Sarina Wiegman praises 'very impressive' England in victory over Spain as Euro 2025 preparations take shape
Published 26/02/2025 at 23:24 GMT
Sarina Wiegman was pleased with a "very impressive" England performance, as the Lionesses edged fellow 2023 World Cup finalists Spain 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. Manchester City star Jess Park scored the winner, as Wiegman's side displayed an exemplary defensive performance against the world champions, to move second - behind Portugal - in their Women's Nations League group.
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In their first meeting since the 2023 World Cup final, England defeated Spain 1-0 at Wembley Stadium, a result which will boost their hopes of a successful Euro 2025 title defence.
Jess Park's 33rd-minute strike ultimately sealed the match for Sarina Wiegman's side, as they jumped to second in the Women's Nations League group, handing their opponents a first defeat since the Paris Olympic Games.
"I think the whole game was very impressive," Wiegman said. "It was a very high tempo, very intense, and I found our performance very impressive. The work that the team put in and the togetherness, that showed off today."
England's defence reigned supreme against the world champions, despite the visitors enjoying a large share of possession.
Lucia Garcia threatened early on, smashing against the crossbar, while Claudia Pina also came close, hitting just over.
And it was the Lionesses who found the breakthrough, with Park netting just past the half-hour mark, tidying up after Alessia Russo's strike was blocked following a fine move inspired by Grace Clinton.
"I think she [Park] needed that," Wiegman said. "This performance helps us a lot. We have been working so hard but it didn’t go our way a couple of times.
"Jess was in a position she hasn’t played a lot lately but that will give a boost to her. She had to grow into the game and the pace of the game but she did really well.
There was a brief stoppage in play in the 52nd minute, when Wembley plunged into darkness with the lights going out in the 90,000-seater arena.
And shortly after the restart, Clinton spurned a golden chance to double England's lead - though was reprieved by Hannah Hampton's inspired efforts in net to deny Leila Ouahabi and a string of late efforts for the visitors.
The Euro 2022 champions successfully closed out the narrow victory, sparking a dash of positivity for Wiegman's side, who stood up to the pressure of some criticism since their Euro qualifying campaign.
"It helps – winning always helps," Wiegman said. "We know where we want to go to, where we are right now, what we are working on.
"Now we win it is not that everything is good, and when we lose it is not that all of a sudden that everything is bad.
The England boss added: "The best thing was the togetherness and fight we put in the game was great. That’s where it starts. Next time when we go to play Belgium, it will be another game and we want to take it to the next level."
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