England hosts Spain at the Nations Group Stadium on Wednesday night and quickly becomes one of the most anticipated rivalries in women’s international football.
The two nations met in the last two major tournaments, first in the quarter -finals Euro 2022When England came from a goal to win 2-1 in extra time. Spain then imposed the revenge on 12 months later, passing by lions 1-0 at World Cup Final in Sydney.
Both teams will hope to claim the Euro Trophy in Switzerland this summer, though they will not be the only ones who imagine their chances. Taking this, Wednesday night’s meeting at Wembley will be a powerful indicator of where they are and who has the upper hand at this stage.
90 minutes It has collapsed some of the basic battles that will determine who is walking with the victory and takes control of the championship team …
The last time England Contrary to Spain, he saw Mariona Caldentey fight it with Lucy Bronze, but Arsenal’s star played mainly in the right wing under Montse Tome. Whether the Spanish boss decides to change things, remains to be seen, but Caldentey will undoubtedly cause problems for any full back coming.
If it actually starts on the right, it will probably be Niamh Charles of England, who is in charge of maintaining the quiet. THE Chelsea Defender lost international camps before Christmas due to injury, but now he is back in the degree and played 90 minutes against Portugal on Friday.
Sarina Wiegman could change things and start Jess Carter, but Charles will probably be England’s initial left back and will have to try herself against the top opposition, as he regularly does for Chelsea at Wsl and Champions League.
Caldentey scored 11 goals for Arsenal In all competitions, mainly while playing in a more central role. The 28 -year -old has the rhythm and power to defeat and prevent opponents, which means that the left back of England could be for a long night.
If England has to make a number in Spain on Wednesday, it is vital to win the middle field battle. Visitors are slightly weaker in this area of ​​the stadium, with some remarkable absences, including Patri Guijarro, which is sidelined with thigh injury.
This is what England is also without one of their own stars, Georgia Stanway, which is likely to lose the euro this summer due to knee injury. Both nations still have focal points in Keira Walsh and Aitana Bonmati, but it will probably be Grace Clinton to be tasked with matching the twice Ballon d’Or.
The liquidity in formations and positions from the game to play makes it difficult to predict who will start where, but if the Clinton is given the nod, this will undoubtedly be its biggest test. THE Manchester United The Star had a strong first half against Portugal, but was exposed to the hosts of the visitors in the second half.
Any delay in concentration against Spain’s middle field could prove to be expensive, especially because bonmatà dominates games seemingly easily and dictates the pace. Her close control can make her press resistant from time to time, and the intelligence of her game makes a nightmare to Mark.
Tome often spins her partnerships and Laia Codina was an unused substitute in the last Belgian victory last week. Either this decision was made carefully in Wednesday’s game, it remains to see.
In terms of England, much of their hope is based on Alessia Russo’s shoulders. The front was on the inventory sheet in the draw against Portugal and will undoubtedly be determined to make a statement against Spain.
Codina can be a steady option to start Wembley as it comes against Russo in training for Arsenal week at week. Familiarity between the two players could do for an interesting battle that could eventually decide the game.
England has other target threats, including Chelsea’s Lauren James, if given the nod for a second game in a row. But there is no doubt about the growing importance of Russo for the team and the fact that most of the hopes of lions are based on its ability to put the ball on the back of the net.
Wiegman could turn to Nikita Parris on the bench, which is in a delicate form for Brighton this season. However, the starting place is not for discussion and it will be the responsibility of Russo to raise questions about the mating of the central back of Spain.
