Extra-time Stanway stunner sinks Spain

Georgia Stanway's sensational effort in extra-time helped England come from behind to defeat Spain and progress to the Euro 2022 semi-finals.

Action: The returning Sarina Wiegman named an unchanged starting XI for the fourth time in a row for this quarter-final in Brighton, while Esther González started up front for Spain.

It was the Spaniards who had the better of what was a very close first half with few chances. 

However, England did have the ball in the net midway through the first half after a free-kick found Ellen White to finish from close range – there were arguably two offsides in the build-up though.

Jorge Vilda made one change to his team at half-time with Athenea del Castillo replacing Marta Cardona. 

The substitution worked a treat as Del Castillo was heavily involved in the opening goal. The Real Madrid winger skipped past Rachel Daly with ease in the 54th minute before pulling the ball back for González to bury home.

Del Castillo almost doubled Spain’s lead not long after, albeit by an off-target cross that needed Mary Earps to be on her toes to keep it out.

England struggled to create chances for much of the first hour but started to gain momentum late on. The equaliser eventually came after good play from Georgia Stanway. The new Bayern Munich signing floated in a cross that was headed down by Alessia Russo for Ella Toone to convert.

Spain were unhappy that a foul wasn’t given for Russo’s challenge on Irene Paredes but it was never likely that VAR would overturn the goal.

England kept that momentum going in extra time and took the lead with a magnificent strike by Stanway. The midfielder used the runs of Russo and Toone to free up space ahead of her and unleash a powerful effort from outside the area that Sandra Paños could do nothing to prevent.

La Roja, who looked at their best in the first half of the game, couldn’t find their way back into the game as the Lionesses managed the second period of extra time expertly.

England will now face the winner of Belgium and Sweden on Tuesday at Bramall Lane.

Player of the Match: Georgia Stanway was behind everything England did going forward and scored a superb winning goal. Meanwhile, Athenea del Castillo impressed for Spain.

Stat of the Day: Spain have still never won a knockout game at a major tournament.

100 - Georgia Stanway’s extra-time strike was the 100th goal England have scored under Sarina Wiegman (her 18th game in charge) and the 11th from outside the box under her leadership. Timely. #WEUR02022 pic.twitter.com/q0k7KJdP2w

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 20, 2022