Lauren Hemp’s early goal proved decisive as England overcame reigning world champions Spain 1-0 at Wembley.

Hemp’s record-breaking effort arrived inside three minutes on Tuesday, with Sarina Wiegman’s team holding out for their third win in Women’s World Cup qualifying.

England’s goal owed much to the work of Alessia Russo, who improvised from a horizontal position on the pitch to flick it on for Hemp, who brilliantly steered a close-range volley over the line.

The Lionesses, who were captained by Keira Walsh in Leah Williamson’s absence, had to ride their luck at times, though Spain did get fortunate when Hemp hit the woodwork in the 19th minute.

Olga Carmona rattled the frame of the goal early in the second half, before Vicky Lopez struck the outside of the right-hand post as Spain upped the pressure.

Lauren James squandered a great chance when she blazed wide from inside the box soon after, and Hannah Hampton had to make a fantastic save to deny Edna Imade late on, but England held firm to move three points clear in League A Group 3.

2:34 – Timed at 2:34, Lauren Hemp has tonight scored England Women’s quickest ever goal at new Wembley. Rapid. pic.twitter.com/oMU6LqKNtd

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 14, 2026

Data Debrief: Hemp makes history

Timed at 2:34, Hemp scored the Lionesses’ quickest ever goal at the new Wembley.

England have lost just one of their last 12 games played at Wembley (W8 D3). They have won four consecutive matches at the national venue for the first time.

This defeat snapped a 17-game unbeaten run in all competitions for Spain (excluding shoot-outs), since a 1-0 loss to England in February 2025.

Spain had 21 shots, creating chances worth 1.84 expected goals, but they only managed to get three attempts on target.

European champions England, meanwhile, remain unbeaten and have not conceded across their last 25 Women’s World Cup qualifying matches at home (W23 D2), since losing 1-0 to France in a play-off match in October 2002.