England are preparing to take on Spain in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2023 final this weekend. Players and coaches are excitedly reminiscing about their path to arrive at this decisive game. The team understands the importance of experience. Beyond that, they’re constantly reacting in real-time to try and counteract the threat from Spain’s dangerous style of play. Star midfielder Keira Walsh will be key in helping England establish a strong hold on the match.
Walsh to underscore the confidence of her team when she said, “We know how to make them bleed.” Her capacity to control the game will be key as England looks to knock out the defending champs. And that pressure… it’s pretty damn extreme. In their semi-final match against Spain, Germany fought valiantly with stunning athleticism and will, but to no avail.
Germany had beaten Spain on most metrics in that semi-final, but somehow lost. They covered 87 miles (140 km) compared to Spain’s 82.6 miles (133 km), won 67 duels against Spain’s 56, and created three significant scoring chances, while Spain managed only two. Spain overcame a distinct disadvantage in many aspects of play to emerge victorious. Women’s World Cup, Aitana Bonmati scored the all-important winner in the 133rd minute of extra time.
England have been here before, and need to be clinical and compact for the full 90-plus minutes in this one. They had amazing poise and patience on defense forcing a tournament-high 224 turnovers over five tournament games. This achievement puts them just ahead of Spain, which has a recovery tally of 211. This statistic highlights their tenacity and ability to regain possession, essential elements against a team like Spain that thrives on maintaining control.
Sarina Wiegman, England’s head coach, will no doubt be looking to learn from the tactics that frustrated Spain and disrupted their rhythm from Germany’s performance. Germany’s high-pressure, harrying approach was successful, showing that the psychological Spaniards can be rattled. Players Jule Brand and Klara Buhl successfully challenged Spain’s defenders Ona Batlle and Olga Carmona on multiple occasions during that match.
For England to truly execute their game plan, Walsh needs to be in command of the midfield to an even higher degree. It will be essential for her to have that command on the ball to help facilitate transitions and create chances for her teammates too. Alessia Russo’s task will be to apply pressure on Spain’s defenders Irene Paredes and Maria Mendez, compelling them to engage defensively and create openings for England’s attacking players.
Lucy Bronze’s influence will be crucial here too, as ever bronze will seek to keep the defensive line in check. England must remain compact to limit space and opportunities for Spain’s dynamic attack. The test will not just be in taming Spain’s attacking firepower, but in handling the moment with poise.
Keira Walsh recognizes the need for confidence, stating, “One thing I will take from previous times playing Spain is we’ve not been as confident on the ball as we could be.” This honor will hopefully be a rallying cry for her fellow Warriors as they look to build on their strengths.
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