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England player ratings vs Spain: Millie Bright wins everything as Alessia Russo gives Lionesses fresh drive

England player ratings vs Spain: Millie Bright wins everything as Alessia Russo gives Lionesses fresh drive

England are through to the semi-finals of Euro 2022 after a thrilling comeback against Spain at the Amex.

The Lionesses went into the game after cruising through the group stages, but they were trailing with just six minutes to go courtesy of Esther Gonzalez’s goal.

England had looked set to be heading out of the tournament, but substitute Ella Toone combined with Alessia Russo to level the game.

Sarina Wiegman’s side kicked on from there in extra-time and grabbed a winner when Georgia Stanway lashed home a long-range strike.

In Pictures | Women’s Euro 2022 (Quarter-Final): England vs Spain

Simon Collings was at the Amex to see the Lionesses in action...

Mary Earps 7

Had a good first-half, claiming a few crosses well and making some strong punches too. Couldn’t do much about the Spain goal.

Lucy Bronze 7

Usually such a weapon in attack but she couldn’t really get forward tonight. Was solid enough defensively, though, with Spain not having joy down her side.

Millie Bright 9 | Star player

Bright has had a brilliant tournament and she had another excellent game tonight. Won every header that came her way and cleared one off the line too.

Leah Williamson 7

Like Bright beside her she had a good game. Was solid in the air and tackle, and carried the ball well out of defence too when she could.

Rachel Daly 5

Had a tough game and Athenea del Castillo seemed to target her in the second-half. Will have been disappointed to have been beaten so easily for the Spain goal.

Keira Walsh 7

Looked really sharp early on as she sprayed the ball around with some nice passes. Faded during the middle of the game, but was excellent towards the end.

Georgia Stanway 8

Full of energy and running, and threw herself into tackles all game. Grew into the match and capped off a fine performance with a stunning winning goal.

Georgia Stanway sent England into the semi-finals with a sensational extra-time strike (REUTERS)
Georgia Stanway sent England into the semi-finals with a sensational extra-time strike (REUTERS)

Beth Mead 5

The Arsenal forward has been in fine form during the tournament, but she wasn’t at the races this evening. Never got into the game.

Fran Kirby 5

Loves to exploit the pockets of space in front of opposition defences, but she was given none of that tonight. Just couldn’t influence the match.

Lauren Hemp 7

Like Mead on the other flank she really struggled during the first hour or so. Got better as the game went on and played a big role in the equaliser.

Ellen White 5

Worked tirelessly up top with very little service all night. Pressed fairly well and had a goal ruled out for offside. Taken off just before the hour mark.

Substitutions

Alessia Russo (White 58’) 8

Excellent cameo off the bench as she gave England a fresh drive in attack. Setup the equaliser with a great header to Toone.

Chloe Kelly (Mead 58’) 7

Made the odd good run forward and put in some dangerous crosses. Pace caused Spain problems in defence.

Ella Toone (Kirby 64’) 8

Off the bench and got England level with a well-taken goal. Highlights England’s supreme strength in depth.

Alex Greenwood (Daly 82’) 6

Daly was rocking at left-back and Greenwood came on to shut Spain down. A solid substitute appearance.

Jill Scott (Walsh 116’) N/A

Nikita Parris (Mead 116’) N/A

Subs not used: Roebuck, Carter, England, Wubben-Moy.