Spain Punish England as Chelsea Players Face Tough Night

Sarina Wiegman backed her Chelsea core in Mallorca. Four Blues in England’s XI, all trusted in key roles: Hannah Hampton in goal, Lucy Bronze at right-back, Keira Walsh wearing the armband in midfield, Lauren James leading part of the attacking thrust.

Spain tore that plan apart.

The world champions, already ruthless in this qualifying cycle, hit England with two first-half blows. Patri Guijarro struck first, Alexia Putellas followed before the interval, and the Lionesses trudged off two down, their four-match winning run in World Cup qualifiers in tatters.

The atmosphere never softened after the break. Spain kept coming.

Putellas added her second in the 55th minute, the kind of finish that underlined the gulf on the night. Any faint hope of a response vanished when Claudia Pina, fresh from the bench, whipped in a fourth to complete a brutal lesson for the group leaders in A3.

From a Chelsea perspective, it was a mixed picture. Hampton stayed in for the full 90, as did Walsh in the heart of midfield, forced to chase shadows for long stretches against Spain’s carousel of possession. James’ evening ended on 59 minutes, her influence limited as England struggled to build attacks. Bronze made way late on, replaced by club team-mate Niamh Charles. Aggie Beever-Jones did not make the match-day squad.

Nusken leads Germany through

Elsewhere, there was clarity and control. Sjoeke Nusken captained Germany and walked off with a prize: World Cup qualification secured.

Germany knew the equation in Group A4. Beat Norway, their closest challengers, and the ticket to Brazil would be stamped. They handled the pressure with authority, Marie Muller opening the scoring inside 20 minutes to settle any nerves.

The second goal arrived soon after via Carlotta Wamser, and that was enough. Norway carved out chances, but Germany never surrendered their grip on the game. Nusken’s side saw it through, job done, place at next year’s tournament confirmed.

Cuthbert’s brilliant night ends in concern

In Scotland, Erin Cuthbert produced the sort of performance that defines a qualifier – and then left the pitch in worrying circumstances.

She was everywhere in a 6-0 demolition of Israel. On the ball, off the ball, driving Scotland forward. She also had the numbers to match the eye test: one goal, two assists.

Her strike set the tone. On 17 minutes, Cuthbert collected the ball 20 yards out, stepped into space on the edge of the area and lashed a precise effort into the net. Scotland never looked back.

After the break, she turned creator. First came the pass that allowed Caroline Weir to notch her second and Scotland’s third. Once Weir had completed her hat-trick, Cuthbert slipped in Lauren Davidson to add yet another layer of gloss to the scoreline.

Kirsty Hanson joined the party with a further goal, rounding off a statement win. Then the mood changed.

In stoppage time, an innocuous-looking challenge left Cuthbert on the turf and in clear discomfort. Treatment dragged on. Eventually, she was carried off on a stretcher, a superb individual display overshadowed by the image of one of Scotland’s and Chelsea’s key midfielders leaving the field in such fashion.

Baltimore delivers for France

Sandy Baltimore added her own highlight reel moment as France ground down Poland in their qualifier.

France had to wait for their breakthrough, Poland resisting until early in the second half when Melvine Malard finally cracked them open. With the game still in the balance, Baltimore stepped up just after the hour.

The Chelsea winger shook off her marker, exchanged a sharp one-two with Malard and burst into the box. One composed finish later, the visitors had a 2-0 lead and, with it, control of the night.

Rytting Kaneryd scores but Denmark edge Sweden

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd found the net for Sweden, yet it still turned into a frustrating evening in Denmark.

Cecilie Floe put the hosts in front before the interval, and Sweden had to chase. Rytting Kaneryd answered early in the second half with a close-range finish, restoring parity and swinging momentum back towards the visitors.

Denmark responded through a familiar face. Former Chelsea forward Pernille Harder struck in the 65th minute, her goal deciding a tight contest and leaving Sweden empty-handed despite Rytting Kaneryd’s contribution.

Peng anchors Swiss rout

For Livia Peng, it was a far more comfortable assignment. The Chelsea goalkeeper played the full 90 minutes as Switzerland dismantled Malta 6-1 in World Cup qualifying.

Switzerland now sit atop their group after five matches, three points clear of Turkey, and with a goal difference that underlines their authority. Peng’s side look well placed to finish the job.

Dutch duo suffer late heartbreak

Veerle Buurman and Wieke Kaptein both started for the Netherlands in Cork, but their World Cup qualifying campaign absorbed a painful blow against the Republic of Ireland.

Kyra Carusa put Ireland ahead, only for the visitors to claw their way back. With 20 minutes left, Dominique Janssen levelled, briefly quietening the home crowd. The response was immediate: Abbie Larkin restored Ireland’s lead almost straight from the restart.

The drama refused to die. Victoria Pelova struck with ten minutes to go, dragging the Netherlands back to 2-2 and seemingly steering the game towards a draw.

Then came the twist. As the clock ticked down, Amber Barratt reacted quickest in the box, prodding home from close range to snatch a 3-2 win and leave Buurman, Kaptein and their team facing a far more complicated route to the World Cup.