A FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup final rematch saw England edge out Spain at Wembley Stadium in a UEFA Women’s Nations League clash.
Jess Park opened the scoring for the Lionesses after the hard work was done by Alessia Russo, before a closely contested second half saw the Lionesses preserve their deserved advantage
With England missing Lauren Hemp and Georgia Stanway, and Spain missing Alexia Putellas and Patricia Guijarro, it was difficult to predict how this EURO 2025 preview would play out. The entertaining midweek meeting between two of the world’s frontrunners did not disappoint.
The victory sees the Lionesses go level on both points and goal difference with Spain in League A, Group 3.
The Lineups
ENG: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Charles; Clinton, Walsh; Toone, Park, James; Russo
SPA: Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Méndez, Olga; Bonmatí, Aleixandri, Caldentey; Pina, García; Paralluelo
The Action
Salma Paralluelo threatened the English backline before taking too many touches inside of the opening eight minutes after receiving the ball from Olga Carmona. Spain asserted themselves early on, and Lucía García nearly punished Hannah Hampton with the ball at her feet, but the goalkeeper stayed composed to keep possession.
Following a counter-attacking effort by England, the visitors’ dominance continued, as they testing the Lionesses with a corner. García’s hit could find only the crossbar before Wiegman’s side cleared.
The World Champions continued their attacking campaign, and ahead of the 20-minute mark Clàudia Pina’s strike from the edge of the box fired narrowly over the crossbar.
A free kick delivered for England with excellence by Lauren James brought the hosts their first real opportunity of the night and called Cata Coll into action shortly after, but the goalkeeper could not be beaten at the near post. Coll would have to save again when James picked up a stellar ball forward and commandeered the right side of the box. One-on-one with the shot-stopper, James took her shot from close range and was denied by Coll.
England had found their way into the game before half-an-hour had ticked by. With 32 minutes on the clock, Alessia Russo broke brilliantly into the box. The striker’s attempt was kept out by Irene Paredes on the goal-line, but Park was there to tap in the remnant from a short distance out.
Suddenly, the Lionesses were in the driver’s seat of this World Cup rematch. Spain sought after the equaliser, but a stunning save by Hampton kept Wiegman’s EURO 2022 winners ahead. Aitana Bonmatí’s hit had looked bound for the back of the net, but Hampton’s gloves found a way to tip it over.
The second half started with a bang, as some great play between Mariona Caldentey and Paralluelo saw the former’s shot land wide of the goalpost. Caldentey then played it forward to García on the left, whose shot was well-saved by Hampton.
Grace Clinton had a chance at the other end moments later, but Coll was able to save. Spain would be in with the next opportunity, but Millie Bright had little trouble sending it out of the danger zone.
Spain’s attacking prowess continued to make itself known, as García was picked out upfront by her colleagues again. Under pressure from Williamson, the forward could not make the connection and Hampton was out to gather.
More promising play by the guests meant Paralluelo looked through on goal, but she lacked the finished product again and a strong presence at the back for the English bought Hampton the time she needed to claim once again. A flurry of chances for the Spanish side ensued, a dangerous free kick finding Maria Mendez then Caldentey, who sent it flashing into the side netting.
Clinton and James connected on the hunt for England’s second as the final minutes went by. Coll somehow kept it out, and substitute Chloe Kelly was frustrated to be called offside by the officials before she could finish the job.
England Player Ratings
Hannah Hampton – 9/10 – Calm with the ball at her feet and making many impressive saves throughout the course of the match, Hampton proved why she deserves to wear the number one jersey for England.
Lucy Bronze – 9/10 – Continuing her run of really strong form, Bronze was everywhere during the opening half. Her relentlessness continued well into the second.
Leah Williamson – 8/10 – It was not a landmark performance by the England captain, but we know Williamson helps Wiegman’s side stay strong at the back. Communicating with conviction across the field and playing smart to catch the Spanish forwards offside, the centre-back’s second half was an improvement upon the first.
Millie Bright – 9/10 – Defensively sound as usual, Bright’s partnership with Williamson is like few others. Bright commands the space she is in and plays brave football. A sheer determination to win was evident tonight.
Niamh Charles – 8/10 – England’s back four looked cohesively good. Charles knew her job and she did it well – taking Spain to the death is no small feat for any defender.
Grace Clinton – 8/10 – A strong display as Clinton continues to solidify her spot in Wiegman’s lineups. Probably should have scored early in the second half, but a solid performance nonetheless.
Keira Walsh – 8/10 – An exceptional talent in the midfield, Walsh can compete with the best, because she is one of them. Despite Spain’s central players doing well to contain her,
Ella Toone – 6/10 – It was a quiet first half for Toone, with some errors in the middle leaving England vulnerable to possible Spanish counters. The second half was much the same, as Toone seemed to lack the efficacy of her teammates on this occasion. Substituted off in the 84th minute.
Jess Park – 8/10 – After struggling to find her feet in this fixture at first, Park grew into the match and got herself into the right place at the right time to finish off the opening goal. Substituted off in the 64th minute.
Lauren James – 10/10 – James’ set-piece delivery catalysed some of England’s best chances in the first half. Despite lacking service from her teammates at some points, James challenged Ona Battle and showed technical brilliance and phenomenal drive throughout.
Alessia Russo – 8/10 – The build-up to the opening goal showcased Russo’s brilliance. Her ability to receive and hold on to the ball before looking to the target is that of a quality forward. Substituted off in the 64th minute.
Substitutes
Chloe Kelly – 8/10 – Substituted on in the 64th minute. Caught offside in the dying moments of the match, unable to get herself on the scoresheet. A promising performance.
Nikita Parris – 7/10 – Substituted on in the 64th minute. Her first Lionesses appearance in over two years, the attacker looked calm but struggled to have a major impact. Caught in an offside position but looking hungry to stake her claim in the squad, it was a quiet night for the Brighton player.
Jess Naz – N/A – Substituted on in the 84th minute. Not enough minutes played to make a fair judgement.
