After the group stage of the Women’s Euro 2022, the first quarter-final between England and Spain is set for tonight from 21:00. England have won their group with three triumphs and remain on course to win their first major tournament at home
England national football team coach Sarina Wiegman announces at a press conference that the players will have to play under the highest pressure against the best opponents in Europe. “So we’re just trying to play football, do our best and try to build on our strengths and exploit the weaknesses of the opposition,” Wiegman explains.
While England made it through the group stage with ease, Spain had to fight hard to reach the quarter-finals. La Roja began the tournament with a comfortable 4-1 win over Finland, but a 2-0 loss to Germany on the second day of play meant they had to take a point from their final group game against Denmark. The Spanish women advanced to the quarter-finals behind the Germans after winning two of their previous three matches. Having been eliminated in the quarter-finals at the last two European Championships, the Spanish are now dreaming of reaching the semi-finals for the second time in their history.
England are favourites, but losing their last 26 matches suggests the Spanish will not make it easy for the hosts on Wednesday.
The next four days also see Germany play Austria and Sweden take on Belgium. France’s final quarter-final match is against the Netherlands on Saturday.