England took a big step towards automatic qualification for the Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Spain at Wembley.
It is the first time the two teams have met since the Euro 2025 final in July, where the Lionesses won on penalties to defend their title after losing to La Roja in the World Cup final two years ago.
A home game against a world-class side will always be England’s biggest game and they got off to the perfect start as Lauren Hemp slotted home the opener after three minutes.
It looked like it had gone all the way over the line before Spain cleared it, and goal-line technology confirmed it had crossed the line by an inch when Hemp wheeled around in celebration.
The Manchester City winger could have scored a second goal soon after but could only find the post. England continued to have the better chances in the first half. Keira Walsh and Alessia Russo came close. Spain managed just one shot as their attack looked uncharacteristically blunt.
Things changed as the first half began with both teams wasting big chances. Olga Carmona and Vicky Lopez both hit the post. The former also needed confirmation through goal-line technology because the game was decided by a small margin.
Lauren Hemp celebrates scoring her first goal against Spain in a Women’s World Cup qualifier.
Lucia Kendall, Lauren James and Russo fired agonizingly at the other end as England continued to probe for a while.
Edna Imade’s header from a corner meant Hannah Hampton needed it, but the goalkeeper denied the Bayern Munich forward from point-blank range.
Vicky Lopez missed several chances as England beat Spain
It is a tremendous result that England leads Group A3 ahead of Spain by three points. Only the team that wins the group automatically qualifies for next summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil, while the runner-up team advances to the playoffs.
The Lionesses play their second qualifier in Iceland on Saturday, while Spain face Ukraine in Córdoba.
More to follow.
