STUDLEY’S Hannah Hampton has helped the England’s Lionesses to a crucial victory against Spain in tonight’s World Cup Qualifier at Wembley.
Lauren Hemp opened the scoring after just three minutes when a corner from Alex Greenwood was flicked up by Alessia Russo and Hemp poked the volley towards goal. Despite Spain’s attempts to clear, it trickled over the line and goal-line technology confirmed Sarina Wiegman’s side were in the lead.
As expected, England had to ride their luck at times against the World Champions.
Spain hit the underside of the bar early in the second half but, unlike England’s opener, it did not cross the line and the visitors hit the outside of the post as they pushed on for an equaliser.
Hampton made some crucial saves during the match, most notably with just minutes to go, pushing away a header from Edna Imade to protect the 1-0 lead and ultimately earn the victory.
Spain had 67 per cent possession to England’s 33 and the visitors also had 21 shots – three on target – to England’s two shots on target from nine.
World Cup 2027 Qualifying
England are top of the table with three wins from three matches – the Lionesses are on nine points with Spain second on six points.
England have a goal difference of +8, four more than Spain who the Lionesses still have to play in Mallorca.
Only the group winner progresses automatically to the 2027 World Cup with the second placed team having to try and go through to the tournament via the play-offs.
The other teams in England’s group are Iceland who are on three points and Ukraine who are yet to win a point.
The Lionesses next face Iceland away from home at 5.30pm (BST) on Saturday, April 18.
England v Spain – Past encounters
The Lionesses beat Spain in last summer’s Euro 2025 final in Basel. But Spain had beaten England two years prior to that to win the World Cup in Sydney.
