England defeated Spain at Wembley as Jess Park’s aim secured victory for the Lionesses within the rematch of the Women’s World Cup remaining.
Park’s end from shut vary, following Alessia Russo’s flip and dribble into the field, secured England their best victory in almost 18 months and can give Sarina Wiegman’s facet hope forward of this summer time’s European Championships.
World champions Spain had loads of possibilities at Wembley, with Lucia Garcia hitting the crossbar early within the recreation and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton having to make a string of necessary saves within the second half.
But England survived waves of stress to shut out victory. England drew their opening Nations League match in Portugal however victory towards Spain, who defeated Belgium on Friday, is a lift to their probabilities of reaching the finals.
Follow all the newest updates from Wembley in our stay weblog under:
England vs Spain LIVE: Latest Nations League updates
-
FULL TIME! England maintain on to beat Spain 1-0 at Wembley
-
Lionesses absorb waves of stress after Jess Park’s first-half aim
-
86′ OFF THE LINE! Lauren James shot cleared away (ENG 1-0 ESP)
-
32′ GOAL! England lead as Jess Park bundles in from shut vary (ENG 1-0 ESP)
-
24′ SAVE! James performed by means of by Bright change however Coll saves (ENG 0-0 ESP)
-
11′ OFF THE BAR! Garcia rattles submit after England fail to clear nook (ENG 0-0 ESP)
Wiegman lauds England defenders
23:09 , Arthur Ferridge
The Lionesses again line shone as they battled to a 1-0 win over Spain. Lucy Bronze specifically rolled again the years to provide a classic efficiency, conserving Aitana Bonmati quiet for a lot of the 90 minutes, whereas Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton all produced equally spectacular performances.
Wiegman acknowledged this at full time, saying: “We know we have to defend really well to keep the ball out of the net.
“We had a couple of opportunities but overall we’re very happy with how the team stood up and how hard we worked to get the win over the line.”
Wiegman: “We fought for every yard.”
23:01 , Arthur Ferridge
Wiegman additionally highlighted her facet’s combating spirit of their nervy win over Spain.
She stated: “I’m really happy with the win. It was an absolute team performance and we fought for every yard. A very intense game and we had some very good moments in the game.
“I think the fight and the togetherness is the most important thing and it always starts with that. It helps to improve your game.
“Of course it gives a boost when you win then. At the same time you want to see improvements and that is what I saw today.”
Sarina Wiegman: “We showed again tonight that we can compete with the best”
22:53 , Arthur Ferridge
Sarina Wiegman sees tonights win as a press release of intent for her England facet, saying they proved they will compete with the very best.
She stated: “Of course it gives us a boost. We showed again tonight that we can compete with the best. We have shown that before and it was really good to show that again, maybe for ourselves.
“The fans who were in the stadium I think enjoyed the game. We’re on a journey and we had four friendlies where we tried out lots of things. Some things go really well and some things don’t go really well. The games are not easy anymore.”
Montse Tomé: “We deserved more”
22:47 , Arthur Ferridge
Montse Tomé has advised the press that her Spain facet deserved extra from the match, and it’s robust to disagree together with her.
With nearly all of the possession and loads of attacking guile, they are going to be past pissed off to make the journey house empty handed.
She stated: “I think the players performed at a high level. We played to win.”
Toni Duggan is acknowledged for her time within the England fold
22:41 , Arthur Ferridge
Toni Duggan was introduced with a framed England shirt earlier than the match in the present day in recognition of her time taking part in for England, throughout which she made 79 appearances and scored 22 objectives.
England miss out on Group A high spot
22:34 , Arthur Ferridge
England’s three factors tonight take them to a tally of 4 for this Nations League marketing campaign, however outcomes elsewhere are conserving them off high spot.
Portugal’s one-goal win over Belgium means they match England for factors, aim distinction, objectives for and objectives towards, although they are going to stay in first place till the following worldwide break in April.
The spotlight of the night time
22:25 , Arthur Ferridge
One aim made the distinction, and Jess Park has already known as it one of the memorable of her profession! Take one other look right here.
Hampton on battle for the primary shirt
22:20 , Arthur Ferridge
Hannah Hampton has weighed in on the race for the England primary shirt after taking part in a key position in tonight’s win.
Whether she or Mary Earps will begin on the Euros has been a key a part of the narrative surrounding tonight’s match, and such a show from Hampton will definitely enhance her inventory as Wiegman makes her determination.
