England took a huge step towards qualifying automatically for the Women's World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Spain at Wembley.

It was the first time the two sides met since July's Euro 2025 final, in which the Lionesses won on penalties to defend their title, having lost to La Roja two years previously in the World Cup final.

A home game against the world's top-ranked team was always going to be England's biggest match, and they made the perfect start as Lauren Hemp scrambled home the opener inside three minutes.

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It looked to have gone all the way over the line before Spain scooped it away, and goal line technology confirmed that it had - by one inch - as Hemp wheeled away in celebration.

The Manchester City winger could have scored a second soon after, but could only find the post. England continued to see the better of the first half chances - Keira Walsh and Alessia Russo going close - with Spain having just one shot on target as their attack looked uncharacteristically blunt.

This changed at the start of the first half when an end-to-end battle saw both teams waste big opportunities. Olga Carmona and Vicky Lopez both hit the woodwork - the former's also needed confirmation via goal line technology as small margins decided the game.

Lucia Kendall, Lauren James and Russo all fired agonisingly wide at the other end as England continued to probe for a second.

Hannah Hampton was needed late on though as Edna Imade nodded her way from a corner, but the goalkeeper denied the Bayern Munich forward from point-blank range.

It is a huge result that sees England go three points clear at the top of Group A3 ahead of Spain. Only the team at the top of the group qualifies automatically for next summer's World Cup in Brazil, with the runner-up heading into a play-off.

The Lionesses play their second qualifier of the break in Iceland on Saturday, while Spain face Ukraine in Cordoba.

'A step forward but we need to be ready for Iceland'

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England manager Sarina Wiegman to ITV Sport:

"I'm really happy. We got a good result. We had to defend a lot, we know Spain are so good on the ball. You have to defend well and be really compact.

"We got out chances, they got some too. But sometimes you have to fight to get the win and that's what we did.

"We hoped we'd be in a higher block more but we got pushed back. Sometimes we could have been better on the ball and create more momentum. As soon as we got in their half of the pitch, we made them uncomfortable.

"It's a great step forward [in terms of World Cup qualification].

"This is hard now, tonight we recover and tomorrow we get ready for Iceland because it's a quick turnaround. It was an intense game. Be happy now but then switch straightaway to Iceland."

On Walsh's 100th cap: "It's good timing for her, to play your 100th here at Wembley against Spain and you beat them 1-0.

"Tonight shows her whole development and what she brings to our team. It's not just a football thing, but also keeping the team together."

'You can't go toe-to-toe with Spain'

England midfielder Keira Walsh to ITV Sport:

"Everybody knows you can't go toe-to-toe with Spain for possession.

"Our plan was to sit in a low block and when we had a chance, go forward. They had chances at the end but they're an unbelievable team."

On reaching 100 caps: "Obviously it's not something I ever thought would be possible. To do it 100 times, I never take it for granted."

Small margins and England determination decide heavyweight clash

Sky Sports' Charlotte Marsh at Wembley:

"Beating Spain is always huge but in this context it adds something more, especially between England and Spain.

"They will likely be battling it out bar a cataclysmic collapse and unprecedented surge in form from Iceland or Ukraine.

"In recent history, these two have traded blows in major tournaments and the Nations League like heavyweight boxers. AJ and Fury have nothing on them.

"England showed on Tuesday though that not only can they compete with the best, but they can do it without some of their regular starters.

"Lotte Wubben-Moy and Esme Morgan did well as the centre-back pairing in Leah Williamson's absence. 'I'm very proud of them. They were ready,' Wiegman said of her defenders.

"'They've had very good performances for their clubs, Lotte has three major tournaments already and Esme too... they showed up today. That says a lot about them and they should be proud of themselves."

"Lucia Kendall too proved to be a more than able deputy with the likes of Ella Toone and Grace Clinton missing.

"Then, there were some great performances from those we do see quite often. Hemp, especially in the first half, was almost unplayable, but was quieter after the break as Spain marked her out of the game.

"Walsh was brilliant on her 100th cap and Alessia Russo is full of confidence. She only got a few moments on the ball but she was effective with them and was unlucky not to score. She also ran herself into the ground, proving that her off-ball work is just as important as she is on it.

"Ultimately, the game was decided on fine margins - both confirmed by goal line technology - and England's determination to defend.

"They still have the return leg to go in June - their toughest game of qualification - and will need to same spirit again to end the campaign as Group A3 winners."

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