Millie Bright delighted with 'proper English' performance against Spain as Lionesses channel 'togetherness' to bounce back in Nations League

Having put in a disappointing Nations League display when drawing 1-1 with Portugal, England knew that they needed to respond positively when facing La Roja at Wembley Stadium. Said challenge was never going to be easy with Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Aitana Bonmati forming part of the opposition ranks.

Sarina Wiegman’s side were, however, able to get themselves in front just past the half-hour mark courtesy of Manchester City forward Jess Park. They hung on from there, with a second-half power failure proving to be no distraction, as Bright and her defensive colleagues dug in to collect a notable clean sheet.

Chelsea centre-half Bright said at the final whistle: “After the last game [against Portugal], we wanted to be even more connected. We spoke about just being proper English tonight. I mean that fight and that desire to defend for each other, to work hard for each other and to be hard to beat. It's so important to be hard to beat.”

Wiegman agreed with that assessment, as the Dutch coach added: “It was an absolute team performance and we fought for every yard. I think the fight and the togetherness is the most important thing and it always starts with that. Of course it gives a boost when you win.”

England’s collection of stars will now return to their respective clubs sides, with many readying themselves for WSL duty, with the Lionesses – who will be looking to successfully defend their European Championship crown this summer – not due to be back in action until facing Belgium in a Nations League double-header in April.