Hampton stays humble although, saying: “I am just here to play my own game, I know what I can bring to the team. Mary is a brilliant goalkeeper, you’ve seen that in the last few tournaments. I am focusing on myself. When I am happy I play my best football, I just have to put myself in the shop window.”
Sarina Wiegman: Togetherness and battle gained England the sport
22:15 , Arthur Ferridge
Sarina Wiegman speaks to ITV at full-time, citing England’s staff spirit as a key issue of their win.
On the efficiency: “I think the whole game was very impressive, very high tempo, very intense. The work the team put in and the togetherness, that showed off today.”
On Jess Park’s aim: “I think she needed that too, this performance helps us a lot. We have been working so hard but think shave not gone our way. Now it goes. Jess grew into the pace of the game and did really well.”
On England’s self-belief: “Winning always helps and we know where we want to go. We just want to improve every single day. The best thing is the togetherness and the fight that we put in today. Next time when we play Belgium we will want to take it to the next level again.”
The full time stat board
22:10 , Arthur Ferridge
The full time numbers make for disagreeable studying for Spaniards among the many viewers. It was a recreation of nice margins, and Spain had been arguably unlucky to come back off second finest.
The guests’ assault operated on a quantity-over-quality foundation, with simply 5 pictures on course out of 20 tried. Seven corners got here to nought, as did the close to 60% possession they loved.
Hannah Hampton’s 5 saves saved England within the recreation, permitting them to take full benefit of the one aim they managed.
Jess Park speaks after scoring profitable aim: “Its a brilliant feeling”
22:01 , Arthur Ferridge
Jess Park speaks to ITV at full-time, saying that she could always remember this night time,
On England’s efficiency: “I thought we were really good in and out of possession, we battled hard in and out of possession and came out with the win which is so good.”
On whether or not this may give the staff confidence: “Loads of confidence, loads of belief, and we will take it through to our next games.”
How did it really feel to attain the winner? “Yeah, probably, it’s a brilliant feeling! I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”
FT: England 1-0 Spain
21:55 , Arthur Ferridge
England climate the storm by means of an injury-time onslaught to select up three factors which can stay lengthy within the reminiscence.
Jess Park’s first half aim finally made the distinction, with Bronze, Bright, Williamson and Hampton stopping Spain from flipping the narrative as they poured ahead at each alternative. Despite Bonmati and Caldentey’s finest efforts, it was a battling defensive show from England that finally gained out.
It is a press release win forward of England’s Euros defence marketing campaign in the summertime.
Reaction to come back…
England 1-0 Spain
21:48 , Arthur Ferridge
90mins: Spain go shut but once more as Hampton swats away a harmful cross. A follow-up cross comes shut, however Castillo’s header goes extensive. Maybe it simply isn’t meant to be for Spain tonight?
Five minutes added on.
England 1-0 Spain
21:45 , Arthur Ferridge
86 minutes: How on Earth has that stayed out? Its one other big probability for Lauren James, who receives the ball in acres of house because of a tidy cross from Clinton, firing a strong shot at aim.
Coll makes the save however spills it, however nearly manages to gather the ball earlier than the approaching Chloe Kelly can sneak the rebound.
England 1-0 Spain
21:41 , Arthur Ferridge
83mins: Subs aplenty with seven minutes remaining. Parralluelo comes off in favour of Redondo, and Aleixandri makes means for Maite Zubieta. England introduce Jess Naz for Toone.
Parralluelo returning to the bench might be the very best factor to have occurred to England within the second half.
England 1-0 Spain
21:36 , Arthur Ferridge
78 minutes: Parralluelo continues to pose a tangible menace. She burns Niamh Charles and breaks into the field, pulling again a neat cross, however there isn’t a purple shirt within the space to fulfill it.
Just over 10 minutes remaining as England defend an unsure lead.
England 1-0 Spain
21:31 , Arthur Ferridge
74mins: It is getting tougher to argue that anybody apart from Hannah Hampton might be tonight’s Player of the Match. Leila Ouhabi hits one other from vary and forces one more spectacular save of the keeper.
Caldentey rifles one into the facet netting from the next nook.
England 1-0 Spain
21:28 , Arthur Ferridge
69mins: It is Spain making substitutions now, as Garcia is changed by Del Castillo, who has donned the quantity 10 shirt. The winger has an instantaneous impression as she threads a by means of ball to Pina, who in flip finds Paralluelo within the field, however she can’t fairly get the shot off.
