England v Spain – World Cup finalists meet again

Two of Europe’s heavyweights go head-to-head at Wembley on Wednesday in a repeat of the Women’s World Cup final as England host Spain.

England are attempting to resurrect after drawing with Portugal in the second round of the Women’s Nations League.

In their final game of the campaign, world champions Spain overcame a difficult week off the field to show their credentials by defeating Belgium 3-2.

England won the World Cup in a year’s time after winning the Euro 2022 title.

But since then, things haven’t been as simple.

They have won just two of their past six games, meaning they were unable to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Defender Millie Bright described it as a “rollercoaster” few years for the World Cup runners-up.

“Of course, everyone wants to win every single game and for us to be the best team, but that’s just not a reality”, she added.

When you go through difficult times, it’s a good thing because it helps you develop character. Football’s always a journey. It’s always important to stay in the moment”.

For Spain, the challenges they face off the pitch have been overshadowed by their successes.

Luis Rubiales, the former head of the Spanish football federation, was found guilty of sexual assault last week after kissing 2023 World Cup medalist Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent.

After the federation fired world champion coach Jorge Vilda as a result of the incident, players in court offered their support for Hermoso.

Spain have won the inaugural Nations League, despite being defeated by Brazil in the semi-finals of the Olympics, to add to their success on the field.

They were held to back-to-back draws in October but beat European heavyweights France 4-2 in Nice in December, before last week’s comeback win over Belgium.

“Since]the World Cup], I think both teams have been a little bit up and down. We arrive at the same time, according to Spain’s Laia Codina.

Before the world champions won their own in Sydney a year later, England defeated Spain in a dramatic quarter-final at Euro 2022.

Wednesday’s match (20: 00 GMT kick-off) will be the first time they have faced each other since Australia.

The meetings are “absolutely big games,” according to Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman, but they are well-known for it.

“When you play Germany, USA they are big games too”, added Wiegman.

“Everyone is improving so quickly to [get to] the next level,” says the president, “because there are many big games in progress right now.” I’m anticipating it a lot.

A number of Spanish players are at clubs in the Women’s Super League, including Arsenal’s Codina, who is excited to face her team-mates.

“When we found out the groups, we were speaking a lot in the]Arsenal] changing room. I spoke with Alessia]Russo] because she is next to me”, said Codina.

“It is special because we play at Wembley as well as against England,” he said. It is such a nice stadium.

” I said to]my Arsenal team-mates] that we have to get to the FA Cup final because I want to play at Wembley. We now have a chance to interact with Spain.

Both nations are familiar with the pressure that can result.

Their success has led to increased expectation and scrutiny, something Spain’s Codina says is “normal”.

Fans, media, and everyone else expect the best from the team because England won the Euros. At Spain, we get that”, said Codina.

We put up with criticism from the media and fans, and we’re willing to improve daily. England’s players are the same.

” They won the Euros so now, at least, they have to be at that level. It is difficult, but this has to be your level and it’s what you have to ask of yourself. “,

Wiegman says there are” more high level matches “for England now but believes they have” evolved “and” adapted”.

” We’re not playing football to beat the critics. We’re playing football to win games, she continued, “We’re just trying to be at our best.”

The Nations League competition offers England and Spain the best chance of getting ready for Euro 2025, with only five months left until the tournament.

However, Wiegman has insisted she is” not concerned “by England’s underwhelming form of late and is not looking too far ahead.

Chelsea captain Bright shares her sentiments, but she also acknowledges that “a lot of work needs to be done.”

She added:” We’re aware of what we need to do. We just need to keep closing the gap and advancing further into the levels we want to be, according to me for each game.

Codina claims it’s too early to consider the Euros, but that both teams must work together before July.

“The Nations League is currently playing big games.” It’s a way to work for the Euros, “she added.