England stand with Spain as Rubiales shadow lengthens

When England step out to face Spain at Wembley tonight, there won’t be any talk of “revenge”.

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

Instead, there is a reminder of the importance of speaking up. The Lionesses may have been beaten by Spain in the Fifa Women’s World Cup final in August 2023, but it was what followed on that night in Sydney that continues to overshadow the world champions and their achievements. Jenni Hermoso will not be at Wembley, but the England players will continue to stand in solidarity with the forward and the Spanish team after Luis Rubiales was found guilty of kissing her without her consent during their trophy celebrations.

Over 18 months have passed since what should have been the proudest moment of Hermoso’s career was taken away from her. It was only last week that a Madrid court found the former president of the Spanish football federation guilty of sexual assault, delivering a conclusion, of sorts, to her ordeal. Hermoso has signalled her intention to appeal after Rubiales was cleared of a separate charge of coercion, after allegedly pressuring Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual. Jorge Vilda, Spain’s World Cup-winning coach, was also acquitted of coercion.

There may be a temptation for England and Spain to banish Rubiales, who may also appeal the ruling, from their thoughts as they meet again on the Wembley stage – but what occurred at the Women’s World Cup final left such a mark on the women’s game that it cannot be forgotten. “I think we have to keep talking about it, unfortunately,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman, “and we have to keep telling the world that we stand in solidarity with them and hopefully it will make change. I think it has already made change.”