Furious Spain captain says there was ‘clear foul’ ahead of England goal in Euro 2022 clash

Spain captain Irene Paredes furiously insisted there was ‘clear foul’ in the build-up to England’s equalizer in their dramatic Euro 2022 quarter-final win on Wednesday – even suggesting that referee Stephanie Frappart showed bias towards the home team.

The Lionesses fought back with a goal to claim a place in the semi-finals as Georgia Stanway’s superb strike in extra time sealed a 2-1 win at Amex Stadium.

The tournament hosts looked in trouble when they followed up Esther Gonzalez’s 54th-minute goal before Ella Toone evened things up with a smart finish with six minutes of regulation time remaining, coached by fellow substitute Alessia Russian.

The Barcelona defender (right to left) fell to the ground after colliding with England’s Alessia Russo (right)

Paredes claims Russo’s elbow stopped her from competing for the cross in the box

Ella Toone pounced on the loose ball but Paredes (left, on the ground) believes she was fouled

But it was the build-up of Toone’s equalizer that angered the Spaniards, with Paredes in particular insisting she was fouled in the build-up.

The Barcelona defender was embroiled in a scuffle with Russo – which Ian Wright said was ‘a game-changer’ – as the England striker battled to knock a cross into Toone’s path.

Paredes insisted she “couldn’t jump” because Russo “hit me with his elbow on my neck.”

However, Frappart and his team of officials saw nothing wrong with the collision and let the goal stand – much to the delight of England fans.

Speaking after the match, a furious Paredes appeared to suggest that Frappart had been more lenient towards the Lionesses and criticized the French official for whistling at full time when the Spaniards had a final corner.

The 31-year-old said: “I can’t jump because she hits me with her elbow on my neck, a clear foul that she (Frappart) doesn’t want to whistle or see again, and which decides the match.”

Paredes appeared to suggest that Stephanie Frappart (C) had been more lenient towards the Lionesses

Georgia Stanway’s superb long shot decided the quarter-final in overtime

“We were good but they score a goal they don’t want to see again because you are in England. It is complicated.

“Then they score a great goal and the game ends with a corner in our favour. It’s true that we had more chances and we didn’t catch up with them. But there are details that diminish you, despite the fact that we played a great game.

Sarina Wiegman will now face Sweden or Belgium in the last four at Bramall Lane

“We have (VAR) equipment for that and a whole lot more, but again we got out. It’s very hard when the team can go further. Going to the quarter-finals is difficult.

BBC pundit Ian Wright was hugely complimentary of Russo’s impact after his assist.

Speaking on BBC One, he said: “I think Spain have calmed down a bit and seen the finish line.” Alessia Russo changed the game as a focal point.

Fellow BBC specialist Stephen Warnock added: “Alessia Russo has been so much better in that top position. The way she is supported by the players. I think England were also a bit more direct and the crosses into the box were of better quality.

The Lionesses, Euro runners-up in 1984 and 2009, will now face Sweden or Belgium in the last four at Bramall Lane next Tuesday as they continue their quest for a first major trophy.

Spain head coach Jorge Vilda admitted it was a difficult day for his side after dominating the ball at the south coast.

“It’s a disappointing and disappointing loss to come out of this competition. If there’s a good way to lose, I think it’s by playing the kind of game my players did tonight,” Vilda said. .

“We are all very proud of what we saw on the pitch, we gave it our all and now we have to hold our heads up high.

“We have a very good team here, there is a bright future ahead of us from what we have seen in this tournament. It’s a tough day for us.