England’s national women’s football team faced a challenging lesson during their Nations League match against Spain. The Lionesses were unable to secure a spot in the semi-finals after losing 2-1 to the reigning world champions at RCDE Stadium.
Alessia Russo initially gave England the lead, but substitute Claudio Pina’s two goals turned the game in Spain’s favour, allowing them to top Group A3.
Spain’s control was evident in the second half as they held 69.8% possession, completing 356 passes compared to England’s 151. They also had nine shots on goal, while England managed just one. Leah Williamson, reflecting on the match, acknowledged that her team needs swift improvement with the European Championship approaching next month.
Williamson noted that while England showcased some of their best play against Portugal four days earlier, they fell short against Spain. “I think you saw some of the best of us in the previous game, and then we were slightly off it today,” she told ITV. The first half was solid, but adjustments are needed for future matches.
The Lionesses captain highlighted how Spain’s higher pressing in the second half caused difficulties for England. “We couldn’t keep the ball as well as we did in the first half,” she admitted. Under such pressure from top teams, maintaining possession becomes crucial.
Williamson emphasised that England must improve their ball handling and find solutions faster when under pressure. She described the match as “a great lesson” and stressed the importance of adapting quickly to changing game dynamics. With time before their tournament defence begins, there is an opportunity for growth.
Looking Ahead to Future Challenges
Despite this setback, head coach Sarina Wiegman remained optimistic about her team’s progress. She viewed the lack of possession as a learning opportunity rather than a concern. Wiegman explained that exploiting spaces left by opponents requires first maintaining possession, which is challenging.
Wiegman highlighted positive aspects from recent weeks, including players returning from injuries and competing for positions or minutes. This competitive environment is beneficial for team development. Some players will continue training while others take brief breaks before regrouping for upcoming matches against Jamaica on June 29 and France on July 5.
The defeat serves as a reminder of the challenges England may face in defending their European Championship title in Switzerland. However, with lessons learned and time to prepare, they aim to strengthen their performance before facing formidable opponents again.