England vs Spain LIVE: Result and final score as Lionesses defeat world champions at Wembley
England 1-0 Spain: Jess Park scored the only goal at Wembley as the Lionesses defeated the world champions
England defeated Spain at Wembley as Jess Park’s goal secured victory for the Lionesses in the rematch of the Women’s World Cup final.
Park’s finish from close range, following Alessia Russo’s turn and dribble into the box, secured England their best victory in almost 18 months and will give Sarina Wiegman’s side hope ahead of this summer’s European Championships.
World champions Spain had plenty of chances at Wembley, with Lucia Garcia hitting the crossbar early in the game and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton having to make a string of important saves in the second half.
But England survived waves of pressure to close out victory. England drew their opening Nations League match in Portugal but victory against Spain, who defeated Belgium on Friday, is a boost to their chances of reaching the finals.
Follow all the latest updates from Wembley in our live blog below:
.jpeg?quality=75&width=230&auto=webp)
Are the Lionesses on form?
Oddly, it is not a particularly easy question to answer. England have only lost one of their last nine, a 3-4 friendly loss to Germany at Wembley in October, but have failed to impress in more recent fixtures, edging past Switzerland 1-0 and grinding out a goalless draw against Emma Hayes’ USA.
A laborious 1-1 draw to Portugal last time out has become a case study of the side’s recent struggles: the Lionesses showed a lack of urgency and struggled to convert their chances, with Sarina Wiegman facing criticism for her late substitutions, only one of which came before the 80th minute.
The Lionesses will need to show more conviction if they are to take any points away from tonight’s encounter.
Sarina Wiegman: 'We need to keep talking about it'
Sarina Wiegman praised the courage of Spain and the bravery of Jenni Hermoso as the England manager underlined the importance of pushing for change in women’s game.
“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 said.
“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 winning the World Cup?
Las Rojas have been on an impressive run since clinching World Cup glory with a 1-0 win over England in 2023, losing just once in 13 matches since.
A narrow 3-2 loss at the hands of Italy was the one blip, but has been more 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 news surrounding the trial of Luis Rubiales has continued to swirl around the camp, the team have not allowed it to affect their performances.
Why England continue standing with Spain as Luis Rubiales casts shadow over Wembley
When England step out to face Spain at Wembley tonight, there won’t be any talk of “revenge”. Instead, there is a reminder of the importance of speaking up.
The Lionesses may have been beaten by Spain in the Fifa Women’s World Cup final in August 2023, but it was what followed on that night in Sydney that continues to overshadow the world champions and their achievements.
Jenni Hermoso will not be at Wembley, but the England players will continue to stand in solidarity with the forward and the Spanish team after Luis Rubiales was found guilty of kissing her without her consent during their trophy celebrations.
There may be a temptation for England and Spain to banish Rubiales from their thoughts as they meet again on the Wembley stage.
But what occurred at the Women’s World Cup final left such a mark on the women’s game that it cannot be forgotten.
Why England continue standing with Spain as Luis Rubiales casts shadow over Wembley
Could Sarina Wiegman make changes?
Mary Earps started against Portugal and it would be a sign that the goalkeeper is Sarina Wiegman’s No 1 ahead of the Euros if she keeps her place ahead of Hannah Hampton.
Lucy Bronze should be joined by Leah Williamson and Millie Bright in defence, while Niamh Charles and Jess Carter are options at left back.
Grace Clinton started alongside Keira Walsh in midfield and impressed, with Ella Toone set to play further ahead. Alessia Russo should keep her place up front with Lauren James on the left wing.
There could be a change at right wing, where Jess Park played against Portugal, and Aggie Beever-Jones or Chloe Kelly are options if Wiegman decides to deploy some more direct pace against Spain.
What is the England team news?
England have no injury concerns since the Portugal game but Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp are long-term absentees and Beth Mead and Lotte Wubben-Moy were forced to withdraw from the initial squad. Lucy Bronze’s withdrawal at half-time on Friday was just a precaution.
Is England vs Spain on TV?
The match will be shown live on ITV 4, with coverage getting underway from 7:15pm on Wednesday 26 February. It will also be available to stream online on ITV X. Kick-off is 8pm at Wembley.
Good evening
England face Spain at Wembley in a blockbuster rematch of the Women’s World Cup final in the Nations League.
The Lionesses were beaten by Spain in August 2023, in a match that was overshadowed by Luis Rubiales kissing Jenni Hermoso without her consent. While a verdict in the trial against Rubiales was only reached last week, attention on the pitch turns to this year’s Nations League campaign ahead of the summer’s Euros.
England were held by Portugal to a disappointing 1-1 draw in their opening fixture on Friday, while Spain scored two stoppage-time goals to beat Belgium 3-2 in a thrilling comeback. A defeat for Sarina Wiegman’s side at Wembley would be an early blow for their chances of reaching the Nations League finals, with only the top team from each group progressing.
Follow all the build-up to tonight’s game in our live blog.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments