With just over four months to go to the Euros, Sarina Wiegman's side made a huge statement on Wednesday by defeating the world champions
England's Lionesses made it clear in the build-up to Wednesday's Nations League encounter with Spain that this was not a fixture that was about revenge, after their last meeting ended in a 1-0 loss in the World Cup final. What about a chance to send a statement, then? After 18 months of up-and-down results since that showpiece event, and with little over four months until their European title defence begins, Sarina Wiegman's side had the opportunity to remind the continent of their top quality in this fixture – and they took it gladly, beating the world champions 1-0 thanks to Jess Park's first-half goal.
It was an intriguing affair, with La Roja starting the better of the two before their hosts grew into things. After Lucia Garcia had smacked the crossbar and Claudia Pina had fired an effort just over Hannah Hampton's goal, it was time for England to pose a threat, and while it was Lauren James who spearheaded that, it was an enterprising run from Alessia Russo and an opportunistic finish from Park which broke the deadlock just past the half-hour mark.
With the same 10 outfield players who dropped points in a disappointing fashion in Portugal on Friday, the Lionesses nipped at Spain's heels in midfield, chose the right moments to press and didn't get dragged out of shape by their movement. They conceded chances, sure, but they were playing the reigning world champions, and when Spain did breach England's back line, they found Hampton in fine form to keep them out.
It was a night for the home team and their fans to savour, and perhaps their best performance in any fixture since that run to the World Cup final almost two years ago. England have not always been convincing since that tournament, but maybe this was a sign that they can tune up just in time for this summer's European Championship.
GOAL rates England's players from Wembley Stadium…
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Hannah Hampton (8/10):
Had one iffy moment in possession early on, but that was it in an otherwise strong display. Made a few great stops, with an outstretched leg to deny Garcia particularly impressive.
Lucy Bronze (8/10):
Supported the attack really well, always offering a option for a pass, and pressed well when England turned the ball over high up the pitch.
Leah Williamson (7/10):
Made good decisions to ensure she was always in a good position at the back and not dragged around by Spain's movement.
Millie Bright (8/10):
Intervened effectively when necessary, including when Paralluelo was through on goal, and sprayed some nice passes around. Was like a magnet to the ball in the latter stages as England saw the game out.
Niamh Charles (7/10):
Grew into the game, with some nice runs and contributions to the attack balanced out by some solid defensive moments.
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Keira Walsh (6/10):
Made a few timely interceptions to get England going on the attack, but also had a couple of lapses in concentration in big moments.
Grace Clinton (7/10):
Nipped in a few times to dispossess Spain in good areas.
Ella Toone (7/10):
Smart with when to press, when to cut lines of passes off and when to sit back. Was always looking to run in behind, but the pass didn't come.
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Jess Park (7/10):
Didn't shy away from a challenge out of possession and was always aware in the final third, particularly for her goal.
Alessia Russo (7/10):
Her direct and confident run into the box provided the goal-scoring opportunity for Park, who made it 1-0.
Lauren James (8/10):
Added a different dimension to England's game with how she could pick up and run with the ball to unsettle Spain. Honoured her defensive duties brilliantly, too.
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Nikita Parris (6/10):
Made her first England appearance for 834 days when she replaced Russo just past the hour. Offered a good outlet on the counter as Spain piled the pressure on and never stopped running.
Chloe Kelly (6/10):
Also on for a good half hour, and winning her 50th cap, but was the quieter of the two subs going forward. Put in plenty of effort defensively to help England keep their clean sheet, though.
Jess Naz (N/A):
Introduced in the final few minutes to help inject fresh legs into England's attempts to see the game out.
Sarina Wiegman (8/10):
Stuck to her guns with the same 10 outfield players who succumbed to a disappointing draw with Portugal on Friday and her faith was repaid. Drilled her team well with the press and that allowed England to put Spain on the back foot often, and in positions that were uncomfortable for the visitors.