England’s one-goal lead trying extra nervous by the minute. A second aim would do wonders for alleviating the constructing sense of tension within the stadium.
England 1-0 Spain
21:24 , Arthur Ferridge
65 minutes: Sarina Wiegman was criticised final week for making her substitutions too late as England drew 1-1 with Portugal. She made one at halftime, then no extra till the 83rd minute.
She has switched it up this time, making two adjustments simply previous the hour mark. Remains to be seen whether or not it pays off, however the proactivity is encouraging to see.
England 1-0 Spain
21:21 , Arthur Ferridge
63mins: England make adjustments, as Nikita Parris replaces Russo, and Chloe Kelly makes her fiftieth England look, changing Jess Park.
England 1-0 Spain
21:16 , Arthur Ferridge
58mins: Parraluello goes by means of on aim however is known as very narrowly offside. Once once more, a let off for the hosts.
With half an hour remaining, this might nonetheless go both means.
England 1-0 Spain
21:12 , Arthur Ferridge
54mins: How many instances tonight have we seen a Spain participant reduce in off the precise flank, curl a shot in direction of the far nook, and narrowly miss?
Bonmati provides one other one to the tally, narrowly lacking as soon as once more.
England 1-0 Spain
21:10 , Arthur Ferridge
51mins: Play involves a halt briefly because the lights have gone out at Wembley Stadium!
The enviornment has been plunged into darkness because the floodlights reduce inexplicably and supporters helpfully change on their cellphone flashlights to mild the best way.
The lights are again on after a second, although. We are again underway.
50mins: England 1-0 Spain
21:08 , Arthur Ferridge
50mins: It is England’s flip to drive goalwards this time as Bronze performs Park into the realm. She pulls one again into the field for Clinton, whose shot is definitely saved.
Box to field stuff right here at Wembley. Something has to offer…
England 1-0 Spain
21:06 , Arthur Ferridge
49mins: Spain have come out fast within the second half. A piercing by means of ball from Caldentey sends Garcia by means of on aim however Hampton, as soon as once more, is the same as to her shot. She denies the Spaniard together with her foot.
England 1-0 Spain
21:04 , Arthur Ferridge
45mins: Spain cruise straight into the England penalty space to begin the second half however a superbly positioned Millie Bright sort out cancels the menace.
Moments later, Mariona Caldentey and Parraluello mix to create a implausible probability, however the Arsenal star’s shot flies extensive.
Lucy Bronze goes down off the ball with what seems like an ankle harm, however she appears match to hold on.
Second half begins: England 1-0 Spain
21:02 , Arthur Ferridge
45 minutes: The groups are again out and we’re again underway!
Based on the final quarter of an hour, England might want to present a little bit of resilience to get this over the road. They have managed to carry up beneath an attacking barrage from Spain to date, however whether or not the defence can maintain will probably be a key level.
Keeping Lauren James on the ball and Aitana Bonmati off it as a lot as potential can even work wonders for England.
The halftime statistics
20:56 , Arthur Ferridge
It was finally a powerful first half from England regardless of a gradual begin, although Spain might (and doubtless ought to) have scored at the very least one among their possibilities.
Spain have loved nearly all of possession however solely simply, with 55.4%. Both sides have had 3 pictures on course, and the guests have dedicated seven fouls to the hosts’ 5.
Plenty has been stated about England’s lack of medical edge, and that’s properly evidenced by the truth that six corners have gone begging with little aim menace created.
Just the one reserving to date, awarded to Spain captain Irene Paredes.
HALF TIME – England 1-0 Spain
20:48 , Jamie Braidwood
Still a protracted option to go, however England have been glorious in spells towards the world champions. So far, sufficient of Sarina Wiegman’s facet are profitable their particular person battles, with Lauren James, Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze all very good. Jess Park has been tenacious, together with as she popped as much as bundle in England’s aim.
England 1-0 Spain
20:46 , Arthur Ferridge
43mins: This is quick changing into an evening-defining rivalry because the England goalie denies Bonmati as soon as once more.
Spain are knocking on the door, although, having responded properly to Park’s aim. England will do properly to maintain their benefit at halftime.
England 1-0 Spain
20:43 , Arthur Ferridge
40mins: Paralluelo is making an actual nuisance of herself down the precise flank. She cuts in and curls one in direction of the far submit once more, forcing one other save out of Hampton.
