England proved they can compete with world's best after beating Spain, insists Sarina Wiegman | OneFootball

Lionesses boss believed pressing game was key to narrow win over Spain at Wembley

Happy manager: Sarina Wiegman praised her side’s display against the world champions

AP

Sarina Wiegman said victory over world champions Spain served as a reminder that the Lionesses can compete with the best teams on the planet.

England won 1-0 against the Spanish on Wednesday night thanks to Jess Park’s first-half goal.

Wiegman’s side have struggled for consistency since losing to Spain in the World Cup final 18 months ago, but a defensively astute display earned them a rare victory over an elite nation.

It was a welcome response after Friday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with Portugal in their Nations League opener.

“Of course, it gives a boost,” Wiegman said after the Lionesses earned their first win of the campaign.

“We showed tonight again that we can compete with the best. We’ve shown that before, and we showed it again.

“What we did better, and what I think most of the time fits us, is getting out the press quickly and keeping the ball. We had that level back again today.”

The Dutchwoman added: “We had some very good moments in the game. Of course, against Spain, you also know you have to defend really well and we did that well.

“You can’t be a little bit slow against Spain, or they’re gone.”

Asked whether she accepted that her side had been finding it difficult to prove they are among the world’s leading sides in recent matches, Wiegman replied: “The games are not so easy anymore. It’s not that black and white.”

England face Spain in their away leg in the Nations League in June before both sides travel to Switzerland for Euro 2025, where the Lionesses are the defending champions after winning the tournament on home soil in 2022.