England versus Germany at a sold out Wembley stadium – there will be a real highlight for the DFB Women’s side on Sunday (16:00 CET) as they bring a successful year to a close. It will also be a vital test ahead of next year’s World Cup in Canada.
Inka Grings was one of the best and most prolific Germany strikers of all time. Now, the 36-year-old is in charge at MSV Duisburg in the Allianz Women’s Bundesliga. Grings has fond memories of England, winning the 2005 European Championship there. She sat down with DFB.de to talk about Germany’s upcoming encounter with England, her view on the current DFB team and a prediction for next year’s World Cup in Canada.
DFB.de: Miss Grings, Germany will play England on Sunday. You won the 2005 European Championships in England. What are your memories of the time?
Inka Grings: It was one of my career highlights for sure. Certainly from a sporting aspect. But also from a personal one. I tore my cruciate ligament the year before and for a long time it was unclear whether I would recover in time or not. The joy of going on to win the title and claiming the golden boot was incredible. I like thinking back on it.
DFB.de: What was the atmosphere in England like back then?
Grings: It’s a unique atmosphere. The atmosphere during football games in England is always special. I can’t describe it that well, it just is special. We really enjoyed playing an important part in the great event.
DFB.de: England were knocked out in the group stages at that tournament. How far has women’s football in England progressed since then?
Grings: They are on a very good path. Women’s football in England is on the up. Big clubs like Liverpool or Chelsea have increased their interest in women’s football. Arsenal have been an internationally renowned club for some time now. Step by step, they are moving in the right direction. I’m happy for this football-crazy country.
DFB.de: What do you expect from the encounter on Sunday?
Grings: I expect a great finale to a fantastic year for the DFB team. Is there anything better than playing in front of a sold out Wembley stadium? On the holy pitch, where you won’t get to play too often in your career. Every player has to take motivation from that. I’m convinced that every single one of them will give 150 percent once again. At least that would have been the case for me back then. It’s a great occassion to promote women’s football, not only in Germany but especially in England.
DFB.de: What are your thoughts on the current DFB team?
Grings: Currently, we have a lot of talented players and several veterans. It’s the perfect mix. The potential is as always high and the quality in the squad is as well. The most important task now will be to get a sense of consistency. But I don’t doubt that Silvia Neid will find the right solution.
,b>DFB.de: Finally, let’s take a look ahead. The World Cup is in Canada next year. Germany and England both qualified. What’s possible for both nations?
Grings: I’m excited to see at what level England actually are and what they are capable of accomplishing at the most important tournament in women’s football. The DFB team are among the favourites again of course. There is no doubt about that. However, we all saw in 2011that anything is possible at a World Cup. Perhaps we will all be surprised. It definitely won’t be boring, that’s for sure.
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England versus Germany at a sold out Wembley stadium – there will be a real highlight for the DFB Women’s side on Sunday (16:00 CET) as they bring a successful year to a close. It will also be a vital test ahead of next year’s World Cup in Canada.
Inka Grings was one of the best and most prolific Germany strikers of all time. Now, the 36-year-old is in charge at MSV Duisburg in the Allianz Women’s Bundesliga. Grings has fond memories of England, winning the 2005 European Championship there. She sat down with DFB.de to talk about Germany’s upcoming encounter with England, her view on the current DFB team and a prediction for next year’s World Cup in Canada.
DFB.de: Miss Grings, Germany will play England on Sunday. You won the 2005 European Championships in England. What are your memories of the time?
Inka Grings: It was one of my career highlights for sure. Certainly from a sporting aspect. But also from a personal one. I tore my cruciate ligament the year before and for a long time it was unclear whether I would recover in time or not. The joy of going on to win the title and claiming the golden boot was incredible. I like thinking back on it.
DFB.de: What was the atmosphere in England like back then?
Grings: It’s a unique atmosphere. The atmosphere during football games in England is always special. I can’t describe it that well, it just is special. We really enjoyed playing an important part in the great event.
DFB.de: England were knocked out in the group stages at that tournament. How far has women’s football in England progressed since then?
Grings: They are on a very good path. Women’s football in England is on the up. Big clubs like Liverpool or Chelsea have increased their interest in women’s football. Arsenal have been an internationally renowned club for some time now. Step by step, they are moving in the right direction. I’m happy for this football-crazy country.
DFB.de: What do you expect from the encounter on Sunday?
Grings: I expect a great finale to a fantastic year for the DFB team. Is there anything better than playing in front of a sold out Wembley stadium? On the holy pitch, where you won’t get to play too often in your career. Every player has to take motivation from that. I’m convinced that every single one of them will give 150 percent once again. At least that would have been the case for me back then. It’s a great occassion to promote women’s football, not only in Germany but especially in England.
DFB.de: What are your thoughts on the current DFB team?
Grings: Currently, we have a lot of talented players and several veterans. It’s the perfect mix. The potential is as always high and the quality in the squad is as well. The most important task now will be to get a sense of consistency. But I don’t doubt that Silvia Neid will find the right solution.
,b>DFB.de: Finally, let’s take a look ahead. The World Cup is in Canada next year. Germany and England both qualified. What’s possible for both nations?
Grings: I’m excited to see at what level England actually are and what they are capable of accomplishing at the most important tournament in women’s football. The DFB team are among the favourites again of course. There is no doubt about that. However, we all saw in 2011that anything is possible at a World Cup. Perhaps we will all be surprised. It definitely won’t be boring, that’s for sure.
