England Eyes World Cup Qualification Against Spain

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has expressed her team's strong focus on securing a spot at next summer's FIFA Women's World Cup as they prepare to face Spain in Mallorca on Friday night. A victory against the reigning world champions would ensure England's place in Brazil in 2027, while a draw would leave them on the brink of qualification ahead of the final round of matches next week. Speaking to the media, Wiegman highlighted the importance of clinching qualification at the earliest opportunity. "Of course, that's what we want and it's what we are going out for tomorrow," Wiegman stated. "We are ready, we are in a good position and we just really want to qualify as quickly as possible, that's what we've said all along. It's a hard group, it's a difficult game tomorrow but it's the same for Spain too. It just helps [qualifying automatically] because you have time to prepare. We know what the consequences are but no matter what happens, we will have another opportunity. We are going out there to win." Spain previously defeated England in the final at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, but the Lionesses claimed victory over La Roja in last summer's UEFA Women's EURO final. Wiegman acknowledged the mutual respect between the teams. "We have so much respect for each other, we have played each other many times. They're always exciting games and some finals. Tomorrow is another exciting game with two teams that have done really well recently but it's a new challenge. At the moment, history doesn't count. We will just go out and try to win the game and they will too." The England squad gathered at St George's Park, with players coming from different levels of recent play. Wiegman admitted the challenges this presents in preparation. "This window is always a bit difficult because for most of the players the season is finished. For some now, it has been done for two weeks but they've kept training. They've had different schedules but they came in well and I think we are ready for tomorrow." England's crucial FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027 qualifier against Spain in Mallorca kicks-off at 8pm on Friday night.