holland go through with maximum points from their three games after victories over Denmark and Norway and will face the Group B runners-up on Saturday in Doetinchem. We do have a mental coach but we have prepared well for the matches. Norway were unlucky not to equalise — they had a penalty saved, hit the woodwork twice and had more possession — but ultimately could not break Denmark down.