Miedema and 'fearless' Man City star among players to watch at Euro 2022

So who are the players supporters should be watching out for at the Euros?

Sadly, Spain's Alexia Putellas will be missing - one of the standout stars in the game - as she has been ruled out on the eve of the tournament with a ruptured ACL.

But the show must go on and former Leeds United ace Lucy Ward spoke to talkSPORT.com about the key players to watch out for.

Lauren Hemp [England and Man City]

The 21-year-old England winger looks a genuine contender to be the star of the summer.

After winning the PFA's young female player of the year in 2018, 2019 and 2020, the Manchester City star has been backed by Ward to be a real standout performer.

Ward said: "I think that she's just fearless and that's what you need in a forward player.

"She showed for Manchester City and for England that she's not afraid of these excellent opponents from around the world, so she's one to watch for England."

Ada Hegerberg [Norway and Lyon]

After a self-imposed five year international exile, the 26-year-old striker will be hoping to make a huge impact at this summer's Euros.

Arguably the best striker in the world, the Lyon star will be key in Norway's hopes of winning the competition after scoring a goal and an assist to help the French side to Champions League glory this year, her sixth title in the competition.

Ward said: "Ada Hegerberg, who plays for Norway has just gone back into the Norway set-up after five years after issues with their equality and how their football federation worked, but she's one of the best forwards in the world so it'll be really interesting to see how she comes back into it.

"Norway, along with Sweden, are my dark horses for the tournament. No one is really talking about them but they've got the players to win the tournament."

Marie-Antoinette Katoto [France and Paris Saint-Germain]

The 22-year-old forward is a serious contender to be the competition's golden boot winner.

Averaging a goal per game for Paris Saint-Germain last season, Katoto could make all the difference for France as they look to secure the European crown.

Ward said: "France have got Marie-Antoinette Katoto who could be one of the stars.

"If they can get it together, they will be a force to be reckoned with."

Vivianne Miedema [Netherlands and Arsenal]

A familiar face to supporters of the Women's Super League.

Miedema already holds the goalscoring record in the WSL and for the Netherlands, having bagged 94 goals in 111 international matches so far.

Adored by Arsenal fans, the 25-year-old will now be hoping to take the European championships by storm.

If she can do that then the Dutch have a very good chance of enjoying a strong tournament.