England is gearing up for a highly anticipated UEFA Women’s Nations League match against Spain, marking their first meeting since the heartbreaking loss to the world champions in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
The Lionesses faced Spain at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023, where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat, courtesy of Olga Carmona’s pivotal goal. Now, as the two sides prepare to clash once again at Wembley Stadium, the England team is focusing on learning and progressing rather than seeking revenge.
Coach Sarina Wiegman emphasized the importance of viewing this upcoming match as just another opportunity for growth. At the pre-match press conference, she stated, “I don’t see it as revenge, I just see it as another game. That final was the final, and of course, we were disappointed. But you move on, and this is the next game. We want to play our best, be very competitive and win this game.”
England, currently recovering from a lukewarm start to their Nations League campaign—having drawn 1-1 with Portugal previously—recognizes the need to step up their game against the formidable Spanish side. Despite their recent struggles, Wiegman believes the team has been adapting positively, stating, “We want to create momentum and keep it longer; we’ve experienced inconsistent patches, but we’re working to improve each game.”
Key player Alessia Russo echoed Wiegman’s sentiments, framing the upcoming match as part of their overall development rather than merely seeking retribution for past defeats. Russo mentioned, “Revenge reflects on the past... we’ve got lots of new faces and qualities within the squad now. We want to be moving forward.” She added excitement about playing at Wembley and engaging with their supportive fans.
Meanwhile, the Spanish squad has had its share of challenges following the World Cup. Recently, Luis Rubiales, their former federation president, was found guilty of sexually assaulting player Jenni Hermoso, raising concerns off the field. Russo expressed solidarity with the Spanish players, saying, “It’s really a shame... but they’ve been professional through it all.”
Wiegman also commended the resilience and bravery of the Spanish team, praising their ability to maintain high standards on the pitch amid turbulent circumstances. This mutual respect highlights the shared camaraderie and challenges faced within women’s football.
Looking back, the makeup of both teams has evolved significantly since their last encounter, with several new players making their marks. Wiegman noted this evolution and the need for her squad to explore new tactics against opponents who have also adapted their game. “Spain is very comfortable on the ball and wants to play with possession... we’ll have to be patient and exploit spaces behind them.”
Currently, England has managed to secure victories in only two of their last six outings, bringing urgency to their performance against Spain. Wiegman straightforwardly shared, “We are not playing football to beat the critics. We are playing football to win games.”
Alessia Russo, who remains one of the standout players for England, reflects on the significance of the upcoming match as they aim to find their form again. “Winning games gives you confidence as a team, but we also learn from performances—good or bad,” she explained. “This is about us trying to be at our best for the Euros.”
The clash between England and Spain promises to be electric, not only because of the historical rivalry fueled by the previous World Cup final outcome but also due to the new narratives surrounding both teams as they progress forward. With fans eagerly awaiting the match at Wembley, the Lionesses are set to showcase their growth and ambitions on this significant stage.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8 PM on Wednesday, with tickets still available for fans wanting to witness this monumental encounter. England looks to reclaim their competitive edge and put on a show for supporters as they kick off their campaign for the UEFA Women’s Nations League.