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England suffer second half Pina pain 

Spain 2 (Pina 60,70) England 1 (Russo 21)

England fell short of a place in the UEFA Women’s Nations League semi finals after a 2-1 defeat to defending champions Spain in Barcelona.

Despite taking the lead through a breakaway goal from Alessia Russo, constant pressure after break meant that the Lionesses were overturned by a second

half brace from substitute Clàudia Pina, securing Spain’s progression to the knockout stages.

In a rematch of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, England faced intense early pressure. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was pivotal, producing a stunning save in the third minute to deny Esther González from a corner, with Georgia Stanway clearing the rebound. Hampton was called into action again to thwart González as Spain dominated, forcing England to defend three corners in the opening ten minutes.

Against the run of play, England took the lead in the 21st minute. Keira Walsh’s through ball found Russo, who, marking her 50th cap, used her strength and pace to slot the ball past the oncoming Cata Coll.

The Lionesses grew into the game, with Niamh Charles targeting the left flank and Beth Mead delivering a free kick that Leah Williamson headed straight at Coll. The first half ended with Patri Guijarro shooting off target as the tempo slowed.

At half time, England introduced Missy Bo Kearns for Stanway, the U23 captain making her senior debut. Spain continued their pressure, with Salma Paralluelo and Alexia Putellas testing England’s defence, though neither found the target.

The breakthrough came on the hour mark when Pina, moments after coming off the bench, equalised with a low strike. Ten minutes later, Pina struck again, latching onto an Ona Batlle pass and unleashing a powerful shot to put Spain ahead.

England sought a response, with Kearns nearly marking her debut with a goal, only for her header to be saved by Coll. Despite Spain pushing for a third, England’s defence held firm to keep the scoreline close. Substitutions, including Jess Carter, Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone, and Aggie Beever-Jones, added energy, but the Lionesses could not find an equaliser.

Spain therefore go through to the last four along with Sweden, France and Germany, whilst England now conclude their preparations for the defence of their Women’s EUROs title with a friendly against Jamaica at Leicester on Sunday 29 June.

Spain: Cata Coll, Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Laia Aleixandri, Olga Carmona (sub Jana Fernández 89mins), Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas, Mariona Caldentey, Esther González (sub Lucía García 82mins), Salma Paralluelo (sub Clàudia Pina 58mins). Subs not used: Esther Sullastres, Maite Zubieta, Athenea del Castillo, Cristina Martín-Prieto, Sheila García, Vicky López, Alba Redondo, María Méndez, Adrian Nanclares.

England: Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze (sub Jess Carter 56mins), Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, Georgia Stanway (sub Missy Bo Kearns 45mins), Keira Walsh, Jess Park (sub Ella Toone 75mins), Beth Mead (sub Chloe Kelly 56mins), Alessia Russo (sub Aggie Beever-Jones 87mins), Lauren Hemp. Subs not used: Khiara Keating, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Nikita Parris, Anna Moorhouse, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Michelle Agyemang.