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Monday, April 20, 2026

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England grind out win over World Champions

England 1 (Hemp 3)

Spain 0

att: 62,306; at Wembley Stadium

England secured a statement 1-0 victory over reigning world champions Spain in their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifier at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Lauren Hemp’s record-breaking early strike proved decisive in the Lionesses’ 499th international fixture, as Sarina Wiegman’s side claimed a crucial three points to move three points clear at the top of their qualifying group.

The win marked England’s first meeting with Spain since their penalty shootout triumph in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final last summer and provided a fitting result on a milestone night. It celebrated Keira Walsh’s 100th cap – with the midfielder captaining the side – and honoured the contributions of past Lionesses in front of a crowd of 62,306.

England could not have asked for a better start. Hemp swivelled and volleyed home after just two minutes and 34 seconds, registering the fastest goal ever scored by the Lionesses at the new Wembley Stadium. The goal came from an Alex Greenwood corner, which Alessia Russo flicked on despite going to ground in the box. Hemp connected sweetly, and although Spain attempted to clear, the ball crept over the line.

Spain responded with intent from set pieces, as Irene Paredes headed a Clàudia Pina delivery just over the bar minutes later. The early tempo settled, but Hemp came agonisingly close to a second on 19 minutes. A superb back heel from Lucy Bronze created space, allowing the winger to curl an effort that struck the far post, much to the relief of Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll.

The visitors threatened around the half hour mark when Alexia Putellas released Ona Batlle, who jinked past two defenders inside the area before firing just over. Hannah Hampton was finally called into action shortly before half time, producing a smart near post save to deny Patri Guijarro from a Mariona Caldentey cross.

Spain carried their momentum into the second half and struck the woodwork five minutes after the restart. Olga Carmona stretched to shoot amid a scramble in the area; Lucy Bronze’s deflection sent the ball onto the bar before it bounced clear.

England nearly punished the reprieve midway through the second period. Strong hold-up play by Russo teed up Lucia Kendall on the edge of the box, but she placed her shot over the bar. Russo then broke clear herself, only to fire wide under pressure.

Chances continued at both ends. Vicky López and Lauren James found space in the respective penalty areas but both dragged efforts wide of the far post.

As Spain pushed forward with increasing urgency, further attempts from López and Paredes were repelled by a resolute England defence, superbly marshalled by Bronze. Substitute Edna Imade posed a late aerial threat, first looping a header just wide from Salma Paralluelo’s chipped cross, before forcing a brilliant reaction save from Hampton with a powerful close range header.

England’s disciplined rearguard action held firm, however, ensuring the world champions could find no way through at Wembley.  

England: Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Esme Morgan, Lauren James (sub Chloe Kelly 81mins), Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Lucia Kendall (sub Laura Blindkilde Brown 72mins), Lauren Hemp. Subs not used: Anna Moorhouse, Maya Le Tissier, Jess Carter, Taylor Hinds, Erica Meg Parkinson, Beth Mead, Jess Park, Ellie Roebuck, Niamh Charles, Keira Barry.

Spain: Cata Coll, Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Mapi León, Olga Carmona (sub Lucia Corrales 75mins), Mariona Caldentey, Patri Guijarro (sub Clara Serrajordi 82mins), Alexia Putellas, Vicky López, Esther González (sub Salma Paralluelo 62mins), Clàudia Pina (sub Edna Imade 75mins). Subs not used: Misa, Jana Fernández, María Méndez, Athenea del Castillo, Laia Codina, Eva Navarro, Fiamma Benítez, Adriana Nanclares.