MY ACCOUNT
Spain sit seventh in the FIFA rankings — a place above Euro 2022 hosts England — and will be looking to clinch their first European title this summer.
Lined up to play against Germany, Finland and Denmark in Group B, we take a look at La Roja’s chances of ending their wait for glory.
Head coach — Jorge Vilda
Jorge Vilda has held the position of Spain’s head coach since 2015 after coaching the national side’s Under-17s and U-19s.
His outfit is packed with talent from the Barcelona and Real Madrid squads in particular and they enter this tournament unbeaten in 21 outings, with their last loss coming against the USA in March 2020.
Vilda, 40, is yet to announce his squad for the European Championships as he is waiting until after Sunday’s Copa de la Reina final and has admitted he is not looking forward to leaving players out.
He said: “We know that there are going to be players at a level that could help us that are going to be left out — it is the most bitter part of my job.”
Vilda will hope that his squad have no fresh injury concerns as they will need to be at full strength to beat the Germans, who are the toughest side in their group on paper.
Key Player — Alexia Putellas
Spain boast current Ballon d’Or holder Alexia Putellas, who has been in superb form yet again this season, in their ranks.
She scored her side’s only goal in their 3-1 defeat in the Champions League final and has performed countless times on the big stage.
Putellas thrives in one-on-one situations as she likes to aggressively drive at her opponents and possesses exceptional all-round technical ability.
Spain will look to the attacking midfielder, who provided six goal contributions in Euro 2022 qualification and has been instrumental in their bid to reach the 2023 World Cup, to guide them all the way this summer.
One to watch — Aitana Bonmati
Aitana Bonmati plays alongside Putellas at Barcelona and is quickly making a name for herself.
The right-sided attacking midfielder arrived at La Masia in 2012 and has been on fire for Spain, scoring six and registering one assist in eight qualifying matches
Bonmati, 24, also produced five goal contributions in five outings in World Cup qualifying.
She will certainly have her opposition on high alert as she continues to develop into one of the most talented players in the world, following in the footsteps of Putellas.
Spain’s Women’s Euro 2022 fixtures
July 8: Spain vs Finland, 5pm, Stadium MK
July 12: Germany vs Spain, 8pm, Brentford Community Stadium
July 16: Denmark vs Spain, 8pm, Brentford Community Stadium
