England 2-1 Spain: Lionesses into Euro 2022 semis
England have stormed through to the semi-finals of the women’s Euros 2022 in the most dramatic fashion, scoring an extra-time goal to put the Lionesses ahead.
Spain had been the pre-tournament favourites but left the W Euro 2022 at the quarter-final stages for the third consecutive time.
Spain took the lead with a goal from Esther Gonzale, substitute Ella Toone equalised for England before Georgia Stanway scored the winner in the 95th minute, causing the stadium to erupt with joy – and a rendition of Football’s Coming Home broke out around Brighton’s Amex Stadium.
England had momentum on their side and remained fearless despite trailing for much of the match and Spain continued to be a threat right up until the final whistle.
It’s victory again for the Lionesses who reached a fourth successive women’s major tournament semi-finals and their unbeaten record under manager Sarina Wiegman extends to 18 matches.
The Lionesses are now one of the favourites to win the trophy. It would be England’s first Euros win. But they must over either Sweden or Belgium in the last four to get to Wembley on 31 July.
Results: England 2-1 Spain, next stop Euro 2022 semis
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England victory over Spain – Lionesses looking strong
England are having a perfect run at this year’s Euros, topping their group and having not lost a game. They had not conceded a goal up until last night’s match.
Their manager tested positive for Covid in the days before the quarter-finals and only confirmed her return to the dugout three hours before kick-off – England’s first real test of the tournament.
Spain pushed England and tested them right up until the very last blow of the whistle. They dominated the first half showing off their quality until they scored the opening goal nine minutes into the second half.
Athenea del Castillo out skilled full-back Rachel Daly and set up Gonzalez to fire the ball into the bottom corner.
But England’s manager responded immediately with a triple substitution – Man Utd duo Russo and Toone and City’s winder Chloe Kelly – it was a move that worked.
The trio made a crucial impact and reignited energy and Toone and Russo teamed p for the equaliser to take the game to extra time.
Stanway saw space to exploit in the middle and did not hesitate in her shot – straight into the top left corner, securing the win for England.
The stadium roared with delight, a game dominated largely by its visitors, now saw the home side ahead – and the dream of winning the Euros still alive.
But Spain didn’t give up, they continued to fight until the very last second. Thankfully, England was able to hold their nerve to keep their hope of winning a first women’s major tournament alive.
England 2-1 Spain – the first goal the lionesses have conceded.
Euro 2022: England vs Spain quarter-final draws biggest TV audience of Euros so far
7.6 million people tuned in to watch England’s victory over Spain in the Euro 2022 sister finals on BBC One.
The peak figure is up 3.6 million on the four million who tuned in for England’s shock 8-0 group stage win against Norway.
There were a further 1.5 million streams across BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sports website and app as England advanced to the Euro semis.
England’s semi-final against either Sweden or Belgium is on BBC One from 19:30 BST on 26 July.
The highest peak TV audience for women’s football in the UK is 11.7 million for England’s 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat.
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