England Women defeat Spain with Jess Park goal

England v Spain - UEFA Women's Nations League 2024-25 Group A3 MD2
Jess Park celebrates putting England ahead against Spain. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

England were 1-0 winners over world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium in UEFA Women’s Nations League Group A3.

Salma Paralluelo was eventually halted after dancing her way deep into the penalty area, Lucia Garcia later hitting the crossbar.

Niamh Charles won a free kick on the left of the box and Lauren James’ set-piece was turned away by goalkeeper Cata Coll.

James was denied by Coll again shortly after when sent clear by Millie Bright, then Laia Aleixandri got away with pulling down Leah Williamson in the box.

England v Spain - UEFA Women's Nations League 2024-25 Grp A3 MD2
Salma Paralluelo of Spain clashes with Grace Clinton of England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

But after 33 minutes, Alessia Russo burst into the area and her shot was deflected for Jess Park to finish.

Paralluelo went close from 25 yards out, Hannah Hampton made a sharp save from Aitana Bonmati as the Lionesses went in one up at half time.

Mariona Caldentey put a good opportunity wide moments after the restart, Garcia was clean through on goal but thwarted by the boot of Hampton.

England v Spain - UEFA Women's Nations League 2024-25 Group A3-MD2
Salma Paralluelo (11 Spain) and Lucy Bronze (2 England) in action. (Pedro Porru / SPP)

Coll parried a low drive by James, Hampton made a strong save from Leila Ouahabi’s strike and Bright deflected over an Athenea del Castillo shot.

Coll just held onto a James effort with Chloe Kelly lurking for any rebound, Hampton made the save to keep out Claudia Pina’s 90th-minute attempt.

Belgium v Portugal - UEFA Women's Nations League 2024-25 Grp A3 MD2
Carole Costa #15 of Portugal reacts with teammates after scoring a penalty against Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

In the other game in the group, Portugal won 1-0 away to Belgium, Carole Costa converting a 50th-minute penalty.

While Portugal now have four points from two games, Belgium have suffered back-to-back defeats.

England Women U-19s defeat Dutch on penalties

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