Alexia Putellas dropped from Spain starting line-up, England unchanged

Spain’s midfielder #11 Alexia Putellas appeals a referee decision during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final football match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park in Auckland on August 15, 2023. (Photo by Michael Bradley / AFP)

Reigning two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was dropped from Spain’s starting line-up for Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final against an unchanged England in Sydney.

The Barcelona attacking midfielder was replaced by teenage club colleague Salma Paralluelo in the only change from the side which beat Sweden 2-1 in the semifinals.

Putellas’s tournament has never really got going as she struggles to regain form and fitness after a serious knee injury.

Spain’s midfielder Alexia Putellas attends a training session at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 19, 2023 on the eve of the Women’s World Cup final football match between Spain and England. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

England coach Sarina Wiegman resisted the temptation to recall Chelsea attacker Lauren James after her two-game ban ended.

James was named on the bench as Wiegman named unchanged side from the one that defeated co-hosts Australia 3-1 in the semi-finals.

Teams:

Spain (4-3-2-1): Coll; Battle, Paredes, Codina, Carmona (capt); Bonmati, Abelleira, Hermoso; Redondo, Caldentey; Paralluelo

Coach: Jorge Vilda (ESP)

England (5-3-2): Earps; Bronze, Carter, Bright (capt), Greenwood, Daly; Stanway, Walsh, Toone; Hemp, Russo

Coach: Sarina Wiegman (NED)

Referee: Tori Penso (USA)

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