England host Spain in a blockbuster 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier between the top two teams in League A3.
Victory or a draw would see England stay top of the group heading into the second half of the league phase, whilst Spain will leapfrog England onto the summit of the group with a win.
Team News
Keira Barry has replaced Freya Godfrey in England’s squad after the latter withdrew with a shoulder injury, although she isn’t expected to start this match alongside midfielder – Erica Parkinson who too has received a first senior call-up along with Barry.
Niamh Charles is also included as a late addition in defence after she made a sufficient recovery from an ankle injury, although she wasn’t named in the initial squad announcement.
Leah Williamson is unlikely to be risked in the starting line-up as she continues to build up her match fitness following a hamstring injury in recent weeks.
Spain have no fresh injury concerns to report ahead of the match, with Aiara Agirrezabala and Clara Pinedo seeking their first senior caps.
When is Kick-Off?
England host Spain at Wembley Stadium, London, on Tuesday 14 April at 7pm BST, live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- England are yet to lose to Spain in FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying (W1, D3)
- Spain are yet to win a Women’s World Cup Qualifier away to England after two previous attempts (D1, L1), having drawn 0-0 in February 1994 in Qualifying for 1995 edition then lost 1-0 in April 2010 in Qualifying for 2011 edition.
- England have kept clean sheets in three of their four previous Women’s World Cup Qualifiers against Spain, except for a 2-2 draw away in June 2010.
- England are yet to lose a Women’s World Cup Qualifier under Sarina Wiegman (W12), during which they scored 88 goals and conceded one goal.
- Edna Imade has scored in each of Spain’s two qualifiers in this group (W2).
Prediction
Sat top of the group and with a good Women’s World Cup Qualifying record against Spain, England are in a solid position after their clinical wins over Ukraine and Iceland but this is a huge must-win because if they can beat Spain, that sole automatic qualification spot is theirs to lose in the second half of this phase.
Spain though know that this is their chance to end their English soil rut if they turn up and bring their top game but they will need to play the patient game, whilst taking their own chances especially in the first half as England does look strong in the second half.
That opening half is therefore crucial because if Spain can get in front, you have to think that they will either kick on and win or end up drawing, but if England get the first goal or keep it goalless as long as possible then I fancy them to nick this.
Prediction: England 1-0 Spain