England claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over reigning world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night, marking a significant step forward for the Lionesses as they prepare for their title defense at the upcoming Euro 2025. The match, which attracted an impressive crowd of 46,550, showcased England’s resilience and ability to bounce back from recent underwhelming performances.
Jess Park scored the decisive goal just after the half-hour mark, capitalizing on some impressive play from Alessia Russo, who had her initial shot blocked. Park swiftly reacted to convert the rebound, sending the home crowd wild and securing England’s first three points of the UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign.
The match served as a rematch of the previous year’s FIFA World Cup final, where Spain triumphed over England. There was no shortage of drama this time around, as both teams entered the match under different pressures – England seeking to quell criticism over their form, and Spain aiming to maintain momentum after their previous victory against Belgium.
The first half started with Spain appearing the stronger side, creating several early chances, including one from Lucia Garcia, who struck the crossbar. Yet, England’s defensive unit, led by captain Leah Williamson and supported by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, managed to hold firm, repelling attack after attack.
England began to find their rhythm midway through the half, with Lauren James becoming increasingly influential, driving the team forward and creating opportunities from the wings. After Park’s opener, Spain sought to respond but were repeatedly denied by England's gallant defense.
Spain head coach Montse Tome highlighted the results as harsh for her team, stating, "We had chances we simply didn't take, that's an area we need to improve on and we will improve." Despite controlling the game at times with more possession, Spain was unable to translate this dominance onto the scoreboard.
The second half saw Spain push for an equalizer, causing worry among the Lionesses. A temporary halting of play due to failed floodlights may have delayed proceedings but did not dampen the excitement. Hampton showcased her skills by making several impressive saves, including denying Aitana Bonmatí and Garcia as Spain ramped up their efforts for the equalizer.
Sarina Wiegman expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance, noting, "I think the whole game was very impressive. The work the team put in and the togetherness showed off today." This sentiment echoed among the players, who needed this victory to bolster their confidence as they approach Euro 2025.
Post-match reflections also centered on Jess Park, whose performance has been closely monitored. Wiegman praised her attacking prowess, adding, "I hope this gives her [Park] a lot of confidence." Park’s growth and adaptation during the match were notable and demonstrated her potential impact on the team moving forward.
England's victory is seen as significant not only for its immediate impact on the standings, putting them second behind Portugal, but also for building morale as they transition toward the European Championships. The result also marked Spain’s first defeat since the Paris Olympic Games, highlighting the competitive nature of women’s international football.
While Wiegman will undoubtedly celebrate the defensive triumph and the three points secured, she will also be acutely aware of areas for improvement, particularly their clinical finishing. The Lionesses were fortunate to leave Wembley with the win, considering Spain’s missed chances.
With the Euro 2025 approaching, this victory serves both as motivation and as evidence of the potential England holds. Wiegman and her squad have demonstrated not just their individual talents but also their capacity for teamwork — showing the world they are ready for the challenges to come.