Mary Earps received a standing ovation at Wembley on Tuesday night before England defeated world champions Spain 1-0 in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier, with Lauren Hemp’s third-minute strike proving the difference.

The pre-match ceremony honouring the former England goalkeeper carried enormous emotional weight, given everything that had surrounded her explosive autobiography and subsequent fallout with Sarina Wiegman and Hannah Hampton in recent months.
Leah Williamson sprinted towards Earps the moment she appeared on the pitch.

Lucy Bronze had her arm around her seconds later. Whatever tensions existed behind closed doors, the Lionesses made their feelings clear publicly, and the Wembley crowd roared throughout. Wiegman had asked fans beforehand to welcome Earps warmly rather than make the evening uncomfortable, but she need not have bothered worrying.

Hampton Silences Every Critic With 90th Minute Save

The narrative could not have been written more dramatically. Hampton, who had been publicly criticised in Earps’ book and has struggled for confidence at Chelsea this season, produced a stunning stoppage time save to preserve the victory against a Spanish side who had dominated large spells. Keira Walsh called it unbelievable. Fran Kirby on BBC commentary acknowledged Hampton had arrived in camp with serious question marks hanging over her, but suggested this moment could transform her season entirely. It very well might.

Earps Finally Gets the Farewell She Deserved

Eight years, 53 caps, a European Championship, a World Cup final penalty save and a landmark battle that forced Nike into producing women’s goalkeeper replica kits. Earps retiring under a cloud of controversy last year always felt unfair given her contribution to women’s football.

Tuesday night finally gave her the proper send off her career warranted, with FA chair Debbie Hewitt presenting flowers and a framed shirt before a packed Wembley crowd. The toxicity has gone. The legacy remains entirely intact.

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Katie McCabe delivered when it mattered most on Tuesday, volleying a stunning effort into the bottom right corner to hand Republic of Ireland a crucial 3-2 victory away to Poland in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Arsenal skipper was involved from start to finish, completing the full 90 minutes as Ireland climbed to third place in Group B with their maiden qualifying win of the campaign.

McCabe took to Instagram postgame with a clear focus: “All about the three points tonight. Big one Saturday, see you at the Aviva.”

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Lionesses Dominate Spain at Wembley
Over at Wembley, England made it three wins from three in Group C with a 1-0 result against Spain. Alessia Russo produced a clever assist for Lauren Hemp’s opener in just the third minute, scooping the ball forward while off balance.

Lotte Wubben-Moy also went the full 90 minutes for the Lionesses, who now sit three points clear of Spain at the summit. Chloe Kelly came on late in proceedings, while Beth Mead and Taylor Hinds were unused substitutes.

Leah Williamson was absent from the matchday squad entirely.

Dutch Delight and More Qualifying Drama
Netherlands edged France 2-1 at home to move to the top of Group B, with Daphne van Domselaar playing the full match and Victoria Pelova contributing 71 minutes.

Norway cruised to a 5-0 win over Slovenia in Group D, with Frida Maanum on the pitch for 68 minutes. Sweden suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Denmark, leaving them third in Group A.

In the FIFA Series, Olivia Smith played 60 minutes as Canada beat Korea Republic 3-1, building on their earlier 4-0 win over Zambia in which she set up Annabelle Chukwu’s goal.

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Mary Earps was honoured before kick-off at Wembley prior to England’s World Cup qualifier against Spain on Tuesday night.

The ceremony came just months after her explosive autobiography and its criticism of Hannah Hampton and Sarina Wiegman which had caused controversy within the women’s game.

There were concerns the pre match ceremony would be overshadowed by the fallout from Earps’ book. However the former England goalkeeper walked out to huge cheers which demonstrated the fans had moved on from the controversy surrounding her retirement.

Euro 2022 Winner Posed for Photos

Earps posed for photos with her parents as FA chair Debbie Hewitt presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a framed shirt. Leah Williamson sprinted towards her while Lucy Bronze put an arm around her which showed the strong bonds remain between the players.

The 34 year old reminisced about her favourite memory of all time playing at Wembley where she helped win the European Championship four years ago. Over eight years she won 53 caps, won one major tournament and reached the final of another which is absolutely brilliant.

Hampton Made Remarkable 90th Minute Save

Hampton made a remarkable 90th minute save to ensure England held firm at Wembley after Lauren Hemp’s early strike. Keira Walsh hailed an unbelievable goalkeeper while Fran Kirby admitted Hampton had come into this camp with question marks around her form.

The Chelsea stopper has looked short of confidence in the Women’s Super League recently. However this performance should boost her belief heading into the remainder of the season which is frankly exactly what she needed.

Wiegman had urged fans beforehand to applaud rather than jeer Earps. She need not have worried as both parties have moved on and finally made peace.

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