Former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen aimed a dig at Spain during their 2-0 quarter-final victory over Switzerland at Euro 2025 on Friday.
Spain secured their spot in the last four thanks to goals from Athenea del Castillo and Claudia Pina, with Switzerland reduced to 10 players late-on following a red card for Noelle Maritz.
Montse Tome’s side, who beat England in the 2023 World Cup final and are the main favourites to win Euro 2025, got the job done despite Mariona Caldentey and Alexia Putellas both missing penalties at Stadion Wankdorf.
Spain were hugely frustrated in the first half and it wasn’t until the 66th minute they broke the deadlock – the longest they’ve had to wait for a goal at Euro 2025 – scoring before the 22nd minute in their three group games.
Izzy Christiansen calls out Spanish players
Christiansen, on commentary duties for the BBC, called out Spain’s players in the opening 45 minutes for trying to trick the referee into giving fouls.
The former Lioness also mentioned Arsenal’s win over