England Women: the winners, losers and big lessons with Euros on horizon

Top of the list has to be Jill Scott. Sent to Everton on loan last season and to Aston Villa this season, it would be easy to think the the 35-year-old midfielder’s England days were numbered. Far from it. Against Spain’s Barcelona-heavy midfield Scott was instrumental. The Chelsea defender Jess Carter showed her versatility, operating as a centre-back and left-back across the three games, and performed well. Hannah Hampton’s clean sheet and assured debut against Spain will have helped her edge closer to the third goalkeeper spot. SW

Most notably, a quartet comprising two key partnerships. Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood, Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh were always going to be in the squad but all four strengthened their case for starting the biggest games. While Bright and the helpfully left-footed Greenwood formed an excellent central-defensive axis, Williamson and Walsh showed they can serve as a fairly formidable “double six” combo in Sarina Wiegman’s apparently preferred 4-2-3-1. It seems Williamson has completed her transition from defence to midfield anchor but she is able to seamlessly revert to the rearguard should Wiegman switch to three at the back mid-match. Meanwhile Scott has reminded everyone that she remains an integral part of the squad. LT

No one performed particularly badly but a number struggled for minutes despite heavy rotation. Jordan Nobbs produced moments of brilliance against Spain but gave away possession a little too frequently and is struggling to find the form that made her nailed on to start for Arsenal before her ACL injury. Manchester United’s Katie Zelem did not play and is yet to build on her one cap. Meanwhile, Nikita Parris has not replicated her deadly Manchester City form at Arsenal