After differing results in their respective opening matches of Women’s Euro 2025, Spain and Belgium clash with a crucial three points on the line.
Belgium were disappointing in their opening match against Italy, where they lacked much offensive threat. This could not be more different to Spain, who looked like they could have scored every time they went forward in their 5-0 win over Portugal.
Elisabet Gunnarsdottir’s side will undoubtedly have to be at their defensive best in this fixture if they want to deny a Spanish side that scores for fun the victory.
Spain will qualify for the next round if they win and Portugal fail to do so. Meanwhile, Belgium will be out of contention for the knockout rounds if they lose and Italy avoid defeat.
Spain:
After coming off the bench in her previous match, there is a good chance that Aitana Bonmatí may be ready to start this one. The Barcelona midfielder will undoubtedly be eager to play, but Montserrat Tome will ultimately have the final say in this one.
The remainder of the team is likely to stay similar to the one that dominated in their previous match.
Claudia Pina and Mariona Caldentey, who had a fantastic opening match, will occupy the wings.
Esther González will be hoping to add to her brace in the opening match, with the 32-year-old set to start once more.
Belgium:
For Belgium, their back five are all set to retain their places in Gunnarsdottir’s starting eleven.
Tessa Wullaert will once again have the tough task of leading the line against Spain. The nation’s all-time top goalscorer will undoubtedly be crucial in any result Belgium pull off.
There are no expected changes in the midfield, but there are options on the bench if Gunnarsdottir decides it is necessary.
Spain:
Nanclares; Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Olga; Guijarro, Putellas, Bonmatí; Caldentey, Esther González, Pina
Belgium:
Lichtfus; Deloose, Tysiak, Kees, Cayman, Janssens; Toloba, Vanhaevermaet, Missipo, Eurlings; Wullaert
Spain – Mariona Caldentey
Caldentey had a superb opening game against Portugal, where she assisted two of Spain’s goals in a creative masterclass from the 29-year-old.
It is hard not to imagine her impacting this game. The Spaniard is also a direct goal threat herself, scoring 22 goals in all competitions this season.
If she can replicate her performance from Spain’s opener, then Belgium are going to have a lot of problems trying to nullify Caldentey.
Belgium – Tessa Wullaert
It’s going to be a game of very few chances for Belgium as Spain will try and keep Belgian possession to a minimum. Therefore, they are going to have to take their chances when they arrive.
Who better to call upon than their all-time top goalscorer in Tessa Wullaert? With 93 goals in her 130 appearances for her nation, the striker has proved that she knows how to find the back of the net.
Despite not scoring against Italy, she was the main outlet for her side. Spain will certainly be keeping an eye on the 32-year-old.
Where is the match being played?
This match will be contested at the Arena Thun.
What time is kick-off?
The match will commence at 17:00 BST
How can I watch?
The match will be shown on ITV1 and ITVX