Women’s World Cup Qualifier: England Beat World Champions Spain At Wembley

England claimed a significant victory over rivals Spain to take control of their 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying group.

In a repeat of both the Euro 2025 final and the 2023 World Cup showpiece, two of Europe’s best teams were battling to take top spot in Group 3.

It was a perfect start for Sarina Wiegman’s side at Wembley as Lauren Hemp poked the ball over the line within three minutes to give them a crucial lead.

The Manchester City winger almost doubled her tally when Lucy Bronze’s backheel set her up in the box but Hemp sliced her effort just wide.

That set the tone for the Lionesses, who defended well and played out the perfect gameplan in the first half to limit Spain’s chances.

The reigning world champions controlled possession and came close through Irene Paredes and Ona Batlle, but did not do enough to test goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

Only the top team in the group earns automatic qualification to the World Cup in Brazil, with the rest entering the play-offs, so there was a lot at stake.

It led to a fiery second half with both teams creating huge chances. Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Lucia Kendall failed to take theirs for England, while Olga Carmona and Vicky Lopez struck the woodwork for Spain.

Spain put the hosts under late pressure and Edna Imade headed wide from close range before being denied by a fine save from Hampton in the final minutes.

Victory maintained England’s 100% record in qualifying after three games and sit top of the table on nine points, knowing a trip to Spain is due in June.

The narrow success has given England the upper hand in qualifying with a three-point lead in top spot over Spain, who will need to respond in similar fashion when the two meet again in Mallorca in June.

England travel to Reykjavik to face Iceland in their next Women’s World Cup qualifying match on Saturday.

While Spain host Ukraine on the same day in Cordoba.