In just under a month until Spain kick off their UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 campaign LIVE at Stadium MK, Milton Keynes.
The 2022 Arnold Clark Cup finalists go into Euro 2022 as the pre-tournament favourites despite only having made the semi-finals of a major European tournament on one previous occasion, all the way back in 1997. The expectation comes from the club success of the players and notably FC Barcelona, who have won three consecutive women’s La Liga titles and two consecutive Champions League Finals, winning the treble in 2020/21. Much of that squad will likely feature for Spain at Stadium MK this July.
‘La Roja’ qualified for Euro 2022 in style, as group winners, unbeaten by winning all but one game. Spain also only conceded a single goal whilst scoring an incredible 48, the joint highest in qualifying.
Fixtures
Fri 8th July – vs Finland | 6pm KO, Stadium MK (Click here to Book your tickets)
Tue 12th July – vs Germany | 9pm KO, Brentford
Sat 16th July – vs Denmark | 9pm KO, Brentford
FIFA World Ranking: 7
Women’s Euro Best finish: Semi Finals (1997)
Women’s World Cup Best Finish: Round of 16 (2019)
Head Coach: Jorge Vilda
Captain: Irene Paredes
Most Capped Player: Alexia Putellas (98 Games, 2013 – Present)
All Time Top Goal Scorer: Jennifer Hermoso (45 Goals, 2011 – Present)
Key Player – Alexia Putellas
The current Ballon D’or winner has been unstoppable at both Club and Country level. The midfielder has been key in FC Barcelona’s treble win in 2021. Following an injury to fellow attacker Jenni Hermoso, which rules her out of Euro 2022, Putellas will have to be on top of her game. Her ability stands above anyone in world football currently in the number 10 position. Her dribbling, passing, shooting and vision is unmatched and will look use it to propel Spain following an impressive 2021/22 season where she registered 61 goals and assists in just 52 games.
Key Player – Irene Paredes
The skipper for Spain this July plays at the heart of the defence and will be alongside her FC Barcelona partner, Mapi Leon. In 2021 Paredes helped PSG to their first, long awaited, league title before returning to Barcelona. The 30 year old contributed to 20 clean sheets in the Barcelona back line, she will have to be solid at the back to stop the attacking prowess of Germany, Finland and Denmark in the group stages.
One to Watch – Aitana Bonmati
At just 24 years old, the midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in world football right now and isn’t looking to slow down any time soon. One of 10 Barcelona players in the Spain squad, Bonmati is a huge source for goals and assists having scored 17 goals this past year, including one in a player of the match performance in the UEFA Champions League Final. An eye for a goal and pass, one to watch this summer.
Despite Spain's success at club level in recent times, their national side might be considered underachievers given their best performance at a Women's EURO is a semi-final spot 25 years ago. They reached the round of 16 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup but will have higher hopes for this summer's tournament.
Spain may not have an illustrious history at international level. However, there is no denying Spain are stacked with talent and are in the middle of a ‘golden generation’. Look out for this incredible group of players this July, they could be potential winners of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022.
Don’t forget you can watch Spain live at Stadium MK, this July.
