How badly the Lionesses have needed this.
Not merely a 1-0 victory over Spain, their conquerors in the World Cup final some 18 months ago, but three points in a competitive match against one of the genuinely elite teams in the women’s international game.
In the 18 months since losing that showcase match in Sydney to a single Olga Carmona goal, Sarina Wiegman’s side have chanced upon choppy waters, losing to the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and being held, on Friday, by Portugal, 18 places below them in the FIFA world rankings.
At Wembley, in the first of two Nations League meetings between these heavyweights before they head to Switzerland for the Euros in July, England were not bullied by their acclaimed opponents from the continent in the way they were a year and a half ago.
Jess Park’s close-range prodded finish in the first half proved the moment of clarity in a match littered from long-range efforts on goal, and a match which was novelly paused early in the second half when the floodlights momentarily went out. The irony was not lost on those who recalled that Wembley’s chief sponsor is none other than EE.
While the Lionesses were giving up a lead in Portimao on Friday, Spain were scaping past Belgium 3-2, saved from defeat by two stoppage-time goals. Keen for a fast start after that stunning late finish, they were denied an early opener by only the rattling crossbar as Lucia Garcia volleyed against it from a corner which England showed no real interest in defending.
Park’s goal came after squandered chances at either end by Garcia, whose volley cracked the bar, and by Lauren James. Millie Bright’s artfully-weighted ball over the top deserved more than the saveable strike and nonchalant thumbs up aimed back in her direction by her Chelsea teammate James.
If England gave the ball away too cheaply at moments then Manchester United’s Grace Clinton did her best to ensure the world champions did not capitalise. A bulldozing display from Clinton disguised the fact the injured Georgia Stanway, vital for Wiegman’s England, was barely missed.
The 21-year-old Barcelona winger Salma Paralluelo was the thorn in England’s side, pivoting and arrowing just wide from distance and a nuisance to pin down.
Among those in Wiegman’s ranks to do their cases for meaningful minutes at the Euros no harm were goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, in a fight for No1 with Mary Earps and equal to fierce drives by Leila Ouahabi and reigning Ballon d’Or holder Aitana Bonmati.
James so nearly added a late second, but for goalkeeper Cata Coll’s recovery on the line after mishandling, and was encouragingly bright on a night when the lights went out only in the literal sense.
