England missed out on a spot within the Nations League finals as Claudia Pina’s double noticed Spain come from behind to beat them 2-1 and win Group A3 themselves.
The Lionesses forged apart the hosts’ dominance to guide from their first shot when Alessia Russo slotted previous the onrushing Cata Coll after beating the offside lure from Kiera Walsh’s by way of ball.
Spain have been livid play was not introduced again for what gave the impression to be a legitimate criticism about an earlier foul from Niamh Charles, however their protests fell on deaf ears with England’s lead setting them on track to succeed in October’s finals.
Their hopes have been dashed on the hour mark as Claudia Pina, a shock absence from the Spain beginning line-up, noticed an effort squirm previous Hannah Hampton two minutes after approaching.
England created so little all sport that they had little reply to Spain’s equaliser, and as an alternative fell behind to a second from Pina, who beat Hampton once more with a advantageous 25-yard effort which nestled in off the far submit.
Spain continued to look the extra threatening, however even with out the cushion of a 3rd aim, they comfortably held on to succeed in the finals themselves.
The Lionesses’ last sport earlier than their Euro 2025 squad is confirmed on Thursday raised extra questions than solutions for Sarina Wiegman, whose facet at the moment are assured to see their winless streak exterior of England prolonged right into a second yr.
Wiegman unconcerned regardless of defeat
England supervisor Sarina Wiegman chatting with ITV Sport:
“It’s a learning moment. I wouldn’t say I’m concerned, they did something different and then you want to exploit the space they leave in behind, but you need to keep the ball first.
“That is not simple, however it’s one thing to take with us once more shifting ahead.”
On Hannah Hampton’s performance: “She was put beneath lots of strain, as the entire defence was.
“There were a lot of moments with a lot of players around her, crosses right in front of her – it was a good game for her to experience that.”
Williamson: Inconsistency a theme of our marketing campaign
England captain Leah Williamson chatting with ITV Sport:
“We didn’t really have any real threat. Under that much pressure, against a top side, that’s what happens sometimes.
“We simply need to be a bit higher on the ball. Discover options faster, it is an ideal lesson – perhaps that is been the inconsistency all through the marketing campaign.
“It’s something to work on, but we have the capability to be better. We know what we are capable of, the game changes constantly, and we have to be able to adapt quicker.”
What subsequent for the Lionesses?
All kick-offs UK time (BST)
June 29: Jamaica (H), pleasant at King Energy Stadium, kick-off 5pm
July 5: France (N), Ladies’s Euro 2025 group stage, kick-off 8pm
July 9: Netherlands (N), Ladies’s Euro 2025 group stage, kick-off 5pm
July 13: Wales (N), Ladies’s Euro 2025 group stage, kick-off 8pm
