SoccerInternational Football

Hermoso Left Out Of Spain Squad Again For 'Sporting Reasons'

about 1 year agoUS
Hermoso Left Out Of Spain Squad Again For 'Sporting Reasons'Source: espn.com
Spain women's national team coach Montse Tomé has once again left 2023 World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso out of the squad for the upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League matches against Portugal. Tomé cited purely "sporting reasons" for the decision regarding Spain's all-time leading goalscorer.

Key Insights

Jenni Hermoso, Spain's top scorer (57 goals), is excluded from the latest national squad.

Coach Montse Tomé explicitly stated the decision was based on "sporting reasons" and performance evaluation.

Hermoso has not played for Spain since October 2024.

This exclusion comes despite Hermoso recently expressing her desire to return to the team and being included in the preliminary squad list.

Why this matters:: Hermoso is a pivotal figure in Spanish football, and her continued absence raises questions, particularly given her prominence during and after the 2023 World Cup controversy involving former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, although the coach insists this is unrelated.

Historical Context:: Hermoso played a central role in Spain's 2023 World Cup victory but was subsequently involved in a major controversy following an unsolicited kiss from Luis Rubiales during the medal ceremony.

In-Depth Analysis

Montse Tomé announced her 23-player roster for the crucial Nations League double-header against Portugal, confirming Jenni Hermoso's omission. While acknowledging Hermoso's importance and recent progress at her club Tigres Femenil (where she has scored 5 goals in 13 league games this season), Tomé emphasized the selection was based on the current needs of the team for these specific matches. "We have evaluated Jenni. We know she is working to come [back] to the national team... We believe the 23 players we have chosen are the ones we need for these two games," Tomé stated.

Importantly, Tomé added that the door remains open for Hermoso's future return: "I've said it many times there is no door close to any player... She is a player that has experience, that has a history in the national team." The preliminary squad reportedly included 71 players, highlighting the competitive selection process.

The squad sees the return of key Barcelona players Alexia Putellas and Patri Guijarro, who missed recent games due to injury. Spain currently sits third in their Nations League group and faces group leaders Portugal away on April 4th before hosting them four days later.

FAQs

Why was Jenni Hermoso left out of the Spain squad?

According to coach Montse Tomé, the decision was made purely for "sporting reasons" based on an evaluation of the players needed for the upcoming matches against Portugal.

Has Jenni Hermoso played for Spain recently?

No, her last appearance for the national team was in October 2024.

Could Hermoso return to the Spain squad in the future?

Yes, coach Tomé confirmed the door is not closed for any player, including Hermoso, and acknowledged her experience and recent efforts.

Key Takeaways

Selection for national teams, even for star players like Hermoso, often depends on current form and specific tactical needs for upcoming games.

Coaches often separate on-field selection decisions from off-field events or past controversies.

Hermoso's journey back to the national team continues, with her performance at the club level being closely monitored.

Discussion

Do you think Jenni Hermoso should be included in the Spain squad based on her record and experience? Let us know your thoughts!

Share this article with others following Spanish women's football!

Sources & References

Source 1: ESPN

Source 2: FotMob

Related Articles

⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer