England and Spain are set to face off in a significant World Cup qualifier. The match sees the two sides, ranked first (Spain) and fourth (England) in the world by FIFA, compete for a direct qualifying spot for next year’s finals in Brazil. Both teams will be eager to avoid the complicated play-off system that awaits the other sides in their group.
The Stakes at Wembley
The match takes place at Wembley in front of a large crowd. The winner will have a better chance of direct qualification for the Women’s World Cup. The two finalists of last year’s Euros meet again in this qualifier.
Team News and Form
Keira Walsh is set to make her 100th appearance for England. England’s likely lineup includes Hampton, Bronze, Wubben-Moy, Morgan, Greenwood, Kendall, Walsh, Stanway, Hemp, Russo, and James. Spain are expected to field Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Mapi Leon, Carmona, Caldentey, Guijarro, Putellas, Lopez, Gonzalez, and Pina.
Unlike England, who were downed 2-1 by Brazil in a friendly after winning the Euros, Spain are unbeaten since the Euros with five wins and a draw in six matches. Spain have a new head coach, Sonia Bermúdez, who led them to the Nations League title after replacing Montse Tomé. England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, believes that despite the changes, Spain’s DNA remains the same.
The Road to the World Cup
England and Spain are in a group with Iceland and Ukraine. Iceland and Ukraine are currently pointless after two matches. Only one team from the group will qualify directly for the World Cup, with the others facing a play-off system.
Tactical Approaches
Both sides are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. The referee for the match is Tess Olofsson from Sweden.
The question is whether one or indeed both of them will concentrate not on winning but on not losing.