Spain Dominates England in Futsal European Qualifier Showdown
The Spanish national futsal team delivered a resounding 6-0 victory against England in a groundbreaking qualification match for the 2026 European Championship. This historic encounter marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time these two soccer powers had faced each other in this particular format.
The match, held at Sir David Wallace Sports Hall in Loughborough, highlighted the stark contrast between the two teams. England’s futsal program has struggled with minimal support and severe funding cuts, while Spain continues to demonstrate its futsal prowess under coach Jesús Velasco’s leadership.
This triumph follows Spain’s impressive recent performances, including decisive wins against Switzerland (9-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (6-1). The victory solidifies Spain’s dominant position in Group 8, maintaining an impeccable record with 21 goals scored and just one conceded.
TEam approach
The national team’s approach under Velasco has been particularly noteworthy. He has skillfully managed player selections, rotating talent while avoiding overloading players from top clubs like Barça and Jimbee. This strategy allows for continuous talent scouting and potential generational renewal.
Several players made significant impacts during the match. Javi Mínguez stood out with two goals, while newcomers like Adri Rivera contributed with both a goal and an assist. Daniel and Gordillo also made impressive returns to the national team, with Ricardo Mayor from Murcia showing particular promise.
The game wasn’t without its challenges. Spain initially struggled against England’s physical style of play, taking time to adapt to Velasco’s tactical approach. The first half ended with a 2-0 lead, but the team became more comfortable and decisive in the second period.
Interestingly, the match went largely unnoticed by official channels, with no transmission on the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) platforms. The next matchup is scheduled for March 7 at the Javier Lozano Pavilion in Toledo, with additional matches against Swiss and Bosnian teams planned for April.
Spain’s performance continues to build excitement, with the team’s qualification for the European Championship in Latvia and Lithuania seemingly all but assured. However, Velasco’s approach ensures no player’s position is guaranteed, maintaining a competitive and dynamic squad.