Charles is nearly containing her, however it’s no imply feat.
England 1-0 Spain
20:39 , Arthur Ferridge
37 minutes: The Spanish artillery is admittedly getting heat now. Bonmati unleashes a high-velocity shot from lengthy vary however it’s proper at Hampton. It seems to have stung her palms a bit of because the Chelsea shot-stopper parries it down.
England 1-0 Spain
20:37 , Arthur Ferridge
36mins: The complete stadium leans ahead of their seats as Parraluello whips one goalwards from vary and goes agonisingly near an emphatic equaliser.
Wembley Stadium breaths a sigh of aid.
GOAL: England 1-0 Spain
20:34 , Arthur Ferridge
32 minutes: Jess Park opens the scoring! A implausible spell for England they usually get what has been coming to them.
Clinton finds Russo on the left facet of the field. She rolls her marker and takes a deflected shot at aim which falls kindly for Park to knock house.
European champions one, world champions nil.
England 0-0 Spain
20:29 , Arthur Ferridge
26 minutes: A halfhearted penalty cry for England as Williamson is hauled down within the field by Aleixandri, however the referee is having none of it. Play on.
England have grown into this match as we strategy the half-hour mark, a lot improved from the opening exchanges. A primary aim can’t be distant.
England 0-0 Spain
20:26
24 minutes: Unbelievably, it’s nonetheless goalless! Millie Bright performs James in, exercising the Chelsea connection, and the latter shoots from a decent angle forcing one other good save from Coll.
England 0-0 Spain
20:23 , Arthur Ferridge
24 minutes: Lauren James is clearly within the temper for this. She picks the ball up deep in her personal half, shrugs off the press and performs a stunning by means of ball to Charles, who wins a foul on the nook of the Spain penalty space.
James shoots at aim and forces a great save from Coll. She follows it up with a tantalising cross – James has singlehandedly put England on the entrance foot within the final 5 minutes.
England 0-0 Spain
20:21 , Arthur Ferridge
19mins: Charles loses the ball on the sting of the realm, and naturally, it drops proper to Bonmati. She shoots over from the sting of the realm – a significant let off for England.
England 0-0 Spain
20:19 , Arthur Ferridge
17 minutes: That is extra prefer it – Lucy Bronze units her sights on Bonmati as she makes an attempt to play out from the again and hounds her out of play, profitable a nook within the act.
Bronze seems greater than a bit of happy with herself as she tracks again.
England 0-0 Spain
20:19 , Jamie Braidwood
17 minutes: Incredible work from Bronze to press Bonmati from Spain’s 18-yard line and pressure the Barcelona star to concede a nook. It sums up England’s strategy off the ball to date. The hosts will drop off when Spain have possession however are ready to step in and be bodily aggressive when the second comes.
England 0-0 Spain
20:17 , Arthur Ferridge
14 minutes: England stay beneath the cosh as Spain document their third nook of the night time already.
The broadcast cuts to Sarina Wiegman, who’s trying moderately dissatisfied in her dugout after a subpar opening quarter of an hour.
England 0-0 Spain
20:13 , Arthur Ferridge
11 minutes: That’s the very best probability of the sport to date! England fail to clear the ball after a nook and Garcia shoots from the sting of the six-yard field, rattling the crossbar.
A actuality test for the Lionesses, to make sure.
England 0-0 Spain
20:10 , Arthur Ferridge
9 minutes: Hampton is nearly caught in possession there, however is awarded a doubtful foul as Garcia will get a bit of overzealous in her pressurizing.
England head straight again down the opposite finish off the again of the free kick and the gang wakes up as James will get on the ball, however no actual menace is created.
England 0-0 Spain
20:07 , Arthur Ferridge
7 minutes: What will probably be key to an England win tonight will probably be taking part in the sport on their very own phrases, they usually haven’t been ready to take action up to now.
Spain have dominated possession within the opening exchanges, with an efficient press making certain England get little achieved once they do have the ball.
England 0-0 Spain
20:05 , Arthur Ferridge
3 minutes: The opening exchanges are moderately cagey, till Salma Paralluelo will get on the ball. She drives at Lucy Bronze with a remarkably direct dribble and wins a nook, which involves nought.
It will probably be some job for Bronze to include her tonight.
