England s nemesis Spain bid to add Euro title to world crown

ZURICH – Spain are aiming for their first-ever women’s European title, as the reigning world champions head to Euro 2025 with a squad packed with stars from arguably the best club team in the world.

The Spaniards showed they are the team to beat in Europe with their dramatic win over defending European champions England in June which propelled them into the Nations League semi-finals.

It was England also that Spain beat in 2023 to be crowned world champions.

Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitina Bonmati is the biggest name amongst a host of Barcelona players in Montse Tome’s squad heading to Switzerland for the Euros which kicks off on July 2.

However, there is a question mark hanging over Bonmati as she is recovering from viral meningitis, only being discharged from hospital over the weekend and due to meet up with her teammates this week.

“Talking about meningitis can be scary but it is controlled,” said Tome.

“She is a very important player for us. We’ll wait for her as long as we can.”

La Roja’s large Barca cohort will be keen to bounce back from a shock defeat to Arsenal in the recent Champions League final by holding the European and world titles at the same time.

Spain will be without their all-time top scorer Jenni Hermoso who was not selected by Tome, one of many of those who delivered the World Cup not heading to the Euros.

Hermoso’s absence raised eyebrows as the 35-year-old plays and scores regularly for Tigres in Mexico.

Tomes has insisted her absence has nothing to do with the furore that surrounded her being forcibly kissed after the World Cup final by former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales was fined €10,800 (S$16,150) for sexual assault in February.

Hermoso, who has scored 57