The Independent
·22 November 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe Independent
·22 November 2024
The Lionesses will play the world champions on Wednesday 26 February in their first home fixture of this season’s Uefa Nations League campaign.
The high-profile clash hands England another major test ahead of the defence of their European Championship crown at next summer’s Euro 2025.
Sarina Wiegman’s side take on Emma Hayes’ United States at Wembley later this month - with over 80,000 tickets sold - and will also play Portugal and Belgium in Nations League Group A3.
The meeting with Spain - their first since the World Cup final in Sydney in August 2023 - will follow the opening trip to Portugal on Friday 21 February.
“It’s very exciting to start 2025 at home in this way,” Wiegman said. “We always want to perform against the best and there’s no doubt that Spain as world champions and Nations League holders are one of the biggest challenges we can face. That’s how we will continue to develop and grow in a big year for us.
“The game is made even more special by the fact that it’s at Wembley, a place that holds so many memories for the team and our fans. We will need the fans support, and I hope they’re looking forward to what will be another big night under the lights at our home.”
England and Spain have met three times since Wiegman took charge of the Lionesses. England beat Spain in the Euro 2022 quarter-final after extra time, on their way to lifting the trophy, before Spain defeated the Lionesses 1-0 in the World Cup final thanks to Olga Carmona’s goal. There was also a draw in the Arnold Clark Cup.
The Lionesses were beaten 4-3 by Germany in their previous outing at Wembley, and will be without a number of key players including Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone and Lauren James for their clash with the Olympic champions the United States next Saturday.
England will finish their Nations League campaign away to Spain on Tuesday 3 June, just weeks before the start of the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland on 2 July.