Jess Park’s close-range prodded finish in the first half proved the moment of clarity in a match littered from long-range efforts on goal, and a match which was novelly paused early in the second half when the floodlights momentarily went out.
Not merely a 1-0 victory over Spain, their conquerors in the World Cup final some 18 months ago, but three points in a competitive match against one of the genuinely elite teams in the women’s international game.
At Wembley, in the first of two Nations League meetings between these heavyweights before they head to Switzerland for the Euros in July, England were not bullied by their acclaimed opponents from the continent in the way they were a year and a half ago.
Among those in Wiegman’s ranks to do their cases for meaningful minutes at the Euros no harm were goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, in a fight for No1 with Mary Earps and equal to fierce drives by Leila Ouahabi and reigning Ballon d’Or holder Aitana Bonmati.
Keen for a fast start after that stunning late finish, they were denied an early opener by only the rattling crossbar as Lucia Garcia volleyed against it from a corner which England showed no real interest in defending.
