Apr 14, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (8) hits a home run during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Christian Walker recorded three hits and a pair of RBIs, and the Houston Astros parlayed a six-run third inning into a 7-6 victory over the visiting Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.
The Astros snapped an eight-game losing skid, their longest since 2013, with the win. The Rockies, who swept a three-game set from Houston last week, suffered their fifth straight loss.
Houston took advantage of two fielding errors by Rockies second baseman Willi Castro to chase right-hander Michael Lorenzen (1-2) in the bottom of the third.
Castro dropped an infield pop-up from Jose Altuve after Christian Vazquez opened the third with a double. Lorenzen balked both runners into scoring position and Yordan Alvarez followed with a game-tying, two-run double down the right-field line.
Walker, whose solo homer in the second shaved the deficit to 3-1, added a fielder’s choice grounder that plated Alvarez.
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Cam Smith and Vazquez added RBI singles that pushed the Astros to a 7-3 lead after Carlos Correa scored when Castro failed to field a sharp grounder from Joey Loperfido.
Lorenzen allowed seven runs (two earned) on six hits and one walk with three strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings.
Hunter Goodman recorded his sixth career multi-homer game, with his second blast leading off the fifth and drawing the Rockies to within 7-5.
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Troy Johnston delivered a pinch-RBI single in the eighth, but Astros reliever Enyel De Los Santos faced one batter and stranded runners on the corners to close the ninth for his first save this season.
The Rockies pounced on Astros left-hander Colton Gordon, who made his season debut for injury-ravaged Houston. Colorado rallied with the bases loaded and two outs in both the first and second innings, with Goodman smacking his third homer of the season for a 1-0 lead in the first.
An inning later, after Gordon retired TJ Rumfield and Ezequiel Tovar to open the second, Jordan Beck and Kyle Karros laced consecutive two-out singles before Jake McCarthy delivered a two-run triple to straightaway center that extended the Colorado lead to 3-0.
Gordon did not survive the fourth. He surrendered a two-out solo homer to Beck before loading the bases and ceding the mound to reliever AJ Blubaugh, who induced pinch hitter Mickey Moniak to hit an inning-ending infield popup.
Liverpool could not produce another famous European comeback at Anfield as they were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain – but had their second-half penalty not been controversially overturned, things could have been very different.
The hosts were trailing 2-0 on aggregate but still had the second leg finely poised at 0-0, knowing the pendulum could swing heavily in their favour if they made PSG’s net bulge.
It looked like they had secured the golden opportunity to do just that as Alexis Mac Allister went down under the challenge of Willian Pacho to earn Liverpool a penalty on 64 minutes.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg said on Prime Video’s coverage of the match that he expected the call against what he branded a “clumsy challenge” to stand, but to his and the commentators’ surprise, match official Maurizio Mariani was ordered to the pitchside monitor and promptly overturned his decision.
“We talk about clear and obvious every time we talk about interventions,” Clattenburg, bemoaning the decision. “When we see the contact on Mac Allister, people will say it’s soft but it’s not wrong. There is contact. Once the referee gives it, I expect the penalty to be upheld.”
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Alan Shearer then added: “I’m surprised as well because Mac Allister does ever so well to protect that ball, inviting the challenge in from Pacho and once he tries to get the ball and doesn’t, and does make contact with him and the referee gives it, I’m really, really surprised he’s overturned it.”
It proved the beginning of the end for Liverpool’s hopes of a fightback, with PSG going up the other end and scoring through Ousmane Dembele eight minutes later, taking the aggregate score to 3-0.
Dembele then doubled his tally and PSG’s lead on the night in stoppage time to compound Liverpool’s woes.
Alexis Mac Allister goes down under the challenge of Willian Pacho in the box (Getty)
Speaking after the match, both Liverpool manager Arne Slot and defender Ibrahima Konate expressed their frustration at the penalty decision.
“If you look at our season I am completely not surprised because so many decisions have gone against us,” Slot said, bemoaning his side’s luck with penalty call this season.
