England take revenge on World Cup champions Spain thanks to Jess Park goal | OneFootball

England sought revenge on world champions Spain with a narrow 1-0 win in front of a roaring Wembley crowd on Wednesday night. Thanks to a Jess Park goal, the Lionesses earned a hard-fought Nations League win to give them some confidence ahead of their title-defending Euro 2025 campaign.

The last time these two nations met, it ended in heartbreak for England as they fell shy of lifting the World Cup. Both sides were missing some key players, including Georgia Stanway for England and Alexia Putellas for Spain.

With questions over the Lionesses’ recent form, the three points were essential to take the heat off the nation, ahead of the Euros this summer.

Starting XIs

England

Hampton; Bronze, Charles, Walsh, Williamson (C), Bright, Park, Clinton, Russo, Toone, James

Substitutions made: Kelly (’63), Parris (’63), Naz (’83)

Spain

Cata Coll; Batlle, Paredes (C), Méndez, Olga, Alexandri, Aitana, Mariona, Pina, García, Paralleulo

Substitutions made: Ouahabi (’55), Del Castillo, Redondo (’83), Zubieta (’83)

England take the lead in an end-to-end first half

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As the first half began, both nations proved tough opponents as attacks were created from one end of the pitch to the other.

In the first ten minutes, Spain looked the stronger side. Millie Bright and Hannah Hampton were both forced into making vital clearances early on. Spain almost capitalised on this dominant start. A corner swung into the feet of Maria Méndez, whose shot bounced off there crossbar and back into play. At the 20-minute mark, Clàudia Pina blasted the ball over the goal after another showcase of Spain’s dominance.

However, the momentum changed shortly after. A challenge from behind to stop Niamh Charles’ fast-paced run along the wing saw Irene Paredes receive a yellow card. It was Chelsea star Lauren James who took the free-kick, forcing Cata Coll to make a tough save. The Lionesses were starting to find pockets in the Spanish defence. James once again came close, losing out in a one-v-one situation with the goalkeeper.

The deadlock was broken 33 minutes in as Park opened the scoresheet for England. A piece of brilliant footwork from Alessia Russo driving into the box caused Coll to deflect her shot and Park smashed the ball in on the rebound.

Just before half-time, a left-footed attempt from long-range saw Salma Paralluelo come close to an equaliser. Once again, Hampton made a crucial save to maintain the Lionesses lead ahead of the break.

Spain look to fight back in a tense second half

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With England edging a narrow one-goal win, tensions were high as the teams headed back out. Immediately, the momentum shifted towards Spain. Within ten minutes, they dominated possession and pushed forward with confidence. England had the Chelsea trio of Bright, Charles and Hampton to thank for keeping them in the game. Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí and substitute Athenea del Castillo created problems for the Lionesses’ backline, sending numerous crosses into the box.

On the counter-attack, James showcased her talent coming close with a strike outside the box. With some confusion in the area, Spain were lucky not to concede a second goal five minutes before full-time. Sarina Wiegman’s second half substitutions posed attacking threat — Nikita Parris, Chloe Kelly, and Jessica Naz all contributed to England’s high press and determination to succeed. Parris made her first England appearance since 2022.

Despite countless close efforts from the Spanish team in the last quarter of the match, England defended heroically to hold onto their lead. With an attendance of 46,550, the crowds roared as the final whistle marked a well-battled win for the Lionesses at Wembley. Park’s first half rebound proved enough to see out the three points in the tournament.

England tributes paid

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Prior to kick off, Toni Duggan marked the end of her time on the international stage. The former Lioness was recognised for her contributions to the national team. Alongside her daughter, she was presented with a framed shirt to celebrate her period as a Lioness. Wembley echoed with applause.

During half-time, tributes were made to former Lionesses Clare Wheatley, Fara Williams, Jo Potter, Rachel Williams, Ellen White, and Duggan. They were presented with their personalised cap and legacy number. In recognition of their incredible achievements, they walked a lap of the pitch at the home of English football.

Chloe Kelly also marked her 50th cap for England, coming on as a substitute in the second half. She certainly likes to reach new milestones on the big stage. With an important win against the World champions, there was no better way to celebrate this occasion.

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