England’s quarter-final encounter against Spain was the blockbuster it promised to be, and more.

A 120 minute thriller between two Euro 2022 favourites had everything from mesmerising football, to drama, to an unexpected comeback. In a moment where it seemed the Lionesses would be knocked out, they managed to turn the tide and book a ticket in the final four.

England had to suffer during the game. Spain, as expected, had lots of the ball, and their pressing made it difficult for England to build out from the back.

The dynamic movement of Mariona Caldentey made her incredibly difficult to mark. She successfully dragged Lucy Bronze away from the wing, opening up space for Real Madrid’s Olga Carmona on the overlap on the flank.

Spanish fullbacks, Olga Carmona and Ona Battle, managed to neutralise Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead for large parts, rendering them ineffective.

Barcelona’s star midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí, had a sensational outing. She was omnipresent on the field and often came deep for the ball before carrying it forwards.

Her composure under pressure allowed Spain to easily navigate England’s pressure. She stuck close to Keira Walsh for almost the entire game, marking her out and reducing her influence on the game, especially during the opening 60 minutes.

Spain's Aitana Bonmati

The game had a choppy feel to it. There were 35 fouls in total, almost an even split between the sides, with Spain committing 18.

England had to toil, and toil they did.

If there was ever a game to showcase how in-game management can change results, this would be it.

A one-goal lead is the most dangerous in football, beause teams often start to play more conservatively to protect that lead. That’s exactly what Spain hinted at with their substitutions.

England sensed blood and pounced on it. The rest, as they say, is history.

England manager Sarina Wiegman and Spain manager Jorge Vilda

Game changing substitutions

England manager Sarina Wiegman didn’t hesitate to substitute the tournament’s top goalscorer, Beth Mead, in order to change the dynamics of the match in just the 58th minute.

Chloe Kelly brought a sense of directness and classic winger play that helped the Lionesses shake up their attack.

Ella Toone came on to replace Fran Kirby, who wasn’t able to influence the game due to her lack of touches, and Alessia Russo came on to add physicality in attack and be a nuisance in the box.

This was Wiegman’s response to England going behind for the first time in her tenure. She reacted to the in-game demands. The result? Russo and Toone combined to produce the equaliser and had a positive impact on the proceedings.

Russo is averaging a goal or assist every 41 minutes in the tournament – all of that has come from the bench.

England star Alessia Russo

Fans have been arguing that the Manchester United star should start over veteran striker, Ellen White, but Russo’s impact off the bench is something that White possibly can’t replicate.

So, we might actually continue to see Russo reprise that super substitute role again in the semi-final, and as long as her impact doesn’t diminish, England will be the happier side.

England were already mounting on the pressure as the clock wore down, but Rachel Daly in particular was being bullied into oblivion by Real Madrid’s Athenea del Castillo.

Daly had been nutmegged in the build-up to Spain’s goal, and was then turned inside out by del Castillo, making her look like an amateur.

Spain had also exploited the fact that she was a right-footer playing as the left-back to press and limit England in that area.

England manager Sarina Wiegman and defender Alex Greenwood
Sarina Wiegman has named her 23-woman World Cup squad. Credit: Getty

Bringing on Alex Greenwood helped address this issue. A natural left footer and defender, Greenwood was able to open up passing angles that didn’t exist before. She helped the Lionesses control the game better in the closing period.

Wiegman’s usage and understanding of her squad to influence game with substitutions was on display, and for the first time in their history, England managed to win a game at the Euros after conceding a goal first.

While Wiegman likes to stick with the same starting lineup, as was also the case during her time at Netherlands, she has impactful substitutes at her disposal here.

Spain’s inability to win a knockout game is still a concern. While Wiegman’s substitutes worked out, the same cannot be said about the changes made by Jorge Vilda, although there is the caveat that England were chasing the game.

Spain have the talent, but consistently fail to utilise the squad available. Questions need to be asked.

Spain manager Jorge Vilda
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JULY 20: Jorge Vilda, Head Coach of Spain looks on during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Quarter Final match between England and Spain at Brighton & Hove Community Stadium on July 20, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Georgia Stanway, national hero

“National hero, aren’t I," joked Georgia Stanway during Lionesses Live on YouTube. It’s hard to dispute that claim.

Scoring from range is Stanway’s thing – the former Manchester City midfielder has scored multiple long-range thunderbolts in her career so far – but this one is arguably the most significant of the bunch.

Stanway has been instrumental in everything England have done in the tournament. She has provided a dynamism from midfield, along with adding steel in the middle of the park.

England star Georgia Stanway

Her two-way presence has allowed for balance on-and off the ball for Wiegman’s side. She loves to go in and commit to challenges, always on the heels of the opposition. Her high energy playing style and positional awareness has seen her recover the ball 31 times so far.

Her partnership with Walsh, who is also having a brilliant tournament, has been splendid.

The two have an understanding from playing together at Manchester City. Stanway is quick to help out her midfield partner by regularly offering herself as a passing option before carrying the ball up-field. Her contributions both on and off-the-ball have been impressive so far.

England's Georgia Stanway and Millie Bright

Millie Bright magic

Millie Bright has been a colossal figure in defence for England throughout the tournament. She clears everything and anything making its way into the penalty box.

In the game against Spain, Bright made eight clearances – included three headed clearances – helping the Lionesses deal with the Spanish threat throughout the game.

The Chelsea defender’s physical presence makes it hard for strikers to shrug her off and get shots off in the box. She has been an excellent box defender throughout the tournament and this was a shutout display.

England star Millie Bright

Beyond her rock-like defensive qualities, Bright is excellent with her long range passing. The long diagonals to Hemp have been a constant source of threat.

She can find wingers in space in behind and kickstart an attack when given the time on the ball. This strategy has been an integral part of England’s offensive ideas in the competition. It helps to create 1v1 situations for Hemp, who loves to have a go at the fullback and create space for a ball in.

This was the first real test for the Lionesses – and they were really tested – but they managed to pass with flying colours while showcasing their depth and quality.

This is a new look for the Lionesses – they are brave, they are resilient and they are not ready to go home just yet.