Jess Park’s first-half opener was all it took for England to secure a satisfying 1-0 Nations League victory over Spain at Wembley Stadium.
It was the first time the sides had met since Spain beat the Lionesses in the World Cup final in the summer of 2023.
The visitors started strongly and nearly opened the scoring when Lucia Garcia caught the underside of the crossbar from a corner.
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 26, 2025
But it was Park who ultimately secured the Lionesses all three points, prodding home in the 33rd minute to hand her side a massive win over the side ranked second in the world.
Sarina Wiegman made just one change from the side that drew 1-1 in Portugal on Friday night, with Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton replacing Mary Earps.
The opening stages were dominated by Spain as Salma Paralluelo threatened from the left, dodging her way through white shirts before Millie Bright intervened to clear her close-range effort.
England briefly enjoyed a spell deep inside Spain’s half before the visitors won another corner and Garcia – who had Hampton beaten – clipped the crossbar.
The visitors came close again in the 20th minute when Claudia Pina had Hampton stretching, though the ball looked destined to skim over the bar.
England won a free-kick from a dangerous position on the left when Irene Paredes brought down Niamh Charles on the edge of the area and Lauren James finally gave Spain keeper Cata Coll something to do when her curling effort brought a save at the near post.
James then had another chance, this time from a brilliant long ball from Bright deep inside England’s half and forced Coll into another save from a tight angle.
England were at last growing into the game, and shouted for a penalty when captain Leah Williamson was dragged down by Laia Aleixandri, but with no VAR in play action carried on.
Park opened the scoring after some fine work by in-form Arsenal striker Alessia Russo, who carved through the Spanish defence then had an attempt blocked by Spain skipper Paredes.
The rebound fell favourably for Manchester City’s Park, who prodded home.
Spain looked to Paralluelo for a near-instant reply, but the Barcelona winger’s shot was wide, and Hampton denied Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati soon after.
England fended off a Spanish attack as the period came to a close, and there was a big save from Hampton to deny Bonmati from sending the sides into the break on level terms.
Congratulations, @chloekelly! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Z3DxEbMmkQ
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 26, 2025
Hampton was called into action again shortly after the restart, sticking out a leg to block Garcia’s shot, before England broke back and Grace Clinton’s effort was saved by Coll.
The contest was briefly paused in the 52nd minute when the stadium lights went dark, and the sparky James forced Coll into another stop after power was restored.
Wiegman made a double change in the 64th minute, bringing on Chloe Kelly – earning her 50th England cap – and Nikita Parris, who was making her first England appearance since November 2022.
Paralluelo looked in prime position to equalise after she was released by substitute Athenea del Castillo, but she was closed down at the last by Bright and Keira Walsh.
Spain piled on the pressure, with substitute Leila Ouahabi next to test Hampton, then Arsenal forward Mariona Caldentey struck into the side-netting.
England nearly had a late second after Coll spilled the ball from a sharp James effort. Kelly battled for it on the line but the Spanish keeper smothered it just in time.
Spain never relented in five minutes of stoppage time, but England were just as resolute.
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Conor Gallagher's girlfriend dazzles on red carpet as stars gather in Madrid