As the Paris Olympic Games approach, the Spanish and French women's soccer teams are gearing up for their respective qualifying matches for Euro 2025. For Spain, coach Montse Tomé has announced a list for the two qualifying matches against Denmark, which includes fresh faces such as young defender Jana Fernández and Sevilla forward Inma Gabarro. Significantly, the list excludes veteran attacker Esther González. This selection also sees the return of key players Cata Coll and Aitana Bonmatí, who were previously sidelined due to injuries.
The full squad for Spain features goalkeepers Cata Coll (Barça), Misa Rodríguez (Real Madrid), and Elene Lete (Real Sociedad). The defense lineup includes Ona Batlle (Barça), Oihane Hernández (Real Madrid), Irene Paredes (Barça), Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City), Laia Codina (Arsenal), Olga Carmona (Real Madrid), María Méndez (Levante), and Jana Fernández (Barça). Midfielders include Tere Abelleira (Real Madrid), Vicky López (Barça), Aitana Bonmatí (Barça), Alexia Putellas (Barça), Maite Oroz (Real Madrid), and Jenni Hermoso (Tigres). Among the forwards are Eva Navarro (Atlético), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid), Inma Gabarro (Sevilla), Lucía García (Manchester United), Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona), Alba Redondo (Levante), and Salma Paralluelo (Barça).
Notably, the squad does not feature key Barça players like Patri Guijarro and Mapi León, the latter currently recovering from an injury, and Claudia Pina. These players were among the 15 who had resigned from the national team in September 2022, protesting against the methodology of then-coach Jorge Vilda. Despite Vilda's departure and Montse Tomé’s attempts to reintegrate them, they have yet to return.
Spain and Denmark both stand at six points with two wins each, making their upcoming clashes crucial for qualification. Ranked first globally by FIFA, Spain will face Denmark, currently ranked thirteenth, in Vejle on May 31 and in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on June 4. Tomé emphasized the team's focus on achieving maximum performance to secure their spot in the European Championship.
Simultaneously, the French team, led by Hervé Renard, has called up two new attackers, Inès Benyahia and Louna Ribadeira, for their Euro 2025 qualifiers against England. Despite their top scorer Eugénie Le Sommer being sidelined due to suspension, Vicki Becho, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Delphine Cascarino, Kadidiatou Diani, and Julie Dufour are expected to lead the attack. Additionally, Renard has decided to rest Griedge M’Bock to ensure her readiness for the Olympics.
The French team's strategy also involves captain Wendie Renard, who will partner with Maëlle Lakrar in defense. The team currently leads their group with two wins, ahead of England, who have one win and one draw. After these critical matches, France will play against Sweden and Ireland in July before competing in the Olympics, starting with a match against Colombia on July 25 in Lyon.
- Montse Tomé pointed out that the door remains open for some of the players who have been absent recently to rejoin the national squad for the Olympics. However, the emphasis is on current performance and what the players bring to the table.
- The Danish team, Spain’s primary competition for the qualifiers, is regarded as a strong contender. Their FIFA ranking and current form make them a significant hurdle for Spain, which heightens the importance of the upcoming matches.
- Hervé Renard's decision to rest key players like Griedge M’Bock highlights the meticulous planning going into France's preparations for the Olympics. Ensuring fitness and readiness for the critical games ahead underscores the team's long-term strategy.
- Beyond the pitch, the upcoming qualifiers serve as crucial preparatory grounds for both teams as they eye a strong showing at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, aiming to capture prestigious titles and strengthen their standing in international women’s soccer.
