Jenni Hermoso has been omitted from the Spain squad for the Women’s European Championship, with coach Montse Tome citing excessive competition for spots in her role.
The 35-year-old forward was instrumental in Spain’s World Cup triumph in 2023 and holds the title of the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer. However, her appearances for the national team have dwindled in recent months.
In addition, Hermoso found herself at the centre of a controversy involving former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales, who was convicted of sexual assault for kissing her without consent following Spain’s World Cup victory in Sydney.
Rubiales has claimed that the kiss was consensual.
Currently playing club football for Mexico’s Tigres, Hermoso was last selected for the Spain squad for friendlies against Italy and Canada in October and also represented the team during last year’s Paris Olympics.
“I had a discussion with Jenni (Hermoso) earlier this year,” Tome informed reporters on Tuesday.
“We approached her in the same manner as we did with all players. We evaluated her performance at Tigres, consulted with the coach at various times, and made the necessary decisions based on our assessment of player requirements.”
Tome mentioned that Patri Guijarro, Maite Zubieta, Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati, Vicky Lopez, Mariona Caldentey, and Claudia Pina are all capable of filling Hermoso’s role.
“It’s a challenge to finalise the 23-player roster,” she added.
Spain is placed in Group B of the tournament taking place in Germany, alongside Portugal, Belgium, and Italy. They will face Japan in a warm-up match on June 27 before commencing their campaign against Portugal on July 3.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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