England avenged their World Cup final loss as they narrowly defeated Spain 1-0 in the Nations League at Wembley.
A game that reflected the physical intensity and action of a major final, it was far from pretty for Sarina Wiegman’s side, but they were able just about to get the job done. The crowd also recognised the significance of this game, rivalling the intensity on the pitch with their support.
It was a tough opening 15 minutes for the home side as Spain gave England an early scare. A corner swung into the box forced a block from England Captain Leah Williamson which fell to Lucia Garcia, whose effort from close range beat the keeper but hit the crossbar in the 12th minute.
The chance acted as a wake-up call for England, as the Lionesses increased the intensity towards the opposition. Lauren James was crucial in revitalising the team’s performance in the first half, providing the strength needed to match Spain’s aggressive approach. Whilst James’ best position has been a popular topic for debate, there is no argument that she is a key figure in this England side.
After growing into the game, England took a deserved lead. Alessio Russo introduced herself into the game after a quiet first half hour with a beautiful turn past Irene Paredes. The Arsenal forward ran into the box and had her shot deflected by Paredes. It was diverted through the traffic of Spanish defenders as it dropped to Jess Park, who stabbed it home to give England a deserved lead.
The home side continued to dominate after the goal, as they frustrated Tome’s side by constructing well-worked attacks down their left side to taking hopeful long shots that Hannah Hampton was more than comfortable saving.
Hampton came in for regular England starter and 2023 Sports Personality of The Year, Mary Earps, and rose to the occasion. The Chelsea goalkeeper singlehandedly kept her side in the lead as she made multiple crucial saves, consistently denying world-class Spanish talent from scoring.
La Roja’s immediately started the second half on the offensive forcing Millie Bright into making a crucial tackle to stop a threatening attack. Spanish chants from the away end of Wembley began to emerge briefly before they were drowned out by the cheers of the home crowd.
A blackout in the stadium caused a brief delay in the match. Fans attempted to Illuminate the stadium with the flashlights on their phone with no prevail. A mix of sincere and sarcastic cheers surrounded the stadium as the lights turned back on a couple of minutes after the incident.
Spain was increasingly on the offensive in the second half, building pressure on the Lionesses however, their strong and resilient defence could keep the Spanish forwards at bay. Chloe Kelly’s surprising emergence from the bench for her 50th cap caused some fans to scream from excitement at her much-anticipated return.
In the last twenty minutes, the tension in the crowd could be cut through by a knife. Every Spanish shot and cross briefly stopped the hearts of fans in attendance. With Spain scoring two late goals in their last outing against Belgium, all supporters in the stadium knew that the Lionesses treaded on thin ice.
English bodies were thrown everywhere to stop Spain from scoring. Wiegman’s team was clearly motivated and determined to get revenge. James and Kelly defended as if they had played fullback for their entire career
The Full-Time whistle was met with a bellow of cheers and dancing around Wembley, a grudge match for the Lionesses but mission success, nonetheless. A huddle from all the England camp soon formed in the middle of the stadium for all fans to see, a big statement with the Euros only a few months away.
England’s victory saw them leapfrog Spain to second place behind Portugal in the Nations League. Wiegman side’s next two opponents in the Nations League are bottom-of-the-group Belgium, a side they will hope to build momentum off as the Euros grow closer.
England: Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson, Millie Bright, Jess Park (Chloe Kelly), Grace Clinton, Alessia Russo (Nikita Parris), Ella Toone (Jess Naz ), Lauren James
Subs not used: Mary Earps, Esme Morgan, Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner, Jess Carter, Aggie Beever-Jones, Anna Moorhouse, Ruby Mace, Laura Blindkilde
Goals: Park 33’
Spain: Catarina Coll; Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Aitana Bonmati, Olga (Leila Ouahabi), Mariona Caldentey, Salma Paralluelo (Alba Redondo), Claudia Pina, Laia Aleixandri (Maite Zubieta), Lucia Garcia (Athenea del Castillo), Maria Mendez
Subs not used: Esther Sullastres, Laia Codina, Cristina Martin-Prieto, Sheila Garcia, Maite Oroz, Vicky Lopez, Adriana Nanclares
