Claudia Pina celebratesImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Claudia Pina scored two minutes after coming on as a substitute

England failed to reach the semi-finals of the Women's Nations League with defeat by group winners Spain, largely due to Claudia Pina's stunning cameo.

On as a 58th-minute substitute, she was outstanding, scoring twice in 10 minutes to give the hosts a well-deserved victory after Alessia Russo had put England in front.

Arsenal striker Russo's 22nd-minute opener came against the run of play when she raced through one-on-one with goalkeeper Catalina Coll and coolly slotted the ball past her.

It sparked boos from the home fans in Barcelona as forward Salma Paralluelo thought she had been fouled in the build-up by England defender Niamh Charles - and Spain staff protested with officials as the visitors celebrated.

The crowd grew more frustrated minutes later when Spain were denied a penalty after the ball appeared to hit Charles' outstretched arm.

Countless more chances fell their way, with Esther Gonzalez denied by a smart reaction save from Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, while Patricia Guijarro went close with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.

England defiantly soaked up the pressure but were fortunate to maintain their lead at the break.

In-form Barcelona forward Pina did not take long to make an impact, levelling two minutes after her entrance as she cleverly weaved her way into the box before slipping the ball past Hampton, who had left too much room in the far corner.

England had to respond to stand any chance of reaching the last four, but the world champions continued to pile on the pressure and Pina stole the show with a superb 70th-minute second goal.

The 23-year-old picked up the ball on the edge of the box and curled a finish beautifully inside the post, finding the corner in stylish fashion.

It was a worthy winner which sent Spain through as Sarina Wiegman's England side turned their focus to Euro 2025 which kicks off in Switzerland on 2 July.

They will travel without Brighton forward Fran Kirby, who announced her international retirement shortly after full-time in Spain.

Lionesses struggle as Spain show quality

Media caption,

'A lot of big decisions for Sarina'

After an impressive 6-0 win over Portugal at Wembley on Friday, optimism in the England camp was high and they were looking to build on that display.

They beat Spain in February in the reverse fixture and knew progression to the Nations League semi-finals would potentially improve their 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying route.

But the hosts made it clear early on it would not be an easy task when Gonzalez was allowed to get on the end of a corner within three minutes, only to be denied by a superb Hampton save from close range.

England had been buoyed by the return of Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway – making her first start for her country this year after knee surgery in January - and there was a second successive start for key forward Lauren Hemp, who is also returning to full fitness.

Boss Wiegman gave another opportunity for Jess Park to stake a claim for a starting place at the Euros, selecting her ahead of Ella Toone, while Chelsea's Charles started at left-back.

But it was a tough evening for Charles, who was run ragged in the first half by Paralluelo and Pina's introduction in the second did little to relieve the pressure on her and the England backline.

With the home fans riled by a frustrating opening period, but later entertained by Pina's skilful impact, it added to the intensity and pressure faced by the Lionesses.

Aston Villa midfielder Missy Bo Kearns was thrown into the cauldron for her senior debut at half-time, replacing Stanway, and given a demonstration of the level needed if England are to defend their European title in Switzerland this summer.

It was also the first real test for keeper Hampton, newly confirmed as number one following Mary Earps' surprise international retirement last week.

The Lionesses were sloppy in possession and could barely get out of their own half as Spain's individual quality shone through in abundance.

La Roja are strong favourites for Euro 2025 and considered one of England's main rivals, but this result was not something to concern Wiegman too much - she was testing a few squad players and her side have shown previously they have the talent to trouble the world champions.

But the visiting supporters would have liked to have seen them back up their dominant display against Portugal and build momentum going into the Euros.

Wiegman names her 23-player squad for the tournament on Thursday and England have one match still to play before they travel to Switzerland, with Jamaica visitors to Leicester's King Power Stadium on 29 June.

Player of the match

Number: 20 Clàudia Pina
Average rating 7.99
Number: 20 Clàudia Pina
Average Rating: 7.99
Number: 6 Aitana Bonmatí
Average Rating: 6.46
Number: 2 Ona Batlle
Average Rating: 6.32
Number: 11 Alexia Putellas
Average Rating: 6.30
Number: 8 Mariona Caldentey
Average Rating: 6.18
Number: 7 Olga Carmona
Average Rating: 5.89
Number: 12 Patri Guijarro
Average Rating: 5.80
Number: 14 Laia Aleixandri
Average Rating: 5.79
Number: 4 Irene Paredes
Average Rating: 5.71
Number: 9 Esther González
Average Rating: 5.63
Number: 13 Cata Coll
Average Rating: 5.51
Number: 18 Salma Paralluelo
Average Rating: 5.41
Number: 17 Lucía García
Average Rating: 5.32
Number: 3 Jana Fernández
Average Rating: 5.17

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.

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