Line Up:

We have Mary Earps in the goal. For defenders, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright, and Jess Carter. In the midfield, we have Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, and Rachel Daly. For forwards, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo. A lot of people were wondering if Lauren James was going to start in this match, now that her two match ban is over. Toone did pretty well in the matches against Colombia and Australia. Sarina Wiegman might not want to ruin/interrupt that flow and rhythm in the midfield and attack. At the same time, it’ll also be good to bring Lauren James on in the second half, when things could be heating up more. The rest of the line up is all right. No changes from the last line up against Australia. It’s going to be an interesting match.

A win for England is possible, but it isn’t going to come without a challenge. When it comes to Spain, one of the most important things England is needing to do is cut off their passing targets. Spain likes having possession. When they have possession, they’re able to control the midfield, and, basically, do whatever they want. They’re free to have full reign of the pitch, and attack the goal as much as possible. The biggest mistake teams make is allowing Spain to maintain possession. Cutting off Spain’s attacking and passing targets, putting pressure on their midfielders and forwards, and forcing turn overs is how England can get back possession, and be successful in this match.

First Half Notes

Spain 1-0.

Unfortunately, England is making the same mistake a lot of teams make when they play against Spain, which is not keeping possession and control of the midfield. I said at the start, if Spain is able to control the midfield, they can do whatever they want, they’re free to attack the goal. And that’s what’s happening, Spain is controlling the midfield, with no pressure from England, and have been dangerous throughout this first half. If England wants to comeback and win this they have to control the midfield. They have to put pressure on the Spain midfielders. There’s no control from England in the midfield and because of that, they’re struggling to build and connect in the attack. I don’t know what England’s plan is, but what they were doing on the field in the first half, isn’t working. At the same time, the backline needs to be better when it comes to clearances. You can’t just leave a loose ball in the box while Spain’s strikers are in the box. For the second half, I want to see more urgency and intensity from England’s midfield and attack. Now, let’s get into the second half.

Second Half/Closing Notes

Final score: Spain 1-0

When it comes to the second half, England was doing all right when it comes to getting the ball up field, working it up the midfield, but honestly, there just wasn’t enough change from the first half. Yes, England benefitted from having James and Kelly come in in the second half. Maybe both of them should’ve started this game. I can definitely see people arguing for starting Kelly and James, but unfortunately, I don’t think it would’ve been enough, given how well Spain was controlling the midfield. My point from earlier still stands: If you let Spain control the midfield, control an area where they thrive in, they’re going to have full run of the pitch. That’s what happened in this game. Spain was able to control the midfield, and it would lead to England’s downfall. On the upside, I did like Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood’s performances in this match. Even with her head bloody and wrapped up, Greenwood put up a great fight in the backline.

England had a great run in this World Cup. It wasn’t an easy run for England, but they fought hard, and did well over all. Sarina Wiegman has done a great job with this England team, and moving forward, the Lionesses will continue to thrive under her guidance. It’s been a pleasure following this England team through the Euro, Arnold Clark Cups, and the World Cup, and even though this is a disappointing loss, the Lionesses will come back from this.