huhhello and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of Spain vs Finland, which starts at 5pm at Stadium MK.
This afternoon’s game is the first game for Group B, arguably one of, if not the most challenging groups in the tournament, with Spain, Denmark and eight-time winner Germany battling for those top two places.
Spain has long been hailed as the bookmakers’ favourites, thanks in no small part to the giant Barcelona’s nine players who won the 2021 Champions League and won Spain’s domestic treble this year.
But their chances were dented when star player Alexia Putellas, regarded as one of the best women in the world and the pivot of Barcelona’s midfield, withdrew from the roster on Tuesday after suffering an ACL injury that left her. at least six months out of competitive football. This absence came shortly after news that Spain’s record scorer Jennifer Hermoso would not be able to take her place in the squad as well.