England v Spain live: Lionesses claim crucial win over rivals in Women’s World Cup qualifier | OneFootball

England defeated Spain at Wembley to continue their perfect start to Women’s World Cup qualifying as the Lionesses successfully held onto the lead given to them by Lauren Hemp’s goal inside three minutes.

In a rematch of last summer’s Euro 2025 final, Sarina Wiegman’s side denied Spain the chance for revenge but had to survive long spells of possession against the world champions - who hit the bar and post in the second half.

Hemp struck when she finished acrobatically from Alessia Russo’s clever flick in the box and the Lionesses could have doubled their lead when Hemp then hit the post in the first half. Russo, Lauren James and Lucia Kendall also had chances in the second.

Hannah Hampton, who denied Spain in the Euro 2025 penalty shoot-out, was forced into a big save in stoppage time to keep out Edna Imade’s header. The goalkeeper kept an important clean sheet on a night where Mary Earps had her retirement celebration.

But a win ensures Wiegman’s side have made it three wins from three in qualifying for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and they will travel to Iceland on Saturday for their next qualifier in charge of their group.