- Spain calls Paralluelo in place of injured Hermoso.
- The team is favorites to win the maiden title.
- They will play their first match against Finland.
Spain called up uncapped teenager Salma Paralluelo on Monday for the women’s Euro 2022 in England but will be missing injured forward Jennifer Hermoso.
Hermoso, a recent transfer from Barcelona to Mexican side Pachuca, has been ruled out of the competition due to a knee injury sustained shortly after joining the Spain squad.
Salma’s inclusion in Jorge Vilda’s squad came as a surprise, given the 18-year-old Villarreal forward has never played for the national team.
Read more: Uefa to accept changes in Women’s Euro 2022 squad
With Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas in their ranks, Spain are regarded as one of the favorites in their pursuit of a maiden major women’s tournament victory.
On Saturday, they defeated Australia 7-0 in a friendly.
Spain will kick off their campaign against Finland on July 8 in Milton Keynes, followed by Group B contests against Germany and Denmark.
Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Sandra Panos (Barcelona), Lola Gallardo (Atletico Madrid), Misa Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
Defenders: Ona Batlle (Manchester United/ENG), Sheila Garcia (Atletico Madrid), Irene Paredes, Mapi Leon, Andrea Pereira (all Barcelona), Leila Ouahabi (Manchester City/ENG), Ivana Andres, Olga Carmona (both Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City/ENG), Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Claudia Pina (all Barcelona), Irene Guerrero (Levante)
Forwards: Lucia Garcia (Athletic Bilbao), Marta Cardona, Esther Gonzalez, Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid), Salma (Villarreal), Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona)
[embedpost slug = “/womens-euro-2022-organisers-defend-right-balance-on-venues/”]