Only a minor miracle will save European champions England from having to come through World Cup qualifying playoffs after they suffered an utterly humiliating 4-0 defeat to the World Cup holders Spain in Mallorca.
A loss by only a one-goal deficit would have been enough to keep their hopes of topping their qualifying group alive after an immaculate campaign prior to this. However, because the head-to-head record between the top two sides will come into play if they finish level on points, Spain’s emphatic win, with talismanic Alexia Putellas scoring twice, means they need only beat Iceland on Tuesday to secure top spot at England’s expense.
