Key Takeaways
- Esme Morgan and Lotte Wubben-Moy kept Spain scoreless and boosted their Brazil 2027 hopes.
- Lucia Kendall, 21, earned coach trust by marking Barcelona star Guijarro in the Wembley clash.
- Sarina Wiegman still has a deep squad, with Jess Park and new call-ups ready for Iceland test.
England’s women are five wins from five in World Cup qualifying, yet manager Sarina Wiegman warns the road to Brazil 2027 remains long. Friday’s 1-0 defeat of world champions Spain, however, gave several fringe players a loud voice in the selection debate.
At the final whistle at Wembley, centre-backs Esme Morgan and Lotte Wubben-Moy hugged after shutting out Europe’s most feared attack. Morgan, fresh from helping Washington Spirit finish second in the 2025 NWSL season, read the game early and won every aerial duel. Wubben-Moy, equally calm, stepped in front of passes and started play with crisp distribution. Their combined display left Wiegman beaming: “They showed personality against the best. That matters.”
Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall also caught the eye. Asked to shadow experienced playmaker Patricia Guijarro, the 21-year-old rarely lost her marker and broke up countless Spanish moves. She should have capped the night with a goal but dragged wide from ten metres. Still, the shift proved she can handle senior pressure.
While eight starters look certain to keep their places if fit – Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Alessia Russo – competition is fierce. Leah Williamson, Ella Toone and super-sub Chloe Kelly will return from injury, and Manchester United flyer Jess Park, scorer of February’s winner over Spain, is expected to start against Iceland on Saturday.
Laura Blindkilde Brown, 22, entered in the 72nd minute to help seal the win. Her club form with Manchester City, who are closing in on the Women’s Super League title, keeps her in the frame. Debutants Erica Meg Parkinson and Keira Barry are training with the seniors for the first time, hoping to follow Michelle Agyemang’s rapid rise before Euro 2025.
England lead Group 3 by six points. Another victory in Reykjavík will edge them closer to Brazil, but Wiegman insists every session counts. Tuesday’s clean sheet merely opened the door; places on the plane are still up for grabs.