England beat Australia in friendly, Spain into women's Nations League final
Lucy Bronze scored a birthday goal as England's women beat 10-player Australia 3-0 in a friendly in Derby on Tuesday.
Australia hoped to avenge their World Cup semifinal loss to the Lionesses in 2023, but European champions England were on top form in the second game of their 'homecoming tour' at sold-out Pride Park.
England bounced back from their defeat to Brazil three days earlier, taking advantage of Alanna Kennedy's 19th-minute red card.
Sarina Wiegman's side have been accused of starting slowly recently, but first half goals from Aggie Beever-Jones and Bronze, on her 34th birthday, ensured they made a fast opening this time.
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) October 28, 2025
A celebratory evening for the hosts was marred by the sight of England striker Michelle Agyemang being stretchered off after she went down clutching her knee.
Georgia Stanway put the seal on England's one-sided victory with a stoppage-time penalty.
Australia have just two wins from their first five games under coach Joe Montemurro.
PUTELLAS SCORES AGAIN TO LEAD SPAIN INTO NATIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Elsewhere, two-time Ballon D'Or winner Alexia Putellas scored again Tuesday to ensure Spain will defend their women's Uefa Nations League title against the victors of the France-Germany semifinal.
After putting four goals past Sweden in the first leg of the last-four draw, Spain came away with a 1-0 victory in Gothenburg to advance with a 5-0 aggregate.
The two-legged final will be held on November 28 and December 2.
Putellas, who bagged two goals in the first leg, scored in the 74th minute from only Spain's second strike on target despite dominating possession.
She calmly slotted into the top corner with a classy first-time finish after Claudia Pina, teed up by Aitana Bonmati, played a clever pass.
The best! pic.twitter.com/2nQuq0fhmX
— Team Alexia Putellas (@TeamPutellas) October 28, 2025
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