England thrashed by Spain to dent direct World Cup qualification hopes

FootballSports
6 Jun 2026 • 5:50 AM MYT
DPA International
DPA International

DPA, founded in 1949, one of the world’s leading independent news agencies

Alexia Putellas' brace dented England's bid for direct qualification into next year's Women's World Cup as they slumped to a 4-0 defeat against Spain in Mallorca.

The Lionesses had entered the match leading qualifying group Group A3 with four wins, but were handed an early blow when Patri Guijarro put the hosts ahead.

Putellas then struck twice either side of the break and Claudia Pina completed a ruthless Spanish display, moving them to the top of the group and level with England on 12 points after five matches.

Defeat for Sarina Wiegman's side means the battle for direct qualification into next year's tournament in Brazil now boils down to Tuesday's games, where the Lionesses host Ukraine at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and Spain face Iceland.