With Leah Williamson not returning, Keira Walsh took the lead and Hemp scored to give the Euro champions a decisive victory.
Published April 15, 2026
England moved one step closer to qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Spain at London’s Wembley Stadium thanks to a goal from Lauren Hemp.
Hemp’s goal early in the first half on Tuesday sealed England’s third successive win, moving them ahead of Spain into first place in Group A3.
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It was the first time the two teams had met since last year’s European Championship final, which the Lionesses won on penalties.
Only the winners of each group in Liga A will qualify directly for next year’s tournament in Brazil.
England took the lead after just three minutes, with Alessia Russo scooping the ball into the path of Hemp, who slotted it past Kata Col before Alexia Putelas cleared the line.
Spain threatened to equalize when Irene Paredes nodded home.
Hemp came close to doubling England’s lead in the 19th minute when she hit the post after being set up by a backheel pass from Lucy Bronze.
Hannah Hampton disallowed Patricia Guijarro at her near post to preserve England’s lead at half-point.
England escaped early in the second half when Olga Carmona’s shot deflected and hit the crossbar.
Salma Palaruello forced a good save from Hampton as Spain pushed forward.
A inspired Hampton then converted Edna Imade’s header past the post in the final minutes.
Keira Walsh, who wore the captain’s armband in place of the absent Leah Williamson, celebrated her 100th cap for England, while Euro 2022 winning goalkeeper Mary Earps was honored at an international retirement ceremony.
Norway and Germany record big victories
In other matches, Norway defeated Slovenia 5-0 in Group A4, with Ada Hegerberg scoring twice, while Germany remained unbeaten in their pool with a comfortable 5-1 win over neighboring Austria.
In Group A2, France lost 2-1 to the Netherlands, ceding the lead to them, but René van Asten and Esmee Burgts scored one goal from Sandy Baltimore.
Ireland recorded a 3-2 win away to Poland in the same pool thanks to goals from Emily Murphy, Katie McCabe and Marissa Sheba.
Jani Thomsen scored the winning goal in stoppage time for Denmark, who defeated Sweden 2-1 in the last minute and took control of Group A1. Italy defeated Serbia 6-0 to tie the score with second-place Sweden.
