England Tops World Cup Qualifying Group with 1-0 Win Over Spain

AI Summary

England secured a 1-0 victory over Spain, propelling them to the top of their World Cup qualifying group. Lauren Hemp scored the decisive goal early in the first half.

England has taken a significant step towards qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 after Lauren Hemp's early goal secured a 1-0 win over defending champions Spain at Wembley Stadium in London.

The victory marked England's third successive win, moving them above Spain to the top of group A3. Only the winners from each of the League A groups will earn direct passage to next year's tournament in Brazil.

The match saw England take the lead in just three minutes as Alessia Russo set up Hemp, who scored past Cata Coll. Spain threatened an equaliser, with Irene Paredes heading just over, but Hannah Hampton's crucial saves preserved England's lead.

The win also celebrated Keira Walsh's 100th England cap and honoured Euro 2022-winning goalkeeper Mary Earps in an international retirement ceremony.

In other matches, Norway thrashed Slovenia 5-0 and Germany remained unbeaten with a 5-1 victory over Austria. The Netherlands took the lead in Group A2 with a 2-1 win over France, while Denmark took control of Group A1 with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Sweden.