England beat Spain to take huge step towards Women’s World Cup qualification

England took a huge step towards qualifying for the Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win over holders Spain at Wembley to move to the top of group A3.

It was the first time the sides had faced each other since the Lionesses’ penalty shoot-out victory in last summer’s European Championship final, and both came into the contest with six points from their first two fixtures.

Lauren Hemp opened the scoring in just two minutes and 34 seconds, believed to be the quickest goal scored by a Lioness at the new Wembley Stadium.

Only the winners from each of the League A groups will earn direct passage to next year’s tournament in Brazil.

Keira Walsh, who wore the captain’s armband in place of the unavailable Leah Williamson, celebrated her 100th England cap, and Euro 2022-winning goalkeeper Mary Earps was honoured in an international retirement ceremony.

There was also a pre-match guard of honour featuring more than 50 former Lionesses to mark their upcoming 500th international fixture on Saturday in Iceland.

A sprightly initial run from Lauren James down the left ultimately led to the England corner from which Hemp put the hosts in the driver’s seat.

Alessia Russo was knocked to the ground in the ensuing scramble, and, flat on her back, managed to control the ball and scoop it into the path of Hemp, who hooked it past Cata Coll, too late – as goal-line technology confirmed – for Alexia Putellas to clear off the line.

James directed an effort over before Spain threatened to retaliate through a series of corners, coming closest when Irene Paredes nodded just over.

Hemp came inches away from doubling England’s lead in the 19th minute, clipping the post after she was set up stylishly by Lucy Bronze’s backheel pass.

Spain settled in and enjoyed a lengthy period of possession, their best chance coming just after the half hour when Ona Batlle lifted an effort just over the bar from near the penalty spot.

The visitors then did well to close down the threatening run of Russo, who still managed to sting Coll’s palms from a tight angle with eight minutes remaining in the half, and Hannah Hampton preserved England’s lead at the halfway point when she denied Patricia Guijarro at her near post.

England were let off early on in the second half when Olga Carmona’s effort took a deflection and would have beaten Hampton, who was rescued by the crossbar and the ball bounced just clear.

A flurry of chances followed. Lucia Kendall probably should have doubled England’s lead but fired over, Russo directed an effort just wide, Vicky Lopez hit the upright, James skipped one past Coll’s post and Hampton denied Lopez.

Guijarro was forced off with less than 10 minutes remaining, consoled by former Barcelona team-mate Walsh as she hobbled off with assistance.

Salma Paralluelo called Hampton back into action, there was a huge save from the England keeper on the stroke of normal time to palm Edna Imade’s header past her post, and the Lionesses fended off a Spanish stoppage-time wave of attack.