Lionesses Edge Spain 1-0, Boost World Cup Qualification Hopes with Hemp's Early Goal
England took a significant stride towards automatic qualification for the Women's World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Spain at Wembley on October 3, 2023. This match marked the first encounter between the two sides since the Euro 2025 final, where the Lionesses triumphed on penalties. The match began with a bang as Lauren Hemp netted the opener just three minutes in, with goal line technology confirming the ball crossed the line by a mere inch. Despite a near miss hitting the post soon after, England dominated the first half, creating several opportunities through Keira Walsh and Alessia Russo, while Spain struggled to find their rhythm with only one shot on target. The second half saw a shift in momentum, with both teams exchanging chances. Olga Carmona and Vicky Lopez hit the woodwork for Spain, but England's defense held strong. In a crucial moment late in the game, Hannah Hampton made a vital save against Edna Imade to preserve the lead. This victory positions England three points clear at the top of Group A3, crucial for automatic qualification to the World Cup in Brazil next summer. England's manager, Sarina Wiegman, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance but emphasized the need for improvement against Iceland in their next qualifier. Midfielder Keira Walsh, celebrating her 100th cap, acknowledged the challenge of facing Spain, highlighting the team's strategic approach to defend effectively. As the qualification campaign continues, England remains focused on maintaining their momentum and securing their spot in the World Cup.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-04-14