Euro 2022: Can Spain live up to expectations at Euro 2022?

However, Spain’s hopes of winning their first Euros have been rocked by injuries to two key players.

First, record goalscorer Jennifer Hermoso was ruled out before another huge setback on Tuesday with Alexia Putellas, the reigning holder of the Ballon d’Or, suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament knee injury.

Cortes said the impact of Putellas’ injury, sustained only three days before Spain’s first game against Finland on Friday, meant Spain could no longer be considered the tournament favourites.

“Without Alexia, the level of the Spanish team has decreased a little… after these two good years she wanted to do something big with the national team. She was awaiting this tournament to win something with Spain,” he said.

“It’s really important she is in the team in terms of leadership. But, without Alexia, maybe Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey or Patri Guijarro can assume this role. These other players can go one step forward and be very important to this Spanish team in the tournament.”

England and Everton midfielder Izzy Christiansen said the Barcelona influence gave Spain “a psychological threat against any opponent” and the players had “an innate ability to keep the ball and dominate possession”.

But she said they could find it difficult to break down teams without Putellas, adding: “Whoever replaces Putellas has to have that intelligence.”