Iran Press/ Europe: Spain frustrated the Lionesses for much of the opening 90 minutes. They had the better possession and shots and used other time-stalling techniques to stop England from reaching their full potential in an ill-tempered encounter in Brighton.
They took the lead shortly after the break, too, with VAR denying England an opener and a penalty shout in the first half. Half-time substitute Athenea del Castillo expertly beat Rachel Daly on the right before cutting the ball back for Esther Gonzalez. The Spain striker then made no mistake in firing past Mary Earps.
It was the first goal England had conceded at Euro 2022, and up until the 84th minute, it looked to be making an early exit from their home tournament. But substitute Ella Toone popped up to slot home Alessia Russo's nod, sending the game into extra time.
Spain felt aggrieved by the equalizer being given as they thought Russo had fouled captain Irene Parades in the build-up, but neither referee Stephanie Frappart nor VAR felt the same. Spain's substitute goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez was shown a yellow card for dissent while on the bench.
The pendulum continued to swing England's way, roared on by the almost 29,000-strong crowd at the Amex Stadium, as a stunning hit from Stanway sealed the win. Keira Walsh fed her former Manchester City team-mate before the midfield unleashed an unstoppable effort from 20 yards, seeing England through in fine fashion.
The Lionesses will now face either Sweden or Belgium in their semi-final on Tuesday at Bramall Lane. Spain has failed to make it past the quarter-final stage for a third successive European Championships.
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