England’s World Cup qualification hopes dented by heavy defeat to Spain

Victory would have booked England’s place on the flight to Brazil in 2027, however, opponents Spain have now moved into pole position following their sizeable win over the European champions.

The hosts broke the deadlock inside 20 minutes. Patri Guijarro showed her quality to bamboozle Georgia Stanway before firing the ball home from distance.

The opening goal gave Spain even more energy and flow and they added a second in the 37th minute through Alexia Putellas . She slid the ball past England keeper Hannah Hampton from inside the box.

England tried to respond early in the second half but Stanway could only thump a shot wide. The Lionesses were made to rue that miss as Spain also immediately grabbed a third goal through Putellas. The forward’s initial shot was blocked before she converted at the second attempt.

Guijarro then saw Hampton save her headed effort before Claudia Pina completed the scoring with a goal 12 minutes from time.

Aitana Bonmati would have made it five late on if not for a good save from Hampton but in the end, the contest ended 4-0 as Spain took a big step towards FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.

England will drop into the play-offs if they do not better Spain’s result on Matchday 6. The Lionesses play host to Ukraine in Liverpool while Spain go to Iceland.