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“For me it is quite simple, if the referee did not give a penalty the VAR would never have intervened. As I said I don’t think it is a surprise this season, not just the Champions League but also in the Premier League many decisions have gone against us.”
Konate added: “Last season we had a penalty like that. For me it was a clear penalty and was just behind the referee but he did not blow the whistle and we have to deal with that. If we got the penalty and score it would be completely different.”
And echoing their annoyance, Wayne Rooney was the first to highlight how he felt the referee was wrong to reverse his call, even if the original decision was “soft”.
Liverpool’s second-half penalty was contentiously overturned (PA)
“I think after giving it, I don’t think it should go to VAR,” he said. “It should have stood. It should be the penalty.
“Liverpool are really not to get that penalty at that 0-0 in tonight’s game. If they get that and they score, I think that it’s a different game, maybe a different outcome. You can see there’s clear contact on Mac Allister and I think that was the wrong decision.”
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Robbie Fowler added that he felt “ VAR has probably not done its job there”, while Daniel Sturridge was resolute on the fact it was penalty offence.
“There’s clear contact. If it’s on VAR and you can see the contact then it’s a penalty,” Sturridge said.
“You can say that the action is to get his body across, which as an attacker, that’s what you do normally. So if the contact’s there and the ball’s coming to me, then it’s a penalty. Simple as that.”
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell introduces defensive coordinator Brian Flores during a press session at the TCO Performance Center on July 2024 in Eagan, Minnesota. Flores discusses his background and defensive vision after joining Minnesota, bringing experience from previous roles with the Patriots, Dolphins, and Steelers into the organization. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Are you itching for the Minnesota Vikings to draft a cornerback early in the draft? If so, it may not be in Round 1, says one popular analyst.
Minnesota could bypass the cornerback early and trust its board.
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis, who is plugged into the Vikings’ interworkings, claimed this week that cornerback may not be on the menu in Round 1.
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Minnesota Has More Than One Path if CB Waits until Day 2
If not a CB, then what?
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores surveys the field from the sideline during NFC wild card action on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Flores tracks formations and personnel while coordinating calls, managing adjustments in real time during a high-stakes postseason road matchup against a playoff-caliber opponent. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Lewis: CB May Not Be the Pick for Vikings
Sizing up the draft in nine days, Lewis opined this week, “Coaching input will be weighed heavily. And unlike previous seasons, the Vikings have a bevy of picks in the top 100. The team’s leadership knows it needs to find hits.”
“The Vikings haven’t used a first- or second-round pick on a cornerback since Flores arrived, and I don’t expect them to start now, especially after signing free agent James Pierre.”
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Until Lewis’s declaration, cornerback felt like a draft need — and probably still is — especially in January and February.
The Defense Is Great without Elite CBs
Listen, if you want an argument to suggest the Vikings don’t need a cornerback in Round 1, well, the team has it. These are the defensive numbers under Flores:
Vikings Defense Ranking, Per EPA/Play, Under Brian Flores:
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2023: 17th 2024: 2nd 2025: 3rd Overall Since 2023: 2nd
Meanwhile, the Vikings have featured these cornerbacks with Flores in charge:
Byron Murphy Jr.
Isaiah Rodgers
Stephon Gilmore
Akayleb Evans
Mekhi Blackmon
Shaquill Griffin
Andrew Booth
Jeff Okudah
Fabian Moreau
Flores hasn’t needed elite cornerbacks — or even young ones — to generate the NFL’s second-best defense over the last three years. This might just be his modus operandi.
The Precedent
Want to know why Lewis is probably onto something? The evidence from precedent is already lurking. In 2023, the Vikings could’ve drafted a Round 1 corner; they picked wide receiver Jordan Addison. In 2024, the Vikings could’ve drafted a Round 1 corner; they picked quarterback J.J. McCarthy and outside linebacker Dallas Turner. In 2025, the Vikings could’ve drafted a Round 1 corner; they picked guard Donovan Jackson.
