- Spain announce initial 30 players
- Bonmati & Mariona return after protest
- Putellas back in squad after injury
WHAT HAPPENED? Bonmati and Mariona, alongside Manchester United defender Ona Battle, were among the 15 players to revolt following Spain's quarter-final exit to England in Euro 2022. Issues were raised regarding Vilda and his coaching staff, but the Spaniard has remained at the helm. Putellas also returns in a significant boost. While she was never officially part of said rebel group, she was sidelined for 10 months with an ACL injury.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: While Bonmati, Mariona and Putellas are the most notable inclusions, fellow Blaugrana stars Mapi Leon, Sandra Panos, Claudia Pina and Patri Guijarro were notable exclusions. All four were among the initial group of 15 that withdrew from selection and have remained firm on their decision to do so ahead of the World Cup. Vilda's 30-player squaad will be narrowed down to the final 23 on June 30.
WHAT THEY SAID?: Speaking in a press conference immediately after the selection unveiling, Vilda told reporters: "Alexia is a very important player, it's great news that she has recovered well. We didn't have her or Jenni [Hermoso] at the European Championship due to injury, but now we do. It's great news. The important thing is that the players on the list are committed to the national team.
"We really want to go far. We're going to go and win every game, we have the utmost ambition. This is the third World Cup in our history, we have been working for many years to get to this point. I'm confident and very motivated. We are at the same level as the best teams."
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Next Match
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Getty
Getty Images
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SPAIN? After being narrowed down to the final 23 players, Vilda's side will prepare to take on Denmark in their final World Cup preparation match on July 5. Their tournament opener comes against Costa Rica on July 21.
