Pina fires Spain past England into eves’ Nations League semis

Super-sub Claudia Pina struck twice as Spain came from behind to beat England 2-1 on Tuesday in a heavyweight clash and reach the women’s Nations League semi-finals.

Sweden romped to a 6-1 win over Scandinavian rivals Denmark to progress to the final four, along with already-qualified France and Germany.

World champions Spain won Group A3 by five points from Euro 2022 winners England, who could have progressed themselves with a victory at the RCDE Stadium on the outskirts of Barcelona.

Alessia Russo stroked Sarina Wiegman’s side ahead after 22 minutes but Pina’s brace off the bench in the second half booked the holders’ ticket to the final four in October.

Spain and England will be the favourites to lift the Euros trophy this summer in Switzerland and after a narrow defeat at Wembley in February, Montse Tome’s side flexed their muscles by outclassing the Lionesses.

Pina did the damage with a cool first finish and then a blast from the edge of the box for her second.

“I received the ball (for the second) and I didn’t even think about it, I hit it with my soul,” said Pina, who often shines off the bench for her club too.

“I always try to do my best, and I am ready, I’m happy to be able to help,” she added.

Featuring seven Barcelona players, who finished as Champions League final runners-up last week, and one winner in Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey, Spain started the stronger.

They almost took the lead after three minutes but Hannah Hampton made a superb reflex save to deny Esther Gonzalez from close range. The Chelsea goalkeeper was under the spotlight after Mary Earps’ shock decision to retire from international football ahead of the Euros this summer and swiftly offered evidence of why she is England’s number one.

Agencies