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Preview for England v Spain
England and Spain meet in a rematch of the 2023 World Cup ultimate on Sunday with each groups hoping it is going to show a happier event.
Spain gained 1-0 in Sydney two years in the past however the triumph was overshadowed nearly instantly by Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso as she went to gather her winners’ medal.
Rubiales misplaced his job as head of the Spanish Football Federation because of this and was discovered responsible of sexual assault in February.
His actions denied the Spanish gamers the possibility to rejoice their achievement and the affair solid a shadow over the ladies’s workforce for a while.
That’s why many neutrals will welcome their return to a title sport and a rematch with England within the ultimate of Euro 2025.
Even England midfielder Keira Walsh, who turned a team-mate of a number of of the Spain gamers throughout her time at Barcelona, is hoping the soccer can take centre stage this time spherical.
“There’s plenty of respect between each the groups and, I believe crucial factor for them as a footballer, is that they will take pleasure in this ultimate – that there’s not the controversy surrounding it,” Walsh informed BBC Sport.
“The ladies should be there to play unbelievable soccer. The manner our league jumped after we gained the Euros [in 2022] – in case you evaluate it to Spain it in all probability wasn’t the identical they usually gained the World Cup.
“After the ultimate there was plenty of controversy and I don’t suppose, for them, there was sufficient highlight on how unbelievable they performed. It was all in regards to the different stuff.
“As knowledgeable, that was disappointing to see. I’ve plenty of associates in that workforce and I believe they in all probability deserved slightly bit greater than what they acquired.”
Spain have loved a a lot smoother path to the ultimate, with Germany the one facet to place up any resistance within the final 4. As it was, Aitana Bonmatí’s extra-time strike settled it to propel her facet right into a maiden European ultimate.
In distinction, England have struggled mightily as they appear to defend the crown they gained so memorably at Wembley three years in the past.
Defeat to France of their opener in Switzerland raised eyebrows however the method of the response – a 4-0 demolition of the Netherlands and a 6-1 thrashing of Wales – indicated Sarina Wiegman’s facet had regained their swagger.
The knockout phases have been torturous, nevertheless.
Late comebacks proved sufficient to see off Sweden and Italy however there’s a sense the Lionesses are quickly utilizing up their 9 lives.
Team News for England v Spain
Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang have been instrumental in England reaching this stage however it’s unlikely both might be handed a begin by Wiegman.
Ballon d’Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati will each begin for Spain.
Expected line-ups for England v Spain
England: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Morgan, Greenwood; Toone, Walsh, Stanway; James, Russo, Hemp
Spain: Cata Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Olga; Bonmatí, Patri, Alexia; Mariona, Pina, Esther González
How to look at England v Spain: TV and on-line streams
England versus Spain kicks-off at 5pm UK time on Sunday night.
It will be watched on each BBC One and ITV1 and by way of each channels’ on-line platforms.
Stats for England v Spain
Prediction for England v Spain
England have ridden their luck to succeed in this stage with late escape acts towards Sweden and Italy however Spain function on a wholly completely different stage.
Wiegman’s workforce must up their stage significantly and it nonetheless may not be sufficient.
We’re backing Spain to repeat their World Cup ultimate win and declare one other main crown.
Prediction: England 1-3 Spain
