Vivianne Miedema defends after 120 minutes of her game.

Vivianne Miedema had only returned to training on Thursday after testing positive for coronavirus, but was deemed fit enough to start by head coach Sarina Wiegman. The 23-year-old has been in excellent form for Arsenal this season, scoring 28 goals in 26 appearances.

Miedema will now have a few days to recover before Arsenal take on Chelsea in the FA Women’s Cup final on Saturday. Vivianne who has been Arsenal’s leading scorer for the past three seasons, was a doubt for the game after picking up a knock in the quarter-final victory over Italy.

However, the striker took part in full training on Wednesday and is expected to start against France. “It’s good to be back in training with the team,” Miedema said. “I’m feeling good and I’m ready to play.”

Miedema has been in excellent form for the Netherlands at Euro 2022, scoring four goals in five games. Arsenal will be hoping that she can continue her good form against France and help the Netherlands reach the semi-finals.

The Arsenal star was a constant threat in the first half, using her pace and power to cause problems for the France defence, but she was unable to find a way past Sarah Bouhaddi in the France goal.

Miedema did have a chance to open the scoring in the second half, but her header from a corner was well saved by Bouhaddi. The Netherlands had to settle for a point in their opening game, but Miedema will be pleased with her performance as she continues to build up her fitness ahead of Euro 2022.

Miedema still managed to put in a shift and was one of Arsenal’s best players on the night. She had a hand in both of their goals, and was a constant threat going forward.

Euro 2022 will be a huge test for Miedema, but she has shown time and time again that she is more than up to the challenge. She is a world-class striker, and will no doubt be key to Arsenal’s chances of success in the tournament.