England boost World Cup qualification hopes with victory over Spain

England boost World Cup qualification hopes with victory over Spain

England have boosted their hopes of securing automatic qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 by beating Spain 1-0 at Wembley this evening.

Lauren Hemp netted the only goal of the game as the two-time European champions defeated the World champions in-front of a packed-out crowd at the national stadium.

Hemp opened the scoring for the Lionesses after just three minutes. Alex Greenwood sent in a corner that was scooped up by Alessia Russo. Hemp then hooked the ball and sent an effort towards goal. A goal wasn’t initially given by the referee, but goal-line technology stepped in and confirmed that the ball had crossed the line.

Spain tried to respond and Patri Guijarro got through the England defence, but her shot was blocked. Ona Batlle rushed her effort from the rebound and the ball went wide.

Lauren James then did well to track Mariona Caldentey, who couldn’t control the ball on the edge of the England box and sent it wide.

Chances continued to be produced for both sides. Lucy Bronze created a perfect back-heel to Lauren Hemp, but her effort struck the post before Batlle went through on goal at the other end, but her effort went just over the bar.

Keira Walsh then had an attempt which was blocked by the Spanish defence. A second attempt came after Lucia Kendall knocked the ball back to her from the edge of the box, but she sent it just over the bar.

Hannah Hampton pulled off an incredibly impressive save to keep England ahead. Olga Carmona’s shot was on target, but Hampton got her glove to the ball before it bounced off the woodwork.

Kendall then rushed a shot, directing the ball over the bar before Esther González sent her looping header high above England’s net.

Spain again came close to an equaliser through captain Irene Paredes as she headed the ball towards goal, but failed to hit the target.

In the final moments, Hampton made the save of the game. Edna Imade headed the ball towards Hampton, who punched it away confidently.

This evening’s result sees England continue their 100-percent record in FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 qualifying. The Lionesses return to action when they face Iceland in Reykjavik on Saturday.