England manager Sarina Wiegman acknowledges ‘crazy day and crazy game’ after Three Lions beat Spain

Sarina Wiegman hailed England’s ‘crazy’ day after her side came from behind to beat Spain 2-1 in extra-time on the day she recovered from Covid-19 to return to the touchline.

It was touch and go and whether Wiegman would be negative in time for the game. She travelled to Brighton separately from the team and at 5pm on Wednesday, it was confirmed she was no longer positive.

And goals from Ella Toone and an extra-time rocket from Georgia Stanway, after Esther Gonzalez had put Spain ahead in the 54th minute, ensured it was a happy return for the manager.

Sarina Wiegman was back on the England touchline after recently struggling with Covid

The England manager embraced with her staff at full time as players ran onto the pitch

England came from behind and were just six minutes away from being knocked out

‘I was still waiting on this tiny little negative test. On Monday it looked pretty good. This morning I was ready to go but I still had to wait. Finally I was told I could go.

‘We didn’t expect an easy game, I am so incredibly happy. 

‘I think I went a little crazy [at full-time], I was so happy. I tried to stay calm but this was so close and such a game that could go both ways all the time.

‘It was just a crazy day and a crazy game. I think [it was] a game of such a high level. I think everyone who watched this game was really entertained.

‘The crowd was incredible. It could have gone both sides because both teams wanted to win and play well. 

‘We know Spain is very good in the possession game so that was hard for us to press that ball and to stay compact but we had moments in the game too that we were good on the ball.

Wiegman tested negative for Covid just hours before kick off and was able to attend the game

England gathered in a huddle after the game, and listened to a team talk led by Wiegman

‘In terms of a test and a setback and how we came back, we stuck to it with being together as a team trying to score. Plan B was also [used for] a couple of minutes in and then we scored. Then we went back. 

‘I’m so proud of the teams. I think it is just a really big commercial for women’s football.’

England were the bookies’ favourites going into the quarter-finals but were pushed to the end by Spain, who had been tipped to win this tournament before losing two of their best players in Alexia Putellas and Jenni Hermoso.

Ella Toone (centre) levelled things up for England in the 84th minute from close range

Georgia Stanway (right) scored a fantastic winner in extra time to see England through

‘Ahead of this tournament we said “this tournament is so strong, there are so many countries that are really, really good.” That’s what we showed tonight, it could go both sides. 

‘That’s so exciting about the game because you really want competitive games.

‘I’m so happy we won, but it was really, really close.

‘Today showed that in this stadium, what the fans did for us. That was really a home advantage. I think it really helped the players.’