Lauren Hemp hails England’s ‘grit’ as Keira Walsh leads from the front | OneFootball

Lauren Hemp said England showed real “grit” in their 1-0 win over Spain, with the Lionesses digging in against the world champions to make it three wins from three in World Cup qualifying. The early Wembley winner came from Hemp, but the wider story in England vs Spain was also Keira Walsh bringing control and leadership on her 100th cap for Sarina Wiegman’s side.

Lauren Hemp: We showed real grit

Hemp’s post-match reaction focused less on the goal itself and more on the way England defended the game out against a Spain side that asked plenty of questions.

“At times we had to defend quite a lot. I think we dominated both boxes and it was obviously a fantastic save from Hannah towards the end which helped us get the win I think we deserved. We would have loved to have dominated more of the ball but sometimes games like this happen. It was a very gutsy performance from the whole team. Everyone worked really hard until the final whistle. We had quite a lot of chances as well and could have put the game to bed. Obviously they had some chances as well but that’s just how games go. I’m really proud of the team tonight.”

That chimed with the shape of the contest. England struck early through Hemp’s close-range finish – as detailed in She Kicks’ report on Lauren Hemp’s Wembley impact against Spain – and then had to show another side of themselves. Against this level of opposition, that matters just as much as fluency.

Keira Walsh: She led the team really well

Hemp was also clear on Walsh’s influence, with the midfielder reaching 100 caps and again setting the tone in the middle of the pitch. In the absence of Leah Williamson as captain, Walsh’s authority on and off the ball stood out in a game that demanded discipline as much as quality.

“I’ve known her since she was teaching me the ways. It’s great to have someone like Keira in the team, the leadership she brings, and the quality she brings on the ball and off it is second to none. She led the team really well and I’m really proud of her.”

Walsh’s value here was concrete rather than abstract: taking pressure off the back line, helping England stay connected when Spain enjoyed long spells of possession, and making the game feel manageable. Her wider leadership role has been in focus too, as seen in this recent She Kicks piece on Keira Walsh and team responsibility, and this was another reminder of how central she is to England’s qualifying campaign.

Sarina Wiegman: A big step in the group

For Sarina Wiegman, the result was a significant one in the race for automatic qualification, with the Group A3 winners advancing directly to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. According to Sky Sports’ match report, the win opened up a three-point lead at the top after three matches.

England had gone into the game level on points with Spain, and there was plenty in the build-up to suggest how fine the margins would be, as covered in She Kicks’ England vs Spain preview. Instead, Wiegman’s team produced the sort of practical, hard-edged display that can decide a qualifying group, with BBC Sport also highlighting Hannah Hampton’s late save as decisive.

The Lionesses next face Iceland on Saturday, with momentum now firmly with Wiegman’s side. Three wins from three is the important part, but beating Spain gives the table and the wider picture a different weight.