Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway inspire heroic England Women to Euro 2022 win over Spain

England produced a memorable comeback to reach the Euro 2022 semi-finals with victory over Spain at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday night. Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway scored the goals as Manchester-based players past and present made their mark in a compelling quarter-final showdown.

England cruised through the group stage to reach the last eight, but this time they were made to work hard for their win, against an impressive Spain side.

Mary Earps had to be on alert to keep the Spanish side out early doors, though, while City striker Ellen White flicked a header wide as the Lionesses carved out their first opportunity. However, clear chances proved to be few and far between during the opening 45 minutes and, at that stage, the deadlock had yet to be broken.

READ MORE: City ranked best club in the world

White did turn the ball into the net shortly before the interval, but the City player drifted offside — and her decision not to celebrate hinted that she knew the flag was coming. Spain were dominant in possession for large spells each side of half-time without making that additional time on the ball count.

Indeed, it was England who came closest to snatching an opener when Lauren Hemp — another City player — missed the target after White fluffed her initial header. Hemp and White had shared three goals on their memorable visit to Brighton nine days ago.

Upon the restart, the Lionesses pushed higher from the outset in an attempt to take control of the last-8 game and had some success in that regard. However, that attacking intent left them open at the back and Spain moved ahead through Esther, who swept home from close-range.

It was the first time England had been breached in the competition and it meant they had 30