As far as results go, they don’t come much worse for England’s Lionesses. Top of Group A3 before kick-off, they now sit second and staring down the barrel at the play-offs after a bruising 4–0 defeat to Spain in Majorca.
England arrived at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix knowing anything other than defeat would all but secure automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Instead, Sarina Wiegman’s side were dismantled by the world champions, with Patri Guijarro, Alexia Putellas and Clàudia Pina all on target in a statement Spanish performance
It was a cagey opening from both sides. Putellas headed wide early on, before Mariona Caldentey sent an effort off target. England’s best chance fell to Keira Walsh, but she fired over from the edge of the area.
Then came Guijarro’s moment of magic.
The Spain midfielder picked up a loose ball just inside the England half, nutmegged Georgia Stanway and drove towards goal. Her low 25-yard strike via a slight deflection rifled past Hannah Hampton to give Spain the breakthrough.
Putellas doubled the lead before half-time. Caldentey slipped her through, and the two-time Ballon d’Or winner finished powerfully past Hampton.
Spain could have had a third before the break. Salma Paralluelo raced clear after an England corner, but Esme Morgan recovered well to make a vital interception.
England needed a sharp response after half-time. They almost found one when Stanway flashed a drive just wide from the edge of the Spanish box.
But any hope of a comeback disappeared a minute later. Bronze blocked Putellas’ first effort on the line, but England failed to clear. Putellas reacted quickest and forced in the rebound to make it 3–0.
England offered little after that. Cata Coll did not have to make a save all night as the Lionesses failed to register a shot on target.
Pina added Spain’s fourth in the 78th minute. Aitana Bonmatí found her in the area, and the substitute cut inside before slotting home.
It sealed England’s heaviest defeat under Wiegman. The numbers told the same story. Spain had 21 shots, nine on target and 39 touches in the England box. England had three shots, none on target and just seven touches in Spain’s box.
Match Highlights
Group A3 Standings
Match Stats
Lineups & Player Ratings
Automatic qualification still possible, but Lionesses need a miracle
The result means Spain leapfrog England at the top of Group A3, with both nations level on 12 points. England can still mathematically finish first, but it’s highly unlikely. They must beat Ukraine in Liverpool and hope Spain slip up against Iceland, or produce a huge winning margin to overturn a nine-goal goal-difference, if both teams win.
In short, automatic qualification remains possible, but it is no longer in England’s control. A campaign that looked set for a smooth passage to Brazil has suddenly tilted towards the autumn play-offs, with the Lionesses needing goals, help and a swift response after their Majorca mauling.
Remaining Fixtures
- Tue 9 June, 20.00 – England vs Ukraine (Wembley, ITV1/X, Tickets)
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