England 0-0 Spain: Player ratings from Arnold Clark Cup stalemate
By Ali Rampling
England and Spain played out a 0-0 draw in the pair's second match at the Arnold Clark Cup at a wet and windy Carrow Road on Sunday.
In a game of few chances, England saw the better opportunities to win the clash, but ultimately had to settle for a draw against a Spain side tipped for success at this summer's Euros.
After a goalless first 45, huge cheers greeted the introduction of Norfolk native Lauren Hemp at half time. Within 30 seconds it wasn't just the fact that she grew up near Norwich that supporters were getting excited about. The City winger carved open the most promising opportunity of the match, cutting inside and rattling the post with a low drive from the edge of the box.
Jordan Nobbs had spent the first half making numerous bursting runs in behind the Spanish backline, and her industry was rewarded when she was picked out by a fine Lucy Bronze pass, before firing wide from a tight angle.
The half time introduction of Athenea del Castillo also provided Spain with greater attacking impetus, but there was ultimately nothing to separate the two sides.
England player ratings
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Hannah Hampton (GK) - 6/10 - A senior England debut for the Aston Villa number one. Almost caught out after a mixup with Carter in the first half and was fortunate not to be punished, before doing well to palm away a teasing cross from the right. Made a good stop late on to deny Del Castillo.
Lucy Bronze (RB) - 6/10 - Created two big openings for England with a fabulous lofted pass to pick out Nobbs and a wicked cross to find White. Really tested defensively by Del Castillo in the second half.
Jess Carter (CB) - 7/10 - Rewarded for her fine club form with a start at centre back, produced a fine piece of defending to halt a potentially dangerous Garcia in the second half.
Alex Greenwood (CB) - 7/10 - Another solid display, hardly giving the world class Hermoso a sniff.
Rachel Daly (LB) - 6/10 - A solid defensive shift, but limited in her opportunities to get forward.
2. Midfielders
Georgia Stanway (CM) - 7/10 - Played in the double pivot alongside Scott - an unusually deep role for the City midfielder - and was often the deepest lying of the pair. Looked comfortable receiving the ball on the half turn and dictating play.
Jill Scott (CM) - 6/10 - Produced the first shot of the match, dragging wide from the edge of the area. Interchanged between sitting alongside Stanway and pushing up with Nobbs. Replaced after an hour.
Jordan Nobbs (CM) - 6/10 - Playing in the most advanced midfield role, was absolutely fizzing with energy from the off, making a number of bursting runs in behind - one of which was picked out by Bronze, but Nobbs fired narrowly wide. Replaced after an hour.
3. Forwards
Nikita Parris (RW) - 5/10 - Switched flanks with Mead midway through the first period and spent the rest of the half on the left. Tracked back well to help out Daly defensively on a couple of occasions, but unable to have any real attacking influence on the game. Replaced at half time.
Ellen White (ST) - 5/10 - Was offside an awful lot in the first half as she played right on the shoulder of the Spanish backline. Glanced a header wide in the first period, before being denied by a last ditch tackle in the second.
Beth Mead (LW) - 7/10 - Switched to the right flank during the first half. Created one of England's most promising openings with a pinpoint cross onto the head of White. Was at the heart of many of England's most promising forays forward, before being replaced with 20 minutes remaining.
4. Substitutes
Lauren Hemp - 7/10 - Clattered the post within 30 seconds of entering the fray.
Keira Walsh - 6/10
Leah Williamson - 6/10
Fran Kirby - 6/10
Ella Toone - 5/10
Spain player ratings
5. Goalkeeper & defenders
Misa Rodríguez (GK) - 6/10 - Hardly had a save to make, comfortable with the ball at her feet.
Sheila Garcia (RB) - 5/10 - Given a tough time by both Mead and Hemp. Limited in her opportunities to venture forward.
Ivana Andres (CB) - 7/10 - Went into the book for a foul on White midway through the first half, resulting in a rousing cheer from the Carrow Road crowd. Did a good defensive job on Ellen White, limiting the striker's opportunities in the final third.
Mapi Leon (CB) - 8/10 - Diligently marshalled White, hardly giving the England forward a sniff in the final third.
Ona Batlle (LB) - 6/10 - Limited in her opportunities to get forward as he had the marauding Bronze and lively Mead to contend with. Replaced after an hour.
6. Midfielders
Aitana Bonmati (CM) - 6/10 - Saw an attempted chip float harmlessly over in the first half. Ice cool on the ball.
Patricia Guijarro (CM) - 7/10 - Such a beautiful passer of the ball - created a couple of promising openings with smart balls in behind.
Alexia Putellas (CM) - 5/10 - Got Spain in behind the England backline for the first time 23 minutes in with a deft pass to Garcia. Unable to have a huge attacking influence on proceedings.
7. Forwards
Lucia Garcia (LW) - 7/10 - Cut in and fired straight at Hampton as the first half drew to a close, and fired just wide from close range in the second, having switched flanks.
Jennifer Hermoso (ST) - 5/10 - Brought a comfortable save out of Hampton in the second half. Drifted in between the lines but hardly given an inch by the England centre halves.
Marta Cardona (RW) - 5/10 - Struggled to get the better of Daly and Parris, who frequently doubled up on her. Replaced at half time.
8. Substitutes
Athenea del Castillo - 8/10 - Spain's biggest threat after being introduced at half time - few players give Bronze such a hard time.
Olga Carmona - 5/10
Amaiur Sarriegi - 5/10
Esther Gonzalez - 5/10