Putellas and Paredes were among a group of players who signed a letter saying they wouldn’t return to the national team until they saw serious changes in the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Newly appointed manager Montse Tome called up both of them as well as other world champions, which created even more controversy around the national team. Putellas and Paredes spoke at a press conference, explaining they’re still expecting the Spanish FA to listen their request.

Putellas, Paredes set the record straight on Spanish FA controversy

“We’ve never asked for dismissals or the appointment or removal of a coach. All we’ve done is convey concerns or concepts where the locker room didn’t feel comfortable. We understand our role is not that,” Putellas said.

The Barcelona star said the meetings with the RFEF have been necessary but there’s still plenty of work to do by the authorities to contribute to a significant change.

“This issue goes beyond sports. What Jenni experienced cannot be tolerated. We asked that this type of behavior doesn’t happen in any part of the RFEF. Football reflects our society,” the two-time Ballon d’Or winner added.

Paredes, meanwhile, added that they were “forced” to report to the team, when they had already decided not to show up. Besides, they didn’t want to force the U-23s to deal with the pressure.

“We are tired,” Paredes said. “While we acknowledge some improvements, we still don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. This has been going on for too long.“

What’s the next game for the Spanish women’s national team?

Spain’s women’s national team returns to action on Friday, September 22, when it takes on Sweden in the first matchday of the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

Rubiales has come under worldwide scrutiny over grabbing his crotch, making uncomfortable locker room speeches, and forcefully kissing a member of the Spanish Women’s National team that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Jenni Hermoso has gone on record stating that the kiss that got worldwide attention during the trophy ceremony between herself and Rubiales was not consensual. After protest from players in LaLiga and other women’s soccer players around the world, Rubiales doubled down on his antics by refusing to resign from his position as Spanish FA president.

Luis Rubiales’ mother makes statement

Bejar spoke to EFE that the “inhuman and bloody hunt that they are doing with my son is something he does not deserve”. Rubiales’ cousin Vanessa Ruiz stated: “We are suffering a lot for him. He has been judged before his time. They (media) don’t stop harassing us. We had to leave our house. We want them to leave us alone and for Jenni to tell the truth. It’s not fair.”

At the moment, Rubiales is suspended from all activities by FIFA, the soccer governing body also indicated to the Spanish federation it’s officials and employees not to contact Hermoso, who had legal action threatened against her by the FA.

Spanish players and coaches will not represent Spain until Rubiales is removed

As many as 81 Spanish players – including all 23 players who went to the Women’s World Cup – stated that they will not play for Spain’s women’s team until Rubiales is removed from his position.

The coach of the team Jorge Vilda has publicly criticized Rubiales while his entire coaching staff has resigned as a form of protest against the federation president.

Spain defeated England with a goal by Real Madrid’s Olga Carmona to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 title for the first time. It was the dream final, between two of the strongest teams, and it gave an historic tournament an historic ending.

Barcelona’s midfielder Aitana Bonmatí also won the Ballon d’Or as best player of the tournament, while teenager Salma Paralluelo, who also plays for the culés, was awarded the Young Player of the Tournament prize. On the other hand, England’s Mary Earps, who saved a penalty in the final, won the Golden Glove.

The Golden Boot, however, wasn’t for any player in the final but for Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa, who scored five goals during the tournament. However, there are more interesting stats from the World Cup, check them out.

Spain’s historic World Cup win in facts

First team to win the three World Cups

Spain is the current champion of the FIFA Women’s U17 and U20 World Cups, having won both competitions in 2022. It has now become the first nation to hold all three titles simultaneously.

Second team to win the men’s and women’s World Cup

Before Spain’s win, Germany was the only nation to have won both the men’s and women’s World Cups. Spain is also the fifth nation to win the title, following the United States (four-time winner), Germany (two-time winner), Norway, and Japan (both with one victory).

Ten teams have reached the finals

With Spain and England reaching the final for the first time, the total number of different countries that have reached the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup is ten. The other teams to have reached are: the Netherlands, Brazil, China, and Sweden.

First title in only three participations

Prior to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Spain had only won one match in the history of the tournament. It’s also only the third time that Spain plays the tournament, having only played in 2019 and 2015 before.

First European title since 2007

With Spain’s win, the FIFA Women’s World Cup was won by a European team for the first time since 2007 when Germany defeated Brazil 2-0. Also, this was the third all-European final in the tournament, following 1995 (Norway 2-0 Germany) and 2003 (Germany 2-1 Sweden).

Spain and England will face each other for the 2023 Women’s World Cup title on Sunday at Stadium Australia. While this will mark the first time both teams have reached the tournament’s final, there is an exception regarding one of the coaches: Sarina Wiegman.

