It was a rollercoaster of emotions that no-one in the AmEx will ever forget.
And the Lionesses celebrated wildly at the final whistle after a heroic, gutsy and unlikely victory against all of the odds.
It was a remarkable comeback topped off by Georgia Stanway’s sensational extra time winner and the 28,944 sell-out crowd celebrated what should be remembered as one of the great moments of this British sporting summer.
Now Sarina Wiegman’s heroes can really dream of glory as they are just 90 minutes away from a Euros final at Wembley and the chance to become trailblazers.
This was a night of tension and nerves when they were just six minutes away from going out of the tournament, having been outplayed and outclassed by Spain.
But the hallmark of a top team - and a top coach - is being able to find a way to win even when you do not play well.
It was Wiegman’s inspired substitutions - sending on Ella Toone, Allesia Russo and Chloe Kelly - to chase the game and they played their part in salvaging victory from the jaws of defeat.
Esther Gonzalez had put Spain ahead, England could not find a way through, the likes of Beth Mead, Fran Kirby and Ellen White had off nights as they looked tired and leggy.
It was, after all, England’s fourth game in a fortnight and Wiegman had started with the same line-up for every game and maybe it was a game too far.
But just as it looked as if the hopes and dreams were about to fall flat, England found a way back and if they show this sort of determination and spirit then they will take some stopping.
Gareth Southgate’s England could not win the Euros at Wembley last summer but this lot just might because they have something special in the squad.
They also have a wonderful feeling of momentum and belief behind them. When the final whistle eventually blew at the AmEX, the roof came off the place and the noise was deafening.
That enthusiasm is infectious and will surely spread throughout the country as the excitement builds ahead of a semi final at Bramall Lane next Tuesday and beyond.
Of course Sweet Caroline was blaring out at the end and the players were singing along because they will know this night was THE night. The night they got away with one but still hauled themselves to victory.
Spain were missing big players and yet were still better technically, they passed and moved while England lacked creativity. Wiegman, restored to the touchline just hours before kick off after getting the all-clear after Covid, watched on concerned.
Spain’s breakthrough came nine minutes after the restart. Substitute Athenea del Castillo was sensational down the left, she nipped inside Rachel Daly and then pulled the ball back for Gonzalez to score.
The stadium fell flat. England had few answers but Wiegman gambled, made the substitutions, went direct and pumped balls into the Spain box.
All three subs were involved in the leveller. Over came a cross, Russo flicked on and there was Toone to sweep home from close range. The stadium went wild.
It went into extra time - and then England found another gear. It was Stanway who picked up the ball in midfield, the Spain defence stood off and the Manchester City star smashed a pile driver into the top corner.
The noise was deafening. What a moment. It was glorious. And it might just set up the Lionesses for an unforgettable summer.
