England should be considered Women’s World Cup favourites if Lionesses can beat Spain in their own backyard

England and Spain have become the defining rivalry in women’s international football.

From the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final and last summer’s European Championship showpiece, the two nations have consistently found themselves battling for the sport’s biggest prizes. Their latest meeting may not carry the same silverware implications, but Friday’s World Cup qualifier in Mallorca could prove just as significant.

With automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup potentially on the line, England have an opportunity to do far more than secure a place in Brazil. If the Lionesses can beat Spain on home soil, they should immediately be regarded as favourites to lift the trophy next summer.

The toughest challenge in women’s football

Few teams in world football are as formidable at home as Spain.

La Roja have turned their home fixtures into a fortress, combining technical brilliance with an ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. Since losing to Italy in December 2023, Spain have gone unbeaten on home soil, producing dominant victories over some of the strongest teams in the game.

Germany were dismantled 3-0 in the Nations League final in Madrid. Sweden were swept aside 4-0 in Malaga. France and the Netherlands have also been comfortably beaten in recent years.

What makes those results even more impressive is the context. These were not routine qualifying matches against inferior opposition. They came against elite nations in high-pressure environments where Spain consistently demonstrated why they are world champions.

If England can end that remarkable run, it would represent one of the most significant statements made by any team in the women’s game over the last few years.

England face major obstacles

The challenge becomes even greater given England’s injury concerns.

Captain Leah Williamson remains unavailable, depriving Sarina Wiegman’s side of both a world-class defender and one of the team’s most influential leaders. England have learned how to cope without the Arsenal star since her ACL injury disrupted previous campaigns, but matches of this magnitude often require more than tactical adjustments.

Leadership, composure and experience become crucial factors.

There are also concerns surrounding Lauren James, whose fitness remains uncertain after suffering a minor injury during Chelsea’s involvement in the World Sevens tournament. Few players possess the ability to change a game as dramatically as James, and England may need exactly that kind of individual brilliance to overcome Spain.

Without two of their most influential players, the margin for error becomes significantly smaller.

Spain welcome back a superstar

While England are dealing with uncertainty, Spain have received a major boost.

Aitana Bonmati has returned to the squad after recovering from the leg injury that sidelined her for several months. The Barcelona midfielder has steadily rebuilt her fitness and now appears ready to play a significant role once again.

Her return only strengthens a squad already packed with world-class talent.

Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, Mariona Caldentey, Claudia Pina, Salma Paralluelo, Ona Batlle and Cata Coll are all available, giving Sonia Bermudez an embarrassment of riches heading into one of Spain’s most important matches since winning the World Cup.

Outside of the injured Laia Aleixandri and the omitted Jenni Hermoso, Spain are close to full strength.

A victory that changes the conversation

England have already proven they can beat Spain. Their victory at Wembley earlier this year demonstrated that Wiegman’s side possess both the quality and belief required to compete with the reigning world champions.

Doing it in Mallorca would be different.

Winning away against the strongest home side in international football would not simply secure automatic qualification. It would provide compelling evidence that England are capable of conquering the biggest stages and toughest environments the game can offer.

The Lionesses have spent recent years proving they belong among the elite. A victory on Friday would be another step beyond that.

It would be a declaration that they are no longer merely contenders.

They would arrive in Brazil as the team everyone else is trying to beat.