Andrea Medina backs Spain to win by two over England
Andrea Medina matters here because Spain's path in the qualifying group can change with one result on Friday. Sonia Bermúdez said Spain must beat England by more than one goal at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix to move back to first place and stay on track for the World Cup in Brazil next year.
Speaking at Thursday's pre-match press conference, Bermúdez said Spain need to "ejecutar bien el plan de partido," be "muy disputado" with England, and be "ser muy eficaces arriba" if they want the three points. She also made the stakes plain: "Sabemos que tenemos que sumar los tres puntos para cumplir el objetivo que queremos que es pasar como primeras a ese Mundial tan deseado."
Son Moix and three points
Friday's match is at home, and Bermúdez said that setting matters because Spain will have the support of the crowd at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix. The result carries direct table pressure: a win by more than one goal would let Spain recover the lead in the qualifying group, which is the cleanest route to finishing first and controlling the rest of the campaign.
That is the friction in this match. Spain are not just playing for three points; they need a margin, and Bermúdez framed the attack as the deciding factor rather than possession or territory. In a group race, the difference between winning and winning by one goal changes who leaves with the upper hand.
Bonmatí returns for Spain
All of Bermúdez's players are available, and that includes Aitana Bonmatí after her injury in December. Bermúdez said, "Estamos encantados de tenerla. Sabemos que viene de una lesión dura y estamos contentos de tenerla con nosotras."
She also said she does not want to reveal her possible starting lineup before kickoff, which keeps the tactical picture open until Friday. Bermúdez added that she has "el máximo respeto" for Sarina Wiegman, calling the England coach "una referente," while also pointing to Lucía Corrales as a player with a lot of speed.
England before kickoff
Spain's practical task is straightforward and narrow: win, score enough, and finish with more than one goal to regain first place. For readers tracking the group, the important detail is not the ceremony of the occasion but the margin, because that margin decides whether Spain take the lead back or leave the standings unchanged.
That is the number to watch in Palma. Spain have the full squad, home advantage, and a coach asking for an efficient final third; against England, the difference between holding serve and taking control is one goal.
