Spain’s Women’s Football Team Announces European Championships Roster
Spain’s national women’s football team has announced its roster for the upcoming European Championships, and notably absent is Jenni Hermoso, the nation’s all-time leading goal scorer. Coach Montse Tomé has made significant changes to the squad, replacing 12 members from the championship team that triumphed in the 2023 World Cup.
Notable Absences and Squad Changes
Hermoso, who currently plays with Tigres UANL in Mexico, was a pivotal figure in Spain’s World Cup victory and has faced considerable attention following an incident involving a former football federation president. In addition to her exclusion, Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez will not participate due to the coach’s decision, and Laia Codina and Teresa Abelleira are sidelined with injuries.
Coach Tomé’s Explanation
“I recognize the importance of Jenni as a player,” Tomé stated during a press conference. “We had conversations earlier this year regarding her situation, and we’ve treated her the same as every player. We’ve considered her performance records and consulted with her coach at Tigres. However, we also have talented players like Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and others who can fill her role. Choosing just 23 players was challenging, but we approached this professionally.”
Current Squad and Ambitions
The current squad is heavily fortified by players from FC Barcelona, including two Ballon d’Or winners, Bonmatí and Putellas. While Spain has yet to secure a European championship title, they enter the tournament ranked second in the world, closely trailing behind the United States, and are viewed as strong contenders to make a deep run.
Tomé expressed confidence in her team’s potential, stating their ambition to compete for the title despite the unpredictable nature of football and acknowledging the challenges posed by group rivals Belgium, Italy, and Portugal. Spain’s journey begins on July 3 against Portugal, followed by matches against Belgium on July 7 and Italy on July 11.
Squad Overview
The squad set for the tournament includes:
- Goalkeepers: Cata Coll, Adriana Nanclares, and Esther Sullastres
- Defenders: Ona Batlle and Irene Paredes
- Midfielders: Guijarro, Bonmatí, and Putellas
- Forwards: Mariona Caldentey and Lucía García among others
With Hermoso missing from the lineup, all eyes will be on the remaining talent as they strive to achieve their goal of success on the European stage.