KICKOFF: England 0-0 Spain
20:01 , Arthur Ferridge
0 minutes: Ella Toone will get us going beneath the lights at Wembley Stadium. A tantalising 90 minutes on the best way!
Worth noting that Spain’s beginning XI contains seven gamers who began in that fateful remaining again in 2022. Doubt that’ll be something to fret about.
Here we go!
19:55 , Arthur Ferridge
Kickoff is now simply 5 minutes away!
The two sides enter the pitch beneath an unimaginable Wembley mild present, pyrotechnics and all.
Just the anthems to go, then we will probably be underway.
“Everything about her is world class”
19:50 , Arthur Ferridge
Ian Wright is heaping reward on Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati, and why not?
The Spaniard lays critical declare to the ‘greatest of all time’ debate, and her trophy cupboard speaks for itself.
FIve Liga F titles, three UWCL titles, six Copa de la Reina. Oh, and two Balons d’Or for good measure.
Toone, Walsh, and Clinton could have an unenviable job on their fingers tonight as they try to include her in midfield.
quarter-hour to kickoff
19:44 , Arthur Ferridge
Kickoff will not be distant now, so let’s look throughout the water. Elsewhere in League A, Group 3, Belgium host Portugal in what’s presently a goalless draw after half an hour.
A win for both facet will see them transfer high of the group briefly, pending the ultimate rating at Wembley.
Why has Hannah Hampton are available in for Mary Earps?
19:41 , Arthur Ferridge
Since making the transfer to Chelsea in 2023, Hannah Hampton has made a degree of difficult Mary Earps for the England #1 shirt.
There could be very little to separate the 2 when it comes to shot-stopping or distributing skills, so why has Earps been dropped?
The pair have been splitting duties for a while now, with Earps that includes primarily by means of the World Cup final summer time, however with much less necessary matches on the horizon, Wiegman is taking the chance to experiment.
Nations League matches have little consequence ought to they go awry – even with a loss in the present day, England will probably be in no hazard of lacking out on Euros qualification. So, why not give Hampton a run out? This is her audition to take the beginning position on a everlasting foundation in the summertime.
Wiegman: No determination made on primary keeper
19:29 , Arthur Ferridge
Sarina Wiegman speaks to ITV forward of kickoff, bearing on the goalkeeper debate, Grace Clinton’s transfer into midfield, and what this match means.
On Hampton and Earps: “We have two world class goalkeepers competing for the number one position and we haven’t decided yet. The closer the Euros come, the more important that decision will be. We trust both of them, tonight it is Hannah Hampton.”
A take a look at for Clinton: “It will be a test for everyone on the pitch. We have a lot of changes, new players coming in. I hope [Clinton] does as well as everyone else on the pitch.”
On whether or not Spain gives extra studying alternatives: “I think so, I think you learn from every game, but you get exposed when you don’t do well. I hope tonight we can get our best performance on the pitch.”
Who is Claudia Pina?
19:25 , Arthur Ferridge
Wearing the quantity 9 shirt for Spain tonight is Claudia Pina, making simply her seventh look for the nationwide facet.
Lining up on the precise wing, she will probably be excessive on confidence after scoring an important aim towards Belgium final day trip.
The Barcelona star has fought onerous to ascertain herself in such a gifted Spain squad, scoring 35 objectives in 29 appearances for the U17 outfit earlier than shortly progressing by means of youth ranges, making her first staff debut towards Denmark in 2021.
After graduating from Barcelona’s La Masia academy, she has grow to be a fixture within the first staff, making 104 appearances since debuting in 2017.
Alexia Putellas is a fan of hers, telling Diario Sport that “things always happen when she has the ball.”
Chelsea dominate the Lionesses squad
19:17 , Arthur Ferridge
More than half of the Lionesses beginning XI tonight are present Chelsea gamers.
That can solely be a great factor. Sonia Bompastor’s Blues stay unbeaten to date this season and maintain a commanding lead on the high of the WSL.
The six Blues embrace a few of the most embellished gamers within the recreation:
– Hannah Hampton, GK
– Lucy Bronze, RB
– Millie Bright, CB
– Niamh Charles, LB
– Kiera Walsh, CM
– Lauren James, LW
EURO 2025 kicks off in 127 days
19:12
England’s could have their first alternative to defend their EURO 2022 title this summer time, and it’s really not as distant because it may appear.
With simply 127 days to go till the opening match, during which Switzerland will face Norway, tonight will function a litmus take a look at. Are England actually prepared to return beneath the microscope, or are Spain higher positioned to carry the trophy in July?