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In each of the last three drafts, cornerback was considered a vivid draft need. Minnesota didn’t take any until after the 1st Round.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell addresses reporters during a press conference on Sep. 26, 2025, at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, Ireland. The session captures O’Connell discussing preparation, logistics, and team messaging as the Vikings navigate international travel and represent the franchise during the NFL’s global schedule. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
One might ask: Why would Flores start needing cornerbacks now? The only answer might be that former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is out of the way. He was fired on January 30th, mainly for poor drafting habits and offseason quarterback decision-making.
Moreover, when Flores coached the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021, his employer drafted just one 1st-Round cornerr.
In contrast, Zone Coverage‘sChris Schad noted on the Vikings draft this week, “Grabbing a cornerback would be a pick that satisfies Flores but also gives the Vikings a premium position at a potential discount. The same would go for edge rusher. Minnesota already has Jonathan Greenard, Dallas Turner, and Andrew Van Ginkel. However, they could easily be in a different situation if they trade Greenard and let Van Ginkel walk at the end of his contract.”
“The offense could also use help at offensive tackle and wide receiver. That may be enough to keep Flores salivating at the thought of a top safety for another round or two. Minnesota’s defense definitely needs some help, and Dillon Thieneman could contribute. But they also must be careful not to lean too heavily into Flores’ demands and build a team that can compete long after he heads to his next coaching destination.”
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The Draft Options if No R1 CB
After Round 1, a cornerback feels like fair game, particularly as Minnesota has nine picks overall. These are the corners to know between Round 2 and 4, men whom Minnesota could pick and expect to blossom into something before too long:
Avieon Terrell (Clemson | R1-R2)
Colton Hood (Tennessee | R2)
Chris Johnson (San Diego State | R2)
Brandon Cisse (South Carolina | R2)
D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana | R2)
Treydan Stukes (Arizona | R2)
Keionte Scott (Miami (FL) | R2)
Keith Abney II (Arizona State | R3)
Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State | R3)
Julian Neal (Arkansas | R3)
Chandler Rivers (Duke | R3)
Malik Muhammad (Texas | R3)
Devin Moore (Florida | R4)
Daylen Everette (Georgia | R4)
Will Lee II (Texas A&M | R4)
Tacario Davis (Washington | R4–R5)
Ephesians Prysock (Washington | R4–R5)
Hezekiah Masses (California | R4–R5)
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy reacts after recovering a fumble during second-quarter action on Nov. 30, 2024, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. The play highlights his awareness and quick response as he secures possession and shifts momentum during a competitive conference matchup late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador-Imagn Images.
SI.com‘s Will Ragatz mock-drafted Stukes to the Vikings earlier this month, explaining, “If the Vikings don’t take a safety in the first round, Stukes is one of my favorite targets at that position in round two. He’s listed as a cornerback in some spots, but he’s really a versatile defensive back who projects as either a slot corner or strong safety in the NFL.”
“Stukes is an older prospect, having spent six years at Arizona, where he went from walk-on to team captain and star. Last season, he bounced back from a 2024 ACL tear and recorded four interceptions with a 90.4 PFF coverage grade.”
Minnesota hasn’t successfully drafted a cornerback with staying power since Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander — a decade ago.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will lock horns with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 23rd match of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The M Chinnasway Stadium in Bengaluru will host the match on Wednesday, April 15.
After registering an 18-run victory over the Mumbai Indians (MI) away, the defending champions will be keen to register a hat-trick of wins at home. They have already defeated SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the first two matches. In their last match, they put 240/4 in 20 overs. Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, and Rajat Patidar chipped in with their 50s.
On the other hand, LSG will be keen to bounce back after losing to GT by seven wickets. Having said that, they beat SRH and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the first two away games this season. None of the batters found themselves going against the Titans, managing 164.
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Here are 3 batters who are likely to score big in the RCB vs LSG IPL 2026 match:
Rajat Patidar
Rajat Patidar – Source: Getty
RCB captain Rajat Patidar has been in exceptional form with the bat in IPL 2026. The right-handed batter is one of the leading run-getters, amassing 195 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 214.28, including two half-centuries. In the home games, the 32-year-old smashed 31 (12) and 48* (19) against SRH and CSK, respectively. He will now look to continue his exploits with the ball against GT.
