Sonia Bermúdez: “We approach every match as if it were a final”

Last Friday, 3 April, Sonia Bermúdez named a 25-player squad for matchdays 3 and 4 of the qualification phase for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Spain will face England on Tuesday, 14 April at 20:00 at Wembley, and Ukraine on Saturday, 18 April at 16:00 at the Nuevo Arcángel Stadium in Córdoba.

The head coach addressed the press this morning, 24 hours before the team gathers in Las Rozas to prepare for these two key Group A3 fixtures.

Bermúdez began by wishing Inma Gabarro a speedy recovery. She also congratulated Alexia Putellas on reaching 500 appearances for FC Barcelona and thanked India Martínez for her involvement in presenting the squad list.

On Clara Pinedo

“Clara is a player we know from the youth teams. She has been involved with the U-23s and made a very positive impression. She offers a different profile, understands the game well, attacks spaces effectively, and is always fully committed. We’re delighted to include her in the squad.”

Keys to beating England

“The game will be decided by fine margins. It’s a fantastic stadium that will surely be full, and we’ll aim to take three crucial points to move closer to World Cup qualification.”

On Esther González

“We look for different profiles in our forwards. Esther attacks space well, links up play effectively, and works at maximum intensity throughout the match. She reads space very well and has a strong goal-scoring instinct. Edna, meanwhile, plays well with her back to goal, attacks the box effectively, and is strong in the air. We have a team capable of scoring goals—not just the forwards.”

On Real Madrid vs Barcelona

“Barcelona have been doing things very well for years. They develop their academy excellently and are a model to follow.”

On facing England after the Euros final

“We are a team that treats every match like a final. This is not about revenge—it’s a different context. But Spain vs England is one of the best matches in football. We want to take all three points here and against Ukraine. They are vital for qualification.”

On the England–Spain rivalry

“Mentally, the match already demands a lot. The team is highly motivated and fully aware of what’s at stake. The setting is special, but it shouldn’t weigh on us—we are prepared. We want an entertaining game and, above all, to come away with the three points.”

On Spain topping the FIFA rankings

“A lot of importance is given to rankings, but that doesn’t mean you have to win every match. England are a top team. We’ve had a strong season, winning the Nations League, but now a new objective begins.”

On the defenders selected

“The higher the competition, the better. All four centre-backs are performing at a very high level. The demands here are huge—you have to earn your place and fight to keep it. They’ll compete to start against England.”

On regulations promoting women in coaching staff

“I really like this regulation. At the RFEF we are fortunate to have women in key positions. We also have women on the coaching staff, and it’s great to see they are fully capable in any department. I strongly support it.”

On Clara Serrajordi’s development

“She is improving a lot and working very well this season. Ahead of her, we have what we consider the best player in her position, Patri Guijarro, and we believe Clara can develop even further by training with top players. She has great potential and will continue to grow with us and at her club.”