Jackie Burns will start in goal for Northern Ireland at the Women’s UEFA Euro 2022 starting on Thursday.
Former Lee University All-American goalkeeper Jackie Burns will lead Northern Ireland in net as the country makes its debut in the Women's UEFA Euro 2022 Championship.
Northern Ireland opens on July 7 against Norway at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton. Burns and Northern Ireland will then play Austria on July 11 and wrap up Group A play with host England on July 15.
Andy Gray of BBC Sport acknowledges, "Northern Ireland will be the ultimate underdogs at Euro 2022 when they take on Norway, Austria and hosts England in their maiden major tournament." Despite the challenging draw, Gray spoke highly of Burns as he previewed the roster, "Northern Ireland's first-choice goalkeeper, Burns is integral to how (Head Coach) Kenny Shiels likes to play and often starts moves from the back.
A natural shot stopper and a real character off the pitch too. This tournament could put her in the shop window this summer."
Northern Ireland was ranked 32nd before qualifying but produced a sensational run, and the semi-professional players that make up the bulk of their squad have been preparing on a full-time basis in Belfast since January.
Burns was named D2CCA First Team and United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-American for the Lady Flames her senior season. She put together a stellar season to lead Lee to an unbeaten 19-0-1 record. Burns went 14-0-1 on the year with 11 shutouts and a sizzling 0.27 goals against average.
The championship runs from July 6-31. Sixteen teams will take part in the games at 10 venues across England - just the second time the country has hosted the whole tournament. Quarterfinals will take place on July 20-23 in Brighton and Hove, London, Wighan and Leigh, and Rotherham. Semifinals are slated for July 26 in Sheffield and July 27 in Milton Keynes. The Championship will be played at historic Wembley Stadium in London.
There are four groups of four teams, with the top two in each advancing to the quarterfinals and the knockout round. Game time is 90 minutes with extra time and, if needed, penalties.
Group A: England, Austria, Norway, Northern Ireland.
Group B: Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland.
Group C: Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland.
Group D: France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland.
Fans can watch the Women's UEFA Euro 2022 Championship on ESPN and follow live scores and stats on NBCSports.com