England v Spain Match Report

WHAT A GAME! This fixture certainly delivered everything that it promised. From the minute the whistle was blown for kick off to full-time, this was an enthralling game.

As expected, Spain made it very difficult for England to have any time on the ball, with Aitana Bonmati controlling play and effortlessly gliding past players. Olga Carmona was also immense in the first half, stopping Hemp in her tracks and doing the same to Mead when the wingers switched sides.

On 54 minutes, a mistake from Rachel Daly allowed Spain to turn their possession into the lead they deserved, with Esther Gonzalez capitalising on some poor England defending. 

It was looking grim for England as the clock ticked down but Sarina Weigman quickly made the substitutions that would eventually turn the game. The introduction of Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo, shortly followed by Ella Toone, gave the Spain defence some new headaches to deal with.

Russo’s strength was key to setting up the chance that Toone put away to send England fans into euphoric celebrations on the 84th minute and push the game into extra time.

Keira Walsh was instrumental in the lead up to the goal and extra time. Controlling the tempo and making sure that Spain were pulled all over the pitch to create space, Walsh had another standout display.

But it was her former Manchester City teammate Georgia Stanway who delivered the fatal blow. Running at two defenders, Spain were expecting Stanway to play the ball wide when she pulled the trigger and beat Panos with a powerful strike.