Spain are actually the top-ranked staff in Europe in keeping with FIFA’s leaderboards, and England can’t even lay declare to the second-place sport having been leapfrogged by Germany in December.
With the world (and tens of 1000’s of followers within the stadium) watching, now could be nearly as good an opportunity as any for England to indicate what they will do.
With solely 4 extra friendlies to play earlier than the match, time is quick working out for Wiegman to kick her staff into gear.
Plenty of completely satisfied reunions at Wembley!
19:05 , Arthur Ferridge
The prematch pitch inspection seems to be fairly a sociable affair!
Plenty of present and former teammates are reunited forward of kickoff.
LINEUPS: Wiegman and Tomé lay their playing cards on the desk
18:51 , Arthur Ferridge
Both sides have gone for robust lineups.
Just the one change for England, as Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton is available in for Mary Earps. Spain rotate extra, including Lucia Garcia up high and dropping Mariona Caldentey into midfield.
Here are the complete lineups:
England: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Charles; Clinton, Walsh, Toone; Park, Russo, James
Spain: Coll; Batlle, Parades, Mendez, Carmona; Aleixandri, Bonmati, Caldentey; Paralluelo, L Garcia, Pina
Mariona Caldentey to tug the strings for Spain
18:50 , Arthur Ferridge
Another Arsenal star set to star at Wembley is Mariona Caldentey. She has grow to be a fast fan favorite in N5, typically deploying on the wings or as a roaming attacking midfielder, scoring 5 objectives to date in her debut season.
She takes up the same position within the nationwide setup, racking up extra aim contributions than another member of the Spain squad for the reason that begin of final yr (12).
Caldentey stays on red-hot type, too, with one aim and three assists in her final three appearances.
One to look at: Alessia Russo
18:46 , Arthur Ferridge
With each passing day, it will get tougher to debate the Lionesses with out mentioning Alessia Russo.
After a gradual begin to the season, she has rediscovered her finest type beneath Renee Slegers, recovering to eight objectives and two assists in 14 appearances. That is translating properly into her worldwide performances.
She has been concerned in additional objectives than another England participant for the reason that begin of 2024 (7).
Spain are proving to be one thing of a bogey staff, although. She is but to attain towards Las Rojas in three appearances (127 minutes).
Last day trip: Spain 3-2 Belgium
18:41 , Arthur Ferridge
Las Rojas kicked off their Nations League marketing campaign with an all-action win over Belgium at Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.
They left it late to safe the three factors, including two injury-time objectives to equalise and take the lead.
Mariam Toloba opened the scoring for Belgium after 18 minutes, with Inter Milan’s Tessa Wullaert doubling the benefit with 72 minutes on the clock.
Claudia Pina would pull one again for the hosts with lower than 1 / 4 of an hour remaining earlier than Lucia Garcia of Barcelona equalised with a 92nd-minute tap-in.
The winner would come simply 4 minutes later as calamitous Belgium defending did not dispossess Salma Paralluelo, whose deflected shot was completed by Cristina Martin-Prieto, triggering emphatic celebrations on the Spanish bench.
Montse Tomé is anticipating fireworks beneath the Wembley arch
18:35 , Arthur Ferridge
Tomé is clearly relishing the prospect of a primary journey to Wembley Stadium because the nationwide staff supervisor. After downing France and Belgium in current outings, tonight represents one more alternative to resume Spain’s credentials because the world’s finest.
She stated: “‘It will be a top level match, between the World champions and the European champions, it has to be a beautiful spectacle of women’s football.
“We plan to play on the front foot, get into the box and score goals and that’s what we’ll be looking for tomorrow. England have a strong attacking game, a midfield that plays well, their right wing has a lot of attacking potential.”
There is always room for improvement, though. Despite scoring 16 goals in their last six outings, she believes her side can be more clinical: “We generate a lot of chances and sometimes we don’t score. We have to improve. Now, we have to play a great team, one of the best in the world. Every game at international level requires the best of us and we have to be very focused on the game.”
A dubious honour looms for a Lionesses legend in the making
18:27 , Arthur Ferridge
Keira Walsh is closing in on an unwanted Lionesses record. Should she play tonight and fail to score, she will draw equal with Rachel Brown as the most capped Lioness to have never scored for the Three Lions.
Tonight would be Walsh’s 82nd cap, making her one of the skilled members of the present squad.