In the IPL, Patidar has scored 1,306 runs in 42 innings at a strike rate of 161.03, including one century and 11 fifties. Overall, he has 3,083 runs in 102 T20s at a strike rate of 158.26, including one ton and 28 half-centuries.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli – Source: Getty
Like Patidar, Virat Kohli has been in stunning form in IPL 2026. The right-handed batter has scored 179 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 162.72. The 37-year-old smashed 69* (38) and 50 (38) against SRH and MI, respectively. With 657 runs in 15 matches, he also emerged as their highest run-getter when they lifted their maiden IPL trophy after 18 years last season.
In his last outing against LSG, Kohli slammed 54 off 30 deliveries in 2025. He has a terrific record at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, amassing 3,299 runs in 93 innings at a strike rate of 144.31, including four tons and 25 half-centuries. Having scored 8,840 runs in 271 matches, he is also the leading run-getter in the T20 league.
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Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant – Source: Getty
Rishabh Pant enjoys a promising record against RCB in IPL. The wicketkeeper-batter has scored 539 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate of 158.06, including one century and four fifties. In his last outing, he slammed an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls against the Bengaluru-based franchise. At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the southpaw has amassed 160 runs in three innings, comprising two half-centuries. The 28-year-old recently slammed an unbeaten 68 off 50 deliveries against SRH. After managing 10 and 18 against KKR and GT, he will look to bounce back against RCB.
In the IPL, Pant has 3,656 runs in 129 matches at a strike rate of 147.06, including two tons and 20 half-centuries. Overall, he has over 5,000 runs in T20s, comprising three centuries.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Alex Ovechkin hasn’t decided if his final NHL game was Tuesday night.
If it was, the Russian superstar made sure he got on the scoresheet.
Ovechkin assisted on Jakob Chychrun’s go-ahead goal during the third period of the Washington Capitals‘ 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“It’s pretty cool. We tried to win, and we tried to finish the season on a good note,” he said.
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Ovechkin — who led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018 — is in the final season of his contract. He has continued to reiterate that he will take some time to ponder if he will retire after 21 seasons and 1,573 regular-season games.
“I’m going to stay a little bit in D.C. I don’t know when we’re going to fly (back to Russia). … I’ll talk with Carbs (coach Spencer Carbery), CP (general manager Chris Patrick), my family and go from there,” Ovechkin said during his three-minute post-game remarks.
A large contingent of Capitals fans made the trip to Columbus and chanted “One more year” and “Ovi! Ovi!” during the final minute. He also got a standing ovation as he left the ice.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. The fans who came here from D.C. and different spots to watch the game which was very nice,” Ovechkin said. “I could hear them cheering for me and screaming one more year.”
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Ovechkin was on the ice for final 1:49 after the Blue Jackets pulled their goalie. His teammates tried to get him the puck for one final goal, but he was unable to control the puck when he had a clean look at the empty net.
“I wanted him maybe if this is it, to ice it with one more empty net. He had a good look at it. The puck just was rolling,” Carbery said.
If Ovechkin’s final game was against the Blue Jackets, it would be fitting. His NHL debut came on Oct. 5, 2005, against Columbus where he scored the first two of his record-setting 929 goals.
Washington got its third power play after Columbus’ Miles Wood was sent off for high-sticking at 14:06 of the third period. Ovechkin had a couple chances for his favourite spot inside the left faceoff circle, but Blue Jackets’ goaltender Jet Greaves was able to make a great save on the first attempt.
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The Capitals took the lead with 4:07 remaining on Chychrun’s shot from the slot. Ovechkin got the second assist, his 32nd of the season.
“It’s an honour. I think we all are trying to soak up everything we can all the time we have with him. We don’t know what’s in store, but it’s special to have these memories with him,” Chychrun said. “We all know what he does out there on the ice, but getting to know him off the ice has been even more special.”
