When England play Spain in both team’s first ever Women's World Cup final, if the new-look Spain squad wins, it will be tinged after 15 of their players refused to compete under head coach Jorge Vilda last year.
In 2022, the Spain Women's national team was thrown into crisis as 15 players declared themselves unavailable for selection while Vilda remained in charge. Each player sent an identical email to the RFEF (Royal Spanish Football Federation) describing how the manager's methods had affected their health and emotional state, with stars of the game including Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati and Patri Guijarro among the revolt.
The players’ actions were described as "scheming" and they were threatened with international suspensions of between two and five years. Now, though, despite going through to their first ever final, the RFEF (the Royal Spanish Football Federation) have remained defiant with a statement that red: "The RFEF is not going to allow the players to question the continuity of the national coach and his coaching staff, since making those decisions does not fall within their powers."
Twelve of those 15 players remain frozen out of the squad, with only Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey and Ona Batlle appearing at this Women's World Cup. "To say that there was ever a lack of respect or with any complaint about my behaviour in my entire career,” Vilda said.
“People have made accusations and then hidden." The federation said that they would only call upon players who are committed, even if that means playing with youth players.
Whilst turmoil reigns in Spain, the England camp remains full of confidence as Premier League club managers are sending messages in support of the Lionesses with Newcastle United manager, Eddie Howe, saying: “I certainly hope they can do it.
“Winning the World Cup off the back of the Euros would be a remarkable achievement for a similar group of players and the manager, so I wish them all the best.” Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, added: “It is great, a Dutch manager doing a great job for England, so I am very proud of her, and I am a fan of the England women’s team and cross my fingers and hope they return with the World Cup.”
For England manager, Sarina Wiegman, she is the first coach to take two countries to a World Cup final, having been in charge of her native Netherlands team, against the USA, in 2019, in France. England came from behind to beat Spain and reach the semi-finals of UEFA Women's EURO 2022.
So, perhaps there’s a psychological advantage there for the favourites. Spain, however, are a new force in the women’s game, albeit by the large array and silverware attained by its biggest club, Barcelona. England, however, go into the game at the Stadium Australia, in Sydney, after a slow start, just don’t seem to know how to lose!
