How concerned should England be after their heaviest defeat of the Wiegman era?

Analysing a brutal 4-0 loss to Spain, where automatic qualification for next summer’s World Cup fell out of the Lionesses’ hands

MALLORCA, SPAIN - JUNE 05: Alessia Russo, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway of England react after conceding their third goal during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Qualifier match between Spain and England at Estadi de Son Moix on June 05, 2026 in Mallorca, Spain. (Photo by Naomi Baker - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

England suffered their heaviest defeat of the Sarina Wiegman era on Friday night, losing 4-0 to Spain in Mallorca.

The result leaves the Lionesses staring at the prospect of finishing second in their qualifying group and navigating their way through the playoffs in order to qualify for next summer’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

This was the fifth time since February 2025 that England and Spain had met each other and the eighth time overall in the Wiegman era. Not counting penalty shootouts, the previous seven meetings had seen three England wins, two Spain wins, and two draws.

That Spain won on the night, evening up that record in the process, shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but it is the manner in which they demolished their opponents that offers cause for concern from an English perspective.

In England’s 1-0 win at Wembley in the reverse fixture, last April, the Lionesses drew plenty of praise for their defensive resilience. Spain dominated possession that night, seeing 64% of the ball, but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-drilled England team.