On his opening shift, Ovechkin became the fifth player age 40 or older in NHL history to play in all 82 regular-season games. The last person to do it was Jaromir Jagr with the Florida Panthers in 2016-17. The others were Detroit’s Nicklas Lidstrom (2010-11), Anaheim’s Teemu Selanne (2011-12) and Tampa Bay’s Dave Andreychuk (2003-04). Jagr also did it with the New Jersey Devils in 2013-14.
It was the fifth time in 21 seasons Ovechkin has not missed a regular-season game.
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Ovechkin led the Capitals this season with 32 goals and 64 points. He ended the season with a point in three straight games with one goal and two assists.
Washington finished two points shy of a playoff spot, the fifth time it has failed to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs since Ovechkin was the top pick in 2004.
For those hoping Ovechkin goes at least one more year, he did leave a glimmer of hope.
“I hope it’s not my last game. I don’t know how exactly it’s going to happen, so we’ll see,” he said.
Anthony Joshua remained calm in front of tens of thousands of fans when he was urged by Tyson Fury to confirm their long-awaited fight.
The two British heavyweights have been on parallel tracks for much of their careers, and now, with retirement fast approaching, this is the last chance to make the fight happen.
Now, Eddie Hearn has told IFL TV that a fight in the interim is the route they are pursuing, with July targeted before the Fury fight in November. Joshua’s long-term promoter also discussed some finer details that must be addressed, including the broadcast situation.
“In this situation, with this rival, [Joshua] will want everything to be absolutely perfect, and so will we. And we’ll get there, but it’s not something that’s done over a couple of days.”
“Don’t forget, they had a two-fight deal, and we’re having a two-fight deal. Whatever the deal is for each individual, so be it. We’re exclusive to DAZN. That warm-up will be on DAZN and the [Fury] fight will be on Netflix.
“There’s different dynamics to the deal, and every deal is different. We have to make sure there’s a resolution. DAZN are not just AJ’s partners, they’re our partners as well. But they will get the comeback fight in July and then there will be a deal in place to keep them satisfied that his exclusivity will sit back for one fight and we’ll have a [Fury] fight on Netflix.”
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Who the former two-time unified heavyweight champion faces in the summer remains to be seen, with talk of Deontay Wilder cooling somewhat.
Ibrahima Konate claimed that the decision to deny Liverpool a penalty in Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain was the defining moment in their Champions League exit.
Arne Slot’s side were awarded a penalty in the second-half of the quarter-final second-leg at Anfield when Alexis Mac Allister tumbled under pressure from Willian Pacho.
With the score on the night level at 0-0 and PSGleading 2-0 on aggregate, Konate believed that a spot-kick would have turned the tide in Liverpool‘s favour.
But VAR intervened to instruct referee Maurizio Mariani to reverse his original decision.
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Liverpool were unable to recover from that setback and Ousmane Dembele’s double fired holders PSGback into the semi-finals.
“Last season we had a penalty like that. For me it was a clear penalty and was just behind the referee but he did not blow the whistle and we have to deal with that,” Konate said after the 4-0 aggregate defeat.
“If we got the penalty and score it would be completely different.”
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It was the second successive season that Liverpool were eliminated from the Champions League by PSG.
Konate said that Luis Enrique’s side were even stronger than last season, but still insisted that Liverpool should have won the second leg.
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“We created many chances and I think we were the better team. It was a little bit unfair, it was like season. We had many chances but could not score and they had one or two chances and scored,” he said.
“Many things happened and we don’t have to forget that. The game today meant a lot of things because against PSG, who are a bit better than last season, to make a performance like that, we have to build from that and realise how good we can be.”
Sitting in fifth place in the Premier League, with the top five qualifying for the Champions League, Konate urged Liverpool to focus on salvaging a dismal season by securing a return to Europe‘s elite club competition.
“It is (the) minimum standard for Liverpool to play Champions League. We have six games left and we have to give all in those six games,” he said.
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Liverpool are likely to finish the season with Hugo Ekitike on the sidelines after the striker was injured in the first-half.