Spain secured a 2-1 victory against Sweden in the final moments of a tense match, with goals from Salma Paralluelo and Olga Carmona. Meanwhile, England defeated hosts Australia 3-1 in the semifinals, with goals by Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.

The 2022 Euros champions are going for their third big title in a row. If they pull it off, they’ll definitely make history. Of course, part of England’s success is Wiegman, who took charge of the team in 2021. However, before being the Lionesses’ boss, she had already built a solid reputation with several titles.

Full list of Sarina Wiegman’s titles as manager

With the spot in the final secured, Sarina Wiegman continues to write history. She has become the first female or male coach to reach two World Cup finals with different teams. In 2019, she achieved it with the Netherlands but lost the final against the United States, who won their fourth world title.

Prior to the 2019 France World Cup, Sarina also lifted the UEFA Women’s Championship (Euros) with the Netherlands in 2017. And, of course, with England she has already won the Euros 2022 and the Women’s Finalissima 2023. Below is a comprehensive list of all her titles as a coach, including her achievements with various clubs:

Ter Leede
Dutch championship: 2006–07
KNVB Cup: 2006–07

ADO Den Haag Women
Eredivisie: 2011–12
KNVB Cup: 2011–12, 2012–13

Netherlands Women
FIFA Women’s World Cup runner-up: 2019
UEFA Women’s Championship: 2017
Algarve Cup: 2018

England Women
UEFA Women’s Championship: 2022
Women’s Finalissima: 2023
Arnold Clark Cup: 2022, 2023

Individual Honors
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach: 2017,2020, 2022
UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year: 2021–22
IFFHS World’s Best Woman National Coach: 2020,2022
BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award: 2022

Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that they are currently the best teams globally. England arrives after clinching victory at the 2022 Euros in Wembley Stadium, elevating them to national hero status. In the same vein, Spain, known for their distinctive style of play, has finally made a breakthrough in a major tournament.

As we anticipate an electrifying final, many fans are curious about the history between these two squads. Below, discover the most recent encounter and which team holds the advantage in their head-to-head record.

Women’s World Cup: When did Spain and England last face each other?

The most recent clash between Spain and England occurred during the 2022 European Championship. The Lionesses emerged victorious with a 2-1 win in the Round of 16, courtesy of goals from Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway.

Spain vs. England: Storylines and Head-to-Head

In their overall head-to-head record, these teams have met on 16 occasions. England boasts the upper hand with seven victories, whereas Spain has triumphed only three times. They have played to a draw in six instances.

When is the Women’s World Cup 2023 final?

Jorge Vilda’s Spain and Sarina Wiegman’s England will vie for the championship title on Sunday at Stadium Australia at 6 AM (ET). This marks Wiegman’s second World Cup final appearance, following her loss in the 2019 World Cup with the Netherlands against the USWNT.

[Watch Australia vs England online free in the US on Fubo]

This is the second semifinal of the tournament, and before long, the teams that will play for the title and the contenders for the third-place position will be determined. Two teams have already secured their spots: Sweden will contend for third place.

On the other hand, Spain, victorious in the initial semifinal, will vie for the championship title. Their potential opponents include Australia, the home team, which has displayed remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, and England, considered the primary favorites, particularly following Sweden’s elimination.

Australia vs England: Kick-Off Time

Argentina: 7:00 AM
Australia: 8:00 PM
Bangladesh: 4:00 PM
Belgium: 12:00 PM
Brazil: 7:00 AM
Canada: 6:00 AM
Croatia: 12:00 PM
Denmark: 12:00 PM
Egypt: 1:00 PM
France: 12:00 PM
Germany: 12:00 PM
Ghana: 10:00 AM
Greece: 1:00 PM
India: 3:30 PM
Indonesia: 4:00 PM
Ireland: 11:00 AM
Israel: 1:00 PM
Italy: 12:00 PM
Jamaica: 5:00 AM
Kenya: 1:00 PM
Malaysia: 6:00 PM
Mexico: 4:00 AM
Morocco: 12:00 PM
Netherlands: 12:00 PM
New Zealand: 10:00 PM
Nigeria: 11:00 AM
Norway: 12:00 PM
Philippines: 6:00 PM
Poland: 12:00 PM
Portugal: 11:00 AM
Saudi Arabia: 1:00 PM
Serbia: 12:00 PM
Singapore: 6:00 PM
South Africa: 12:00 PM
Spain: 12:00 PM
Sweden: 12:00 PM
Switzerland: 12:00 PM
UAE: 2:00 PM
UK: 11:00 AM
United States: 6:00 AM (ET)

