England took a big step towards automatically qualifying for the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win against Spain at Wembley.
It was the first meeting between the two teams since the Euro 2025 final in July, when the Lionesses defended their title with a penalty shootout victory after losing to La Roja in the World Cup final two years ago.
Home games against the world’s top-ranked sides are always England’s biggest games, and Lauren Hemp got things off to the perfect start with an opener within three minutes.
It appeared to be well over the goal line before Spain scooped it up, but as Hemp drove off in celebration, goal-line technology confirmed it had gone an inch beyond it.
The Manchester City winger could have scored a second goal soon after, but he could only find the post. England had chances in the first half through narrow margins through Keira Walsh and Alessia Russo, but Spain were uncharacteristically slow in attack and managed just one shot on target.
Things changed at the start of the first half. In an end-to-end battle, both teams wasted big chances. Olga Carmona and Vicky Lopez both hit shots on the wooden frame, but the former also had to be confirmed by goal-line technology as the game was decided by a close margin.
Lucia Kendall, Lauren James and Russo all had agonizing shots at the other end as England continued to search for moments.
Hannah Hampton was needed in the second half as Edna Imade nodded in from a corner kick, but the goalkeeper denied the Bayern Munich forward from close range.
Hannah Hampton also did the same thing late to diss Edna Imade
It was a great result, with England leading Group A3 with a three-point lead over Spain. Only the team that tops their group will automatically qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil, with the second-place team advancing to the play-offs.
The Lionesses will play their second qualifier of the season in Iceland on Saturday, while Spain will face Ukraine in Cordoba.
“We’re making progress, but we need to prepare for Iceland.”
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Serena Wigman spoke highly of her team at the press conference after the England vs. Spain match at Wembley.
England manager Sarina Wigman told ITV Sport:
“I’m really happy. We got a good result. We had to defend a lot, but we know that Spain are very good on the ball. We have to defend well and be really compact.”
“We took our chances, they took their chances, but sometimes you have to fight to win and that’s what we did.”
“We wanted to be in the higher blocks, but they pushed us back. We could have handled the ball more and created more momentum. As soon as we got into their half of the pitch, we made them uncomfortable.”
Lauren Hemp celebrates early goal in Women’s World Cup qualifier against Spain
“It’s a big step forward (in terms of qualifying for the World Cup).
“It’s tough right now. We’ll recover tonight and prepare for the game against Iceland tomorrow. It’s a quick game. It was an intense game. We’re happy now, but we’ll switch to Iceland soon.”
On Walsh’s 100th cap: “It was good timing for her to play here at Wembley against Spain and win 1-0.
“Tonight shows her entire development and what she brings to our team. It’s not just about football, it’s also about bringing the team together.”
“We can’t go head-to-head with Spain.”
England midfielder Keira Walsh told ITV Sport:
“Everyone knows that we can’t go toe-to-toe with Spain in terms of possession.
“Our plan was to stay in the low blocks and move forward when we had a chance. We had a chance at the end, but it’s an unbelievable team.”
On reaching 100 caps: “Of course I never thought I’d be able to do it. Getting 100 is something I never take for granted.”
Keira Walsh (centre left) captained England in her 100th appearance.
Narrow difference and England’s determination decide heavyweight showdown
Charlotte Marsh on Sky Sports at Wembley:
“Winning against Spain is always a big thing, but in this context it adds something more, especially between England and Spain.
“Barring a catastrophe or an unprecedented breakthrough from Iceland or Ukraine, they will probably fight through.
“In recent history, these two have been trading blows like heavyweight boxers in major tournaments and the Nations League. AJ and Fury have nothing to do with each other.
“But England showed on Tuesday that not only can they compete with the best teams, but they can also do without some of their regular starters.
Vicky Lopez missed multiple chances as England beat Spain
“Lotte Uben-Moy and Esme Morgan did a good job as a centre-back duo in the absence of Leah Williamson. “I’m very proud of them, they were ready,” Wiegmann said of the defenders.
“‘They are performing very well with their club. Lotte have already had three major tournaments and so has Esme… They showed up today. It says a lot about them and they should be proud of themselves.’
“Lucia Kendall also proved to be a very capable member in the absence of Ella Thune and Grace Clinton.
“Then there were some great performances from players we often see. Hemp played little, especially in the first half, but was quiet after the break as he was marked by Spain and sent off.”
“Walsh did a great job on her 100th cap and Alessia Russo is full of confidence. She only had a few moments with the ball but was effective against the opposition but was unlucky not to score. “She ran herself into the ground and proved that her work off the ball is just as important as her work on the ball.”
“In the end, the game was decided by a close margin, borne out by goal-line skill but also by England’s defensive determination.
“They still have a return game in June – their toughest qualifying match – and will need that same spirit again to finish the season as Group A3 winners.”