“I think it is bad. I don’t know, I have heard many things,” Konate said.
“I have no word to talk about that because with the World Cup coming it is very, very hard for him and I send him my prayers.”
Former Chelsea and England defender John Terry attended Colchester United’s League Two fixture on Tuesday amid reports that he is part of a consortium looking to take over the club.
The Sun reported on Monday, external that the group had submitted a £14m offer for the club, which was put up for sale last year by chairman Robbie Cowling.
His nephew Frankie Terry, also a defender, played 90 minutes for the U’s in what was a third straight win for the club as they moved up to 12th.
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Cowling has confirmed that “detailed discussions” are ongoing but said he was “not in a position to comment on any specific individuals or companies involved”.
Speaking after the game, manager Danny Cowley told BBC Essex: “It felt like a big night for the players, first and foremost, but also the club – I thought our supporters were incredible.
“I am really proud that in front of the eyes of many we are able to show a top version of what is a wonderful football club.
“We know this is a brilliant football club because we live it every day – there are some brilliant people at this club.
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“We genuinely believe it has such high potential and we do need just a springboard to push on from and that is what we hope is on its way.
“I am so excited for our supporters. It is not easy supporting lower league clubs and Colchester United have not had it easy.
“Since Nicky [Cowley, brother] and I have been here we have been able to stabilise and find a good level of consistency but we all want more and I believe there are really exciting times ahead.”
When asked if he had met John Terry, Cowley added: “I will talk about Frankie, because he was great tonight and he would have done his family proud, that is for sure.”
Manny Pacquiao has revealed which current world champion, from a stylistic perspective, comes closest to replicating the ferocity and speed with which he once fought.
In his prime, the Filipino icon was known largely for his razor-sharp footwork and blistering combinations, fighting almost like a ninja with his in-and-out movement.
He would then, of course, go on to become an eight-division world champion, claiming an astonishing feat that may never be replicated.
But while Pacquiao, in that sense, is unlike any other fighter in the history of this sport, the 47-year-old has nonetheless identified similarities between his style and that of Naoya Inoue.
Like a prime ‘Pac Man’, the undisputed super-bantamweight king typically controls fights with his educated feet, rarely allowing his opponent to gain even a shred of momentum.
And this particular advantage, it seems, was inspired by Pacquiao, who has told Inside the Ring that Inoue is the closest current fighter to replicating his style.
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“I like Inoue; I like the way he fights. Oh yeah [Inoue is the closest to me right now]. I can say closest to me, because when he started I went to Japan and he asked me about the proper punches, techniques, [and] things like that.
“I told him that the most important [attribute] in boxing is footwork. When you have [good] footwork, you can do a lot of things.”
Another similarity shared by Pacquiao and Inoue is their devastating power, which the latter has utilised to craft a 32-0 (27 KOs) record and become a four-division world champion.
The Eagles will play their first international match at Banorte Stadium, and what better stage to chase a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal, where they are level with Nashville at 0-0 on the scoreboard.
Spain will be sick of the sight of England. The Lionesses famously won Euro 2025 after only leading during the knockout stages of the tournament for four minutes and 52 minutes, including against Spain in the final where Hannah Hampton saved two penalties and Chloe Kelly stuck in the shoot-out to retain England’s crown. After surviving, it felt like the Lionesses kept standing for long enough to just pinch the trophy at the last.
So when Lauren Hemp swivelled in the box to fire the Lionesses ahead inside three minutes of their World Cup qualifier at Wembley, Sarina Wiegman’s side were faced with the complete opposite of what they managed to overcome in Switzerland last summer. Rather than chasing the game and requiring a comeback to get over the line, they would have to be more controlled and embrace facing elite opposition from ahead, while defending their lead for almost the entire match.
Turns out, the European champions got the same result in their rematch with the world champions, a crucial victory that leaves them in control of their qualifying group with three wins from three. Once again, when they needed her, Hampton stood up with another big moment against Spain as she denied Edna Imade’s late header. “A crucial save,” Wiegman said. The new centre-back pairing of Lotte Wubben-Moy and Esme Morgan, with captain Leah Williamson injured and Jess Carter on the bench, were outstanding too. “They were ready,” Wiegman noted. “They haven’t played that much together but they showed up today. They should be proud of themselves and I am too.”