Australia vs England: TV Channel and Live Streaming

Argentina: directvsports.com, DIRECTV Sports App, DIRECTV Sports Argentina
Australia: Seven, Optus Sport, 7plus
Bangladesh: T Sports, Gazi TV, Toffee Live
Belgium: Tipik, RTBF Auvio Direct, Sporza, Canvas
Brazil: Globo, Canals Globo, SporTV, NOW NET and Claro, GloboEsporte.com
Canada: TSN4, TSN1, Noovo, RDS, TSN5, CTV, TSN+, CTV App, RDS App
Croatia: Arena Sport 1 Croatia
Denmark: NRK1, TV3 Denmark, Viaplay Denmark
Egypt: beIN Sports Premium 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, TOD, beIN Sports English, beIN Sports
France: 6play, Free, Molotov, M6
Germany: The first
Ghana: SuperSport MáXimo 3, Supersport Grandstand ROA, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport Variety 3, DStv Now, SuperSport GOtv Select 1, AfroSport TV
Greece: ANT1+, ANT1
India: FanCode
International: FIFA+, YouTube
Ireland: BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport Web, BBC iPlayer, RTE Player, RTE 2, BBC One
Israel: Sport 1
Italy: RaiPlay, RAI Sport 1
Kenya: Supersport Grandstand ROA, SuperSport Variety 3, SuperSport GOtv Select 1, SuperSport MáXimo 3, SuperSport MaXimo 1, AfroSport TV, DStv Now
Mexico: ViX, TUDN Live
Morocco: beIN Sports English, beIN Sports Premium 1, beIN Sports, Arryadia 3, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, TOD, Arryadia TNT
Netherlands: Canvas
New Zealand: Sky Sport 1 NZ, Prime TV, SKY Go NZ, Sky Sport NOW
Nigeria: SuperSport GOtv Select 1, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport Variety 3, SuperSport MáXimo 3, AfroSport TV, SuperSport Laliga Nigeria, DStv Now
Norway: TV6 Sweden, NRK1, Viaplay Norway, NRK TV
Philippines: Philippines Live
Poland: Viaplay Poland
Portugal: RTP2, RTP Play, Sport TV1, Sport TV Multiscreen
Saudi Arabia: beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports, TOD
Serbia: Arena Sport 3P
Singapore: meWATCH, FIFA WWC CH01
South Africa: DStv App, SuperSport CSN, SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport GOtv Select 1, SuperSport MáXimo 3, MáXimo 360, Supersport Grandstand, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport Football
Spain: RTVE.es
Sweden: TV6 Sweden, Viaplay Sweden, NRK1
Switzerland: TRT Sport, RAI Sport 1, M6 Switzerland
United Arab Emirates: TOD, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports English, beIN Sports, beIN Sports Premium 1
United Kingdom: BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport Web, BBC iPlayer, BBC One
USA: Fubo (free trial), Peacock, Foxsports.com , FOX Network , UNIVERSO NOW , UNIVERSO , FOX Sports App , SiriusXM FC , Telemundo Deportes En Vivo , Telemundo.

Spain will face Sweden in the first 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final on Tuesday at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. While the Swedes have played five matches in this tournament, this will be Spain’s first appearance in the semifinals of a major tournament since the 1997 European Championships.

Despite Sweden being favorites with players like Amanda Ilestedt and Fridolina Rolfö, Spain also boasts renowned players in their lineup, including Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati, who has scored three goals in the tournament so far.

However, Spain’s key player, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, is still awaiting her standout moment in the tournament as she came to Australia and New Zealand still recovering from her ACL injury from last year. Will she play the full match against Sweden?

Jorge Vilda speaks on Alexia Putellas’ health ahead of the match vs. Sweden

On Monday, Spain’s coach, Jorge Vilda, refrained from confirming how Putellas would be deployed against Sweden. “We are very happy with the level Alexia has reached. We’ve noticed this since the first day of training,” Vilda said, according to AP.

“It’s true that she is in the process of recovering from a nine- or ten-month injury. We’ve adapted… and Alexia is prepared for anything,” he added. However, it’s true that Putellas has been underused during the World Cup.

The 29-year-old midfielder started as a substitute in Spain’s opening match. Despite participating in all five games, she hasn’t played for over an hour in any of them. While she hasn’t scored any goals, she does have an assist in the tournament.

In her “absence,” Spain’s leading scorers have been Bonmati, as well as Jenni Hermoso and Alba Maria Redondo Ferrer. Meanwhile, Salma Paralluelo scored the winning goal in the quarterfinals against the Netherlands.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is almost coming to an end, and the two semi-finals are set: Sweden and Spain will face each other, while England will have to take on host Australia. While the Lionesses are favorites, fans wonder if Lauren James will be able to play.

