England’s UEFA Women’s U-19 Championship is over after they went down to a very late goal against Spain, winners of all the last three tournaments.
However, the Young Lionesses have qualified for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to be played in Poland from 5-27 September.
Spain’s goal deep into added time saw them win the group and they now face Italy in the semi-finals for Tuesday, when Portugal go up against France.
Katie Cox helped keep out the Spanish early on but after a late save, the ball fell for Cris Libran who calmly chipped it over defenders into the back of the net.
Mari Ward almost forced home an equaliser at the death but Laia saved on the line.
England had needed all three points and made it hard for Spain but defeat to Portugal in the Young Lionesses’ second game proved damaging.