Walsh made an emphatic deadline day switch from Barcelona to Chelsea in January, returning to the WSL after three seasons in Spain. While there, she grew to become a two-time Champions League winner, knocking Chelsea out within the semi-finals final season.
Arsenal teammates set to go head-to-head
18:20 , Arthur Ferridge
Arsenal stars could properly make the distinction tonight, as three Lionesses and two Spaniards ply their commerce in N5.
For the house facet, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo are each more likely to begin in assault, with the latter trying so as to add to her 21 England objectives after scoring towards Portugal final week. Stalwart defender Leah Williamson stays Wiegman’s first alternative for the captain’s armband.
Lining up throughout from them are fellow Gunners Laia Codina and Mariona Caldentey, who has been one thing of a sensation since signing from Barcelona final summer time. Her 5 objectives and two assists marks her as one among Arsenal’s most efficient forwards and a transparent fan favorite.
Versatile defender Codina has been equally impactful. She will tonight fulfill her dream of taking part in at Wembley Stadium. Russo experiences she is “buzzing.”
How does the Nations League work?
18:15 , Arthur Ferridge
This is the query on everyone’s minds forward of any worldwide break. The reply will not be simple, so here’s a transient crash course.
We are presently within the League Phase, the place groups are sorted into three divisions based mostly on prior efficiency within the competitors and play a round-robin for promotion or relegation. Those three leagues are additionally damaged down into 4 teams of 4.
The winner of every group progresses to the Nations League finals, a knockout match which decides the final word Nations League champion.
The high eight groups in Group A on the end result of the League Phase qualify for Euro 2025.
Toni Duggan is among the many legends at Wembley tonight
18:09 , Arthur Ferridge
Keep a watch on the pitch at halftime this night – legendary Lioness Toni Duggan is ready to obtain a “special presentation” celebrating her retirement. The winger has 38 WSL objectives to her identify following stints with Everton and Manchester City, including three League Cups, two FA Cups, and one WSL title to her resume.
She can be set to be introduced together with her Legacy Cap alongside Ellen White, Rachel Williams, Jo Potter, Fara Williams and Clare Wheatley.
Legacy Caps are introduced to all Lionesses, prominently that includes every participant’s distinctive Legacy Number. They had been first introduced to have fun the Lionesses’ fiftieth anniversary in 2022.
The numbers say it might go both means
18:04 , Arthur Ferridge
The Lionesses have by no means misplaced at house to Spain, profitable 5 of their eight encounters. The most up-to-date of these wins, although, was almost three years in the past, when a late Ella Toone equaliser and extra-time Georgia Stanway winner put England into the semi-finals of Euro 2022. England would go on to win the match.
Despite that, Spain have spectacular type on the highway, profitable six of eight away matches beneath Montse Tome, the supervisor appointed in September 2023.
Spain are additionally probably the most environment friendly goalscorers within the Women’s Nations League, scoring extra objectives per recreation (3.4) than another nation.
Russo: “We want to be moving forward” from World Cup defeat
17:57 , Arthur Ferridge
Alessia Russo stated the Lionesses will not be concerned with taking revenge for the 2023 World Cup Final defeat, the place Olga Carmona’s first-half aim finally made the distinction.
She stated: “Revenge kind of reflects on the past a little bit. We’re a new team and we’ve got lots of new faces and lots of new qualities within the squad now.
“We don’t want to be looking back. Obviously, it hurt. You can ask every player that was in that game and it wasn’t nice to lose out but we want to be moving forward.
“We’ve got a new opportunity – we’re back at Wembley and we’ve got all of our fans there and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Are the Lionesses on type?
17:45 , Arthur Ferridge
Oddly, it’s not a very simple query to reply. England have solely misplaced one among their final 9, a 3-4 pleasant loss to Germany at Wembley in October, however have did not impress in more moderen fixtures, edging previous Switzerland 1-0 and grinding out a goalless draw towards Emma Hayes’ USA.
A laborious 1-1 draw to Portugal final day trip has grow to be a case examine of the facet’s current struggles: the Lionesses confirmed an absence of urgency and struggled to transform their possibilities, with Sarina Wiegman going through criticism for her late substitutions, solely one among which got here earlier than the eightieth minute.
The Lionesses might want to present extra conviction if they’re to take any factors away from tonight’s encounter.