James received a red card for stepping on the back of opposing player Michelle Alozie in her team’s round-of-16 win against Nigeria on Monday. The sending-off meant she was going to miss her team’s quarterfinal match against Colombia, which England won 2-1.

However, as the red card was shown for violent conduct, FIFA’s disciplinary committee was set to review the incident and determine if a longer suspension for the player was needed. Here’s their decision and when James will return to play.

Will Lauren James play in the England vs Australia match?

No, James won’t be able to play with her team in the semifinals match against Australia, which will take place on Wednesday, August 16 at 6:00 AM (ET). FIFA’s disciplinary committee announced on Thursday that they added an additional game to her suspension due to violent conduct.

“The suspension will be served for the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal and the next international fixture following that,” FIFA said in a statement. That means James will be able to play in the final if England qualifies for it.

James apologized to Alozie on X (formerly Twitter). “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened,” she wrote in reply to the Nigerian player, who said that she had “all respect” for the English forward.

The early elimination of the USWNT from the 2023 Women’s World Cup is still the talk of the tournament. It’s the first time in history that the team didn’t reach the semifinals. While the US was still stunned, Netherlands star Lineth Beerensteyn had much to say about the American players.

The Netherlands and the US have a lot of history in the tournament and in women’s soccer. The US won its fourth World Cup title against the Europeans (then coached by Sarina Wiegman) with a 2-0 victory four years ago. Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle scored in the second half of a tough game.

However, during this tournament, things were different for the US, who couldn’t defeat the Netherlands and only managed a 1-1 draw in the group stage. That result was key for the US to finish second and face Sweden in the Round of 16, which ultimately led to their exit on penalty kicks.

Lineth Beerensteyn says she was happy for the ‘big mouth’ US’ elimination

Ahead of their quarterfinals match against Spain, Beerensteyn spoke about the US elimination, expressing her delight. “The first moment when I heard that they were out, I just thought: ‘Yes! Bye!’” Beerensteyn told reporters.

“Because from the start of this tournament, they had a really big mouth – they were already talking about the final and stuff. I was just thinking: ‘You first have to show it on the pitch before you start talking,’” she added.

However, she said she still has “a lot of respect” for the US players. “For them, it’s a lesson they have to carry with them into the future – don’t start talking about something that’s far away. I hope they will learn from that,” she said.

Colombia has made history at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time ever. Now, Las Cafeteras will play against one of the toughest teams: England. And, if the South Americans stand a chance to win is thanks to one of their most-talented players: Linda Caicedo.

She has already proven that she is special, scoring in the first two matches of the group stage against South Korea and Germany. The latter was a key goal for the team, as well as one of the most beautiful of the tournament.

In fact, this is her third World Cup in a year, as she recently played in the under-17 World Cup (Colombia finished second), and in the under-20 World Cup, in which the team reached the quarterfinals. Here, check out more about her.

How old is Linda Caicedo?

Caicedo is 18 years old. She was born Candelaria, Valle del Cauca, Colombia on February 25, 2005. She has been playing soccer professionally since she was only 14 years old, being one of the most talented players of her generation.

How tall is Linda Caicedo?

She is 1.61 m (5 ft 3 in) tall. She plays as a forward, and has scored seven goals with the Colombian National team. Caicedo has won several accolades such as the Golden Ball at the 2022 Copa America Femenina, and Bronze Boot and Silver Ball at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Linda Caicedo’s club career: Where does she play?

Caicedo’s talent has attracted some of the biggest clubs in the world such as Barcelona, Chelsea or Bayern Munich. However, she decided to play for Real Madrid this year. Before, she played for America Cali and Deportivo Cali.

Linda Caicedo’s family: Does she have a brother?

Her parents are Herlinda Alegría and Mauricio Caicedo. However, while many people associate her with Brighton player Moises Caicedo, they are not related. Moises is Ecuadorian.

Who is Linda Caicedo’s girlfriend?

Caicedo is currently in a relationship with her partner Valentina. While not much is known about her, they are always sharing photos with each other on social media and, according to Colombian media, they have been dating since the beginning of the year.

How much is Caicedo’s salary?

According to the Spanish media, she earns between 25,000 and 35,000 euros per month. However, there’s no official word on her salary. Also, it has been reported that she receives 50% of her image rights.

[Watch England vs Nigeria online free in the US on Fubo]

England were one of the main candidates to go far in this competition and has even shown why. All the games in the group stage were victories and with authority, even against strong rivals like Denmark. Now, they will seek to advance into the top 8.

