England 1-0 Spain: Match report & 4 talking points as Lionesses earn victory over world champions | OneFootball

England clinched a 1-0 victory over Spain under the arch of Wembley Stadium in the Natons League thanks to a first half goal from Jess Park.

Following a disappointing draw in Portugal last Friday, the Lionesses were back roaring on home turf as a strong display saw Sarina Wiegman's side earn victory against the reigning world champions.

Park's strike was enough to seperate the two sides after clever play from Alessia Russo teed up the Manchester City midfielder to fire home a rebound from close range.

The victory sends England to the top of their group in the competition.

Spain looked the more lively of the two sides as the game kicked off, with Olga Carmona creating the first chance of the evening. The Real Madrid defender sent Grace Clinton the wrong way with her quick footwork before laying it off to Salma Paralluelo inside of the area. Too many touches from the Barcelona striker meant that Millie Bright found the time to clear the ball away from danger.

The visitors threatened once more but this time from a corner, as ex-Manchester United star Lucia Garcia rattled the crossbar, before the Lionesses desperately cleared the ball away.

England's first opening came in the 21st minute as Niamh Charles streamed down the left flank before being brought down by Irene Paredes. The Spanish captain was given a yellow card before Lauren James' curling free kick was palmed away by Cata Coll. The Barcelona goalkeeper was forced to intervene moments later, blocking another James effort from close range.

Despite Spain's early chance, it was one way traffic at Wembley Stadium in favour of the Lionesses. A trademark turn from Russo allowed her to get a shot off at goal before a blundered save from Coll was tapped in by Park.

Selected over Mary Earps for this one, Hannah Hampton proved her worth by saving a powerful strike from Aitana Bonmati in order to preserve England's lead heading into half-time.

Spain also came close to equalising as the second half commenced before Hampton blocked Garcia’s close range effort.

The second half was much of the same, as Paralluelo blundered two golden opportunities to draw Spain level. The Barcelona star streamed forward with just minutes left to play, but sent a lacklustre cross into the area where no Spain player resided.

James nearly sealed the deal for the Lionesses in the dying moments, connecting with Clinton's strike with power only to be denied by Coll between the goalposts. Chloe Kelly was in a prime position to tap in the rebounds, but was called offside by the linesman.

England strong at the back

England held a clean sheet at Wembley / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

If there is a time and a place to be defensively sound, a showdown against the world champions is probably it. Sarina Wiegman's side looked well organised under the arch, breaking down the Spanish attacking threats before they even reached the box.

Leah Williamson and Millie Bright put on their best showing since Euro 2022, working in tandem to shut out Salma Paralluelo at any given chance. Lucy Bronze and Niamh Charles were incredibly strong, navigating the channels with authority.

As Euro 2025 quickly approaches, it is vitally important that England are able to get it right defensively, and tonight showed that they are certainly on the right path.

Spain's struggles continue

Spain have picked up just three wins in six games / Sportsphoto/Allstar/GettyImages

While all the criticism has been piled onto England over recent months, only hushed whispers have surrounded Spain's questionable form.

Other than a 5-0 thrashing of South Korea prior to Christmas, none of Spain's results have been convincing as of late. Two back-to-back 1-1 draws against Canada and Italy raised their questions, before leaky defensive displays saw the world champions only clinch victories over France and Belgium in high scoring affairs.

Spain have become a shadow of the team that won the 2023 World Cup, and they are beginning to be found out. Monste Tome has failed to land on her first-choice back four, whilst the midfield longs for the anchored presence of Patri Guijarro.

The former world-beaters will need to figure out their football philosophy under Tome if they are to have hopes of victory at this summer's European Championship.

Chelsea stars light up Wembley

Lauren James starred at Wembley / Julian Finney/GettyImages

Lauren James's display under the arch proved why she is truly a generational footballer. The Chelsea starlet was here, there and everywhere on the occasion.

Her visionary delivery allowed England to threaten the Spanish defence, causing La Roja to appear dishevelled at the back. Not only did the forward look electric on the attack, but her defensive work was admirable as a clever sliding challenge in the dying moments denied Spain of the equaliser.

James wasn't the only Cobham resident who lit up the pitch, as Hannah Hampton proved why she is deserving of the number one shirt. Picked to start over Mary Earps, Hampton made several game-winning saves in order to preserve England's lead.

Her technical abilities allowed for England to play through the Spanish press, beating the world champions at their own tiki-taka brand.

The Euros are there for the taking

England will seek to defend their title at Euro 2025 / Sportsphoto/Allstar/GettyImages

As Euro 2025 looms on the horizon, this Nations League window has proved that the tournament is anyone's for the taking.

Germany and the Netherlands have both displayed defensive leaks, whilst Sweden's 1-1 draw with Wales lowers their potential threat dramatically. Norway continue to underperform their potential despite the high-quality squad that they possess, and France are a difficult book to read.

England are not without their faults, and last Friday's performance against Portgual proved that there is still a lot to address ahead of the tournament in Switzerland. However, beating the world champions is certainly a nice place to start on the journey to defending a European title.