(Getty)
Spain were missing the ingenuity of the brilliant Aitana Bonmati, who has been absent since December with a broken leg. They tended to move sideways, but the world champions still possessed the technical quality and attacking talent to hurt an opposition like England from all angles. “Against Spain you need to defend as a team really well,” Wiegman said. “When it’s hard you have to fight and communicate and stick together – we did that. As a team we’ve really fought today.” The resilience of Euro 2025 from “proper England” was on display again.
But there was more to England’s performance than that. Wiegman had a plan to match Spain player-for-player when Cata Coll had the ball from goal-kicks. They signalled an intention to press Spain in their half but then drop deep once their opponents crossed the halfway line. It was a counter-attacking approach that meant England invited pressure and placed a lot of responsibility on Wubben-Moy and Morgan but it also allowed the Lionesses to enjoy one of their lesser-seen strengths and set up to hit Spain quickly on the break.
It made Spain “uncomfortable” in the moments Wiegman’s side got out, the manager said. In the in-form Alessia Russo, England have not just a threat leading the line but a forward whose all-round game has significantly improved and can play with her back to goal. They have pure speed and directness in Hemp and a flowing, confident dribbler in Lauren James who is able to carry for great distances on her own. Add in Lucy Bronze’s drive from right back and Hampton’s ability to chip diagonal passes out to the touchline and England had many options themselves in which they could suddenly play out from.
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England had enough chances to avoid the nerves that would come and put Spain away they were unable to create a more convincing scoreline. Hemp hit the post in the first-half after a clever flick from Bronze, before Russo and James had chances to add a second on the counter-attack. The best opportunity of all fell to Lucia Kendall, the 21-year-old who was playing in her biggest game yet for England, but she fired over to leave Wiegman almost tearing her hair out on the touchline.
(Reuters)
Wiegman knew how important a second goal could be. There was always the danger that England would drop too deep, too soon after taking the lead so early in the game and they had to survive a difficult period at the start of the second half where Olga Carmona’s shot deflected off Bronze onto the bar and Vicky Lopez curled against the post.
Carmona had struck against England before, in the World Cup final in Sydney, but this time the fine margins were on England’s side. The full-back’s shot bounced down but stayed out but only by a few inches and goal-line technology was required, not for the first time, just to be sure it hadn’t crossed. Hampton was then needed to make stops but, with Mary Earps watching on from Wembley after being warmly greeted onto the pitch for her retirement celebration, the goalkeeper was able to deny Spain just as she did in Basel during the Euro 2025 final. The best came in the 90th minute from a corner as she sprung to her right to keep out Imade’s header from six yards.
Hannah Hampton made a crucial late save from Spain’s Edna Imade (PA)
Wiegman had more tools at her disposal. In James, Egland could call up on her mercurial forward who was cruelly forced off, unfit, during the Euros final. James had been key to England’s previous win over Spain across 90 minutes in the Nations League last February, and she was deployed in the same position on the left wing that allowed her to control and decide England’s tempo. With such fluid and carefree movement on the ball, James toyed with Spain at times and led them on a merry dance. Behind her, Keira Walsh, captain on the night she won her 100th cap, and Georgia Stanway worked well with Kendall in hurrying Spain and bringing bite on the edge of their box.
By the end, Hemp’s goal felt like a distant memory. It came from a corner, a set-piece ultimately making the difference. Hemp was sharp in the box with an acrobatic finish after Russo’s flick from the ground kept the ball alive. The presence of goal-line technology ensured referee Tess Olofsson did not have a difficult decision to make while Spain’s protests fell on deaf ears when Alexia Putellas was unable to clear from the line. There was a scare, much later, when Alex Greenwood left Lopez open at the back post before Hampton was booked for time-wasting in stoppage time. As they did at Euros, England got it done.
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