Their rivals will be Nigeria, who managed to advance in one of the most competitive groups of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. They finished in second place, just 1 point below the leaders Australia. After passing such a tough test, the Nigerians want to prove that they are capable of achieving important things in the competition.

England vs Nigeria: Kick-Off Time

Argentina: 4:30 AM
Australia: 5:30 PM
Bangladesh: 1:30 PM
Belgium: 9:30 AM
Brazil: 4:30 AM
Canada: 3:30 AM
Croatia: 9:30 AM
Denmark: 9:30 AM
Egypt: 10:30 AM
France: 9:30 AM
Germany: 9:30 AM
Ghana: 7:30 AM
Greece: 10:30 AM
India: 1:00 PM
Indonesia: 3:30 PM
Ireland: 8:30 AM
Israel: 10:30 AM
Italy: 9:30 AM
Jamaica: 2:30 AM
Kenya: 10:30 AM
Malaysia: 3:30 PM
Mexico: 1:30 AM
Morocco: 9:30 AM
Netherlands: 9:30 AM
New Zealand: 7:30 PM
Nigeria: 8:30 AM
Norway: 9:30 AM
Philippines: 3:30 PM
Poland: 9:30 AM
Portugal: 8:30 AM
Saudi Arabia: 10:30 AM
Serbia: 9:30 AM
Singapore: 3:30 PM
South Africa: 9:30 AM
Spain: 9:30 AM
Sweden: 9:30 AM
Switzerland: 9:30 AM
UAE: 11:30 AM
UK: 8:30 AM
United States: 3:30 AM (ET)

England vs Nigeria: TV Channel and Live Streaming

Argentina: directvsports.com, DIRECTV Sports App, DIRECTV Sports Argentina
Australia: Optus Sport
Bangladesh: Star Sports Select HD1
Belgium: RTBF Auvio Direct, Tipik
Canada: TSN1, TSN+, TSN4, RDS App, TSN5, RDS
Croatia: Arena Sport 1 Croatia
Denmark: TV3+ HD, Viaplay Denmark, NRK1
Egypt: beIN Sports Premium 1, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, TOD, beIN Sports English
France: France 2, Free, Molotov
Germany: Der Eerste
Ghana: Supersport Grandstand ROA, DStv Now, SuperSport MáXimo 3, SuperSport GOtv Select 1, SuperSport MaXimo 1, AfroSport TV, SuperSport Variety 3
Greece: ANT1+
India: FanCode, Star Sports Select 1, JioTV, Hotstar VIP, Star Sports Select HD1
International: YouTube
Ireland: BBC Sport Web, BBC iPlayer, RTE Player, RTE 2, BBC One
Italy: RAI Sport 1, RaiPlay
Kenya: SuperSport Variety 3, SuperSport GOtv Select 1, SuperSport MaXimo 1, AfroSport TV, DStv Now, SuperSport MáXimo 3, Supersport Grandstand ROA
Mexico: ViX, VIX+, TUDN Live, TUDN
Morocco: TOD, beIN Sports Premium 1, beIN Sports English, beIN SPORTS CONNECT
Netherlands: NPO 1
New Zealand: SKY Go NZ, Sky Sport NOW, Prime TV, Sky Sport 1 NZ
Nigeria: AfroSport TV, SuperSport Variety 3, DStv Now, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport Laliga Nigeria, SuperSport GOtv Select 1, SuperSport MáXimo 3
Norway: Viaplay Norway, NRK TV, TV6 Sweden, NRK1
Philippines: Philippines Live
Poland: Viaplay Poland
Portugal: Sports TV Multiscreen, Sports TV1
Saudi Arabia: TOD, beIN SPORTS CONNECT
Serbia: RTS 2
Singapore: FIFA WWC CH01, meWATCH
South Africa: SuperSport GOtv Select 1, Supersport Grandstand, SuperSport MaXimo 1, SuperSport Football, DStv App, SuperSport MáXimo 3, MáXimo 360, SuperSport Variety 4, SuperSport CSN
Spain: RTVE.com, TDP, fuboTV Spain
Sweden: NRK1, TV6 Sweden, Viaplay Sweden
Switzerland: SRF two, RAI Sport 1, RTS Sport, TDP, RTS 2, TRT Spor, SRF Play
United Arab Emirates: TOD, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, beIN Sports Premium 1, beIN Sports English
United Kingdom: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Web, BBC One
USA: Fubo (free trial), Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Telemundo, UNIVERSO, FOX Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Foxsports.com, Fox Sports 1.