Record England loss under Wiegman provides World Cup reality check

The Lionesses came into their meeting with Spain at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix full of determination and clarity. On paper, the task was quite simple: Avoid defeat and they qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027. However, that prospect quickly unravelled for Sarina Wiegman’s side after Spain, the world champions, roared into a 2-0 lead before half-time.

There was still an air of hope among the England fans; they continued to cheer their side on, but after two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas scored again and substitute Claudia Pina added a fourth, Spain had an unassailable lead and hope had completely dissipated. Most of the England contingent began to leave the stadium after the fourth goal, knowing this was going to be a fixture to forget.

England host Ukraine at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday and if they fail to finish top of the group, they will enter the play-off route. Not only do they have to win to give themselves a reasonable chance of automatic progression, they also have to hope Spain slip up against Iceland. And, judging by the way that Sonia Bermúdez’s side dominated Friday’s game, that seems unlikely. The four-goal win for Spain means they now sit at the top of the Group 3 table, moving ahead of England on goal difference to have the upper hand in the head-to-head.

England didn’t just lose, they were utterly humbled. They had no shots on target – their opponents had nine – and only had 38.1% possession compared to Spain’s 61.9%. It’s also their heaviest defeat under Wiegman and heaviest loss in 17 years, raising some serious questions. This is a side far from its best. England looked completely disjointed, they struggled to attack, lacked energy and fluidity. Comparatively, Spain were quick, sharp and showed exactly why they are world champions and how they remain a force to be reckoned with.

Beating Spain away is one of the toughest international challenges and this defeat highlights how far Wiegman’s side have to go if they want to be in contention for the World Cup once again. The loss will sting, and will perhaps also remind the players of old wounds from Sydney, but it shows where the benchmark is. Ahead of this fixture, Lucy Bronze admitted playing against Spain was “a rivalry that’s made us both stronger”. The Lionesses will need to make sure they learn the lessons that will make them stronger.

England still have a route to the World Cup. It may no longer be the scenic one, but they still remain in contention. One thing that is expected from this England side is the ability to bounce back.

Photograph by Jaime Reina / AFP via Getty Images