LAUREN HEMP made history as England took a huge step on the road to Brazil by defeating arch rivals Spain at Wembley.
The Manchester City star netted the quickest-ever goal by the Lionesses at the home of English just two minutes and 34 seconds into the clash – and it was just enough to see them through.
Lauren Hemp made history with the quickest goal for England women at WembleyCredit: Getty
It came in a big 1-0 win over Spain as Mary Earps was celebrated pitchsideCredit: Getty
On a night of celebration, which saw captain earn her 100th cap and ex-goalkeeper recognised for her outstanding international career, England got the better of the world champions once again in a big statement ahead of next year’s tournament.
Hemp scored the decisive strike in World Cup qualifying after finding herself in the right place at the right time to poke home from a few yards out.
Alex Greenwood’s corner had somehow reached in the box, with the striker able to flick it through to the winger despite falling over in the middle of a crowd of red shirts.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas attempted to scramble it off the line, but the ball crossed over by millimetres.
Another chance came just a few minutes later, with playing through on the left.
The Chelsea star turned Ona Batlle inside out before lifting her shot over the crossbar.
Hemp came agonisingly close to netting a second after playing a one-two with , who made a gut-busting run from right-back to underlap in the box before returning the pass with a backheel, but the winger’s effort rattled the left post.
Spain had chances of their own before the break, one of which gave the Lionesses a scare when Hannah Hampton’s long ball out took a deflection off Mariona Caldentey before falling straight to Vicky Lopez, whose shot was blocked and sent out for a corner by Walsh.
The resulting set piece was headed over the bar by captain Irene Paredes.
Batlle also came close at the half-hour mark after skipping through the small gap between Lotte Wubben-Moy and Greenwood before firing her shot over.
Spain had more of the ball going forward in the latter stages of the first half, but England tried to make the most of the high press by utilising the pace of Bronze and Hemp down the right side on the counter attack.
La Roja continued piling the pressure on after the break as a long ball flew over the England backline before dropping in front of Lopez, but Hampton timed her run perfectly to clear the threat around 30 yards out from her own goal.
Another scare came a few moments later when a shot from Olga Carmona – who netted the decisive goal in the World Cup final three years ago – deflected off a sliding Bronze before hitting the underside of the bar and bouncing on the line as Hampton frantically pushed the ball out for a corner.
The Lionesses got a World Cup qualifying victory over their rivalsCredit: Getty
Sarina Wiegman’s side top group A3Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
But the Lionesses hit back with two big attempts in quick succession.
The first sprang from a great tackle on the left from James, which sent the ball straight to Russo.
The striker cut inside before making her way into the box and setting it back to Lucia Kendall on the edge, but the midfielder blasted her effort over the target.
Russo then came close after latching onto a brilliant ball over the top from Bronze and driving into the box, but Paredes did just enough to put her off with a sliding challenge.
Spain were denied by the woodwork once again when Lopez was given too much time and space to shoot in the box, much to the relief of the 62,000-plus fans at .
The ball was played in the England half for the most of the last 30 minutes, but the back-four of Bronze, Greenwood, Wubben-Moy and Esme Morgan did well to deal with the onslaught of pressure.
Hampton also stepped up when needed most, brilliantly saving a close-range headed effort in the final stages.
The Lionesses now top Group A3 in qualifying with three games, including another meeting with Spain, to play.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
