Alexia Putellas’ brace dents England’s bid for automatic World Cup qualification

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With captain Leah Williamson ruled out through injury, Keira Walsh skippered England and had a cross comfortably collected by Cata Coll at her near post in the opening stages. However, Spain enjoyed the early share of possession and Lucia Corrales sent a menacing cross in for Putellas, but her header bounced past the post. Putellas hit a curling delivery into Edna Imade which Hannah Hampton was able to save before England had an opportunity, with Walsh blasting an effort from outside of the area narrowly over the crossbar. Advertisement Spain continued to control proceedings, taking the lead 19 minutes in when Guijarro weaved into the middle of the pitch from the left flank and from around 25 yards out, the Barcelona midfielder slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Spain players celebrate after Patri Guijarro scored. The hosts doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when Mariona Caldentey threaded the ball into Putellas, who fired home despite Hampton getting a hand to the shot. England had an opportunity after the break when Georgia Stanway blasted a strike past the post, but Spain soon extended their lead further in the 55th minute. Putellas had an initial effort well stopped on the goal line by Lucy Bronze, but the ball bounced off the post and the Spain forward reacted quickly to pounce and stab home her second of the night.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure as Hampton made a stunning save to tip away Guijarro’s header and Lopez blasted an effort into the side-netting. Substitute Aitana Bonmati made an instant impact from the bench to set up Pina, who fired the ball into the bottom corner in the 78th minute. Bonmati nearly added to a ruthless Spanish performance in the final minutes after she forced Hampton into a save at her near post. Press Association Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Alexia Putellas’ brace dents England’s bid for automatic World Cup qualification”.

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