England vs Spain UEFA Women’s Nations League Preview, Prediction, Team News and Predicted Lineups

England play host to Spain in the UEFA Women’s Nations League on Wednesday evening and you can find a preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups below.

UEFA Women’s Nations League: England vs Spain Preview

In a repeat of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, England face Spain and the Lionesses will be looking for revenge following their defeat in Australia.

Sarina Wiegman’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Portugal in their opening UWNL clash, as Alessia Russo’s opener in the first 15 minutes was cancelled out by a superb second-half strike from Kika Nazareth.

Recent form will be a growing concern for the 2022 Euros Champions, as they have won just two of their last six matches across all competitions.

Another concern is the Lionesses performances in second-halves of matches, as they have conceded 10 goals in the second 45 minutes in the 19 matches since the World Cup – which came back to haunt them against Portugal most recently.

The most notable area of difficulty for the Lionesses has been their attack. They had been free-scoring under Wiegman previously, but in the 18 months since that loss to Spain in Australia, they are lacking their bite up front.

The England Women’s team dominated in the first half against Portugal, registering an xG of 0.81 from five goal attempts but could not put the game to bed.

As for Spain, they will be full of confidence going into this match against England after coming from 2-0 down to beat Belgium 3-2 in their UWNL opener.

Goals from Claudia Pina, Lucia Garcia and Cristina Martin-Prieto sealed the three points and made it five straight matches without defeat.

Tome Monsterrat has a star-studded roster to choose from once again, as Spain have a midfield duo that have won the last four Ballon d’Or Feminin awards in Alexia Putellas (2021 & 2022) and Aitana Bonmati (2023 & 2024).

However, Putellas will not be playing on Wednesday evening as the two-time Ballon d’Or winner continues her recovery from an ankle injury.

England vs Spain Team News

The Linonesses were hit with some major injury concerns in the early stages of the camp, as Beth Mead and Lotte Wubben-Moy were both forced to withdraw.

Chloe Kelly and Lucy Parker were the two selected to replace the injured duo, meaning Kelly could earn a start after coming off the bench against Portugal.

England full-back Lucy Bronze went off injured at half-time on Friday but is confident of being fit to start. If she doesn’t, it’s likely she’ll be replaced by Jess Carter or Maya Le Tissier.

As for Spain, they will be without the previously mentioned Putellas who is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Amaiur was forced to exit the camp after picking up an injury and was replaced by Christian Martin-Prieto who scored the winner against Belgium.

England vs Spain Predicted Lineups

England: Earps; Le Tissier, Bright, Williamson, Charles; Walsh, Clinton, Toone; Kelly, James, Russo

Spain: Coll; Codina, Paredes, Aleixandri, Ouahabi; Abelleira Duenas, Bonmati, Lopez; Pina, Caldentey, Athenea

England vs Spain Prediction

This repeat of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final is a tough one to call, with both sides missing key players through injury and struggling in the opening match.

The Lionesses are underdogs on UK betting sites, but we predict a tight and cagey affair that may end in a score-draw at Wembley Stadium.

Prediction: England 1-1 Spain