Spain, the reigning UEFA Women’s Nations League champions, overcame a one-goal deficit to defeat England 2-1 on Tuesday. Clàudia Pina came off the bench and scored twice, securing Spain’s place in the semi-finals.
Germany and France won Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Spain, the world champions, and England, the European champions, faced off to decide their group. Sweden and Denmark played a decisive match in Stockholm shortly after.
“We have finished top of a group which also included England, a top team, and Portugal and Belgium,” Spain coach Montse Tomé told reporters.
“We saw the best Spain in some games, others showed we have things to improve, but that’s part of being art top level.
“Overall, the players done great job and happy with this international window.”
From the beginning of the match, Spain applied significant pressure, with striker Esther González compelling England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton to make an exceptional save early on. The England defense found it challenging to manage the hosts’ precise passing and fluid movement.
Alessia Russo provided the visitors with an unexpected lead in the 22nd minute. As the Spanish team appealed for a free kick, believing Salma Paralluelo had been fouled, Keira Walsh delivered a through ball to Russo, who subsequently scored with a well-executed finish.
After conceding the goal, the hosts maintained possession but generated few significant scoring opportunities until Pina joined the game in the 58th minute. She scored less than two minutes later by sending a shot past Hampton and into the net as England lost possession while attempting to play out from the back.
As Euro 2025 approaches, 23-year-old Pina secured her starting spot with a stunning goal 10 minutes later, leaving Hampton helpless. The victory advanced Spain to 15 points from six games, five ahead of England.
“Since she returned to national team again [in November] she has contributed goals,” Tomé said of Pina.
“That’s what she’s added. She is top quality. Maybe she had not had so many minutes with the senior team before November, but since returning she has been important.
“This year she’s taken a big step forward with her club and you can see that.”
Commenting on the result, England captain Leah Williamson stated that there is work for her team to do ahead of the Euros.
“We didn’t have any real threat. Under that much pressure against the top sides, that’s what happens. We just have to be better on the ball and find solutions quicker. A great lesson,” she said.
“We know what we are capable of. The game changes constantly, we have to adapt a bit quicker. We have time to build and time to push ourselves before the start of the tournament.”