Sarina Wiegman: ‘We must preserve speaking about it’
17:40 , Jamie Braidwood
Sarina Wiegman praised the braveness of Spain and the bravery of Jenni Hermoso because the England supervisor underlined the significance of pushing for change in ladies’s recreation.
“First of all that Spain has just a very good team, but it also says that they show resilience and that they’re so brave,” Wiegman stated.
“We’re talking about it again today, I think we have to keep talking about it, I would almost say, unfortunately, and we have to keep telling the world that we stand in solidarity with them and hopefully it will make change.
“And I think it only made change, but now we want to talk and play the game tomorrow here at Wembley.”
What have Spain achieved since profitable the World Cup?
17:33 , Arthur Ferridge
Las Rojas have been on a powerful run since clinching World Cup glory with a 1-0 win over England in 2023, dropping simply as soon as in 13 matches since.
A slim 3-2 loss by the hands of Italy was the one blip, however has been greater than counterbalanced by a 7-goal dismantling of Switzerland, 5-0 rout of South Korea, and 3-0 defeat of the Netherlands, whom Spain knocked out of the 2023 World Cup.
While off-pitch information surrounding the trial of Luis Rubiales has continued to swirl across the camp, the staff haven’t allowed it to have an effect on their performances.
Why England proceed standing with Spain as Luis Rubiales casts shadow over Wembley
17:20 , Jamie Braidwood
When England step out to face Spain at Wembley tonight, there gained’t be any discuss of “revenge”. Instead, there’s a reminder of the significance of talking up.
The Lionesses could have been overwhelmed by Spain within the Fifa Women’s World Cup remaining in August 2023, nevertheless it was what adopted on that night time in Sydney that continues to overshadow the world champions and their achievements.
Jenni Hermoso won’t be at Wembley, however the England gamers will proceed to face in solidarity with the ahead and the Spanish staff after Luis Rubiales was discovered responsible of kissing her with out her consent throughout their trophy celebrations.
There could also be a temptation for England and Spain to banish Rubiales from their ideas as they meet once more on the Wembley stage.
But what occurred on the Women’s World Cup remaining left such a mark on the ladies’s recreation that it can’t be forgotten.
Why England proceed standing with Spain as Luis Rubiales casts shadow over Wembley
Could Sarina Wiegman make adjustments?
17:12 , Jamie Braidwood
Mary Earps began towards Portugal and it might be an indication that the goalkeeper is Sarina Wiegman’s No 1 forward of the Euros if she retains her place forward of Hannah Hampton.
Lucy Bronze ought to be joined by Leah Williamson and Millie Bright in defence, whereas Niamh Charles and Jess Carter are choices at left again.
Grace Clinton began alongside Keira Walsh in midfield and impressed, with Ella Toone set to play additional forward. Alessia Russo ought to preserve her place up entrance with Lauren James on the left wing.
There might be a change at proper wing, the place Jess Park performed towards Portugal, and Aggie Beever-Jones or Chloe Kelly are choices if Wiegman decides to deploy some extra direct tempo towards Spain.
What is the England staff information?
17:07 , Jamie Braidwood
England don’t have any harm considerations for the reason that Portugal recreation however Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp are long-term absentees and Beth Mead and Lotte Wubben-Moy had been compelled to withdraw from the preliminary squad. Lucy Bronze’s withdrawal at half-time on Friday was only a precaution.
Is England vs Spain on TV?
17:05 , Jamie Braidwood
The match will probably be proven stay on ITV 4, with protection getting underway from 7:15pm on Wednesday 26 February. It can even be out there to stream on-line on ITV X. Kick-off is 8pm at Wembley.
Good night
17:00 , Jamie Braidwood
England face Spain at Wembley in a blockbuster rematch of the Women’s World Cup remaining within the Nations League.
The Lionesses had been overwhelmed by Spain in August 2023, in a match that was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso with out her consent. While a verdict within the trial towards Rubiales was solely reached final week, consideration on the pitch turns to this yr’s Nations League marketing campaign forward of the summer time’s Euros.
England had been held by Portugal to a disappointing 1-1 draw of their opening fixture on Friday, whereas Spain scored two stoppage-time objectives to beat Belgium 3-2 in an exciting comeback. A defeat for Sarina Wiegman’s facet at Wembley could be an early blow for his or her probabilities of reaching the Nations League finals, with solely the highest staff from every group progressing.
Follow all of the build-up to tonight’s recreation in our stay weblog.
