England missed out on a spot in the Nations League finals as Claudia Pinas double saw Spain come from behind to beat them 2-1 and win Group A3 themselves. The Lionesses cast aside the hosts dominance to lead from their first shot when Alessia Russo slotted past the onrushing Cata Coll after beating the offside trap from Kiera Walshs through ball.
As it happened | Teams | Match statsEnglands Euro 2025 fixtures and route | Euro 2025 explainerDownload the Sky Sports App | Get Sky Sports on WhatsAppSky Sports to show 215 live PL games next seasonSpain were furious play was not brought back for what appeared to be a valid complaint about an earlier foul from Niamh Charles, but their protests fell on deaf ears with Englands lead setting them on course to reach Octobers finals.
Their hopes were dashed on the hour mark as Claudia Pina, a surprise absence from the Spain starting line-up, saw an effort squirm past Hannah Hampton two minutes after coming on. England created so little all game they had little answer to Spains equaliser, and instead fell behind to a second from Pina, who beat Hampton again with a fine 25-yard effort which nestled in off the far post.
Spain continued to look the more threatening, but even without the cushion of a third goal, they comfortably held on to reach the finals themselves. The Lionesses final game before their Euro 2025 squad is confirmed on Thursday raised more questions than answers for Sarina Wiegman, whose side are now guaranteed to see their winless streak outside of England extended into a second year.
Wiegman unconcerned despite defeatEngland manager Sarina Wiegman speaking to ITV Sport: Its a learning moment. I wouldnt say Im 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.
Thats not easy, but its something to take with us again moving forward. On Hannah Hamptons performance: She was put under a lot of pressure, as the whole 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 campaignEngland captain Leah Williamson speaking to ITV Sport: We didnt really have any real threat. Under that much pressure, against a top side, thats what happens sometimes.
We just have to be a bit better on the ball. Find solutions quicker, its a great lesson – maybe thats been the inconsistency throughout the campaign. Its 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 next for the Lionesses?All kick-offs UK time (BST) June 29: Jamaica (H), friendly at King Power Stadium, kick-off 5pm July 5: France (N), Womens Euro 2025 group stage, kick-off 8pm July 9: Netherlands (N), Womens Euro 2025 group stage, kick-off 5pm July 13: Wales (N), Womens Euro 2025 group stage, kick-off 8pm
