Hemp scores to give the Euro champions a crucial win as Keira Walsh leads in the absence of recovering Leah Williamson.Published On 15 Apr 202615 Apr 2026England have moved one step closer to qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 after Lauren Hemp fired them to a 1-0 win over defending champions Spain at Wembley Stadium in London.Hemp’s goal early in the first half on Tuesday sealed England’s third successive victory, moving them above Spain to the top of group A3.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listIt was the first time the teams faced each other since the Lionesses’ penalty shootout victory in last year’s European Championship final.Only the winners from each of the League A groups will earn direct passage to next year’s tournament in Brazil.England took just three minutes to go in front as Alessia Russo scooped the ball into the path of Hemp, who hooked it past Cata Coll before Alexia Putellas could clear off the line.Spain threatened an equaliser when Irene Paredes nodded just over.Hemp was inches away from doubling England’s lead in the 19th minute, clipping the post after being set up by Lucy Bronze’s backheel pass.Hannah Hampton preserved England’s lead at the halfway point by denying Patricia Guijarro at the near post.England escaped early in the second half when Olga Carmona’s effort took a deflection and cannoned off the crossbar.Salma Paralluelo forced a good save from Hampton as Spain poured forward.And the inspired Hampton had the last word as she turned Edna Imade’s header past her post in the final minutes.Keira Walsh, who wore the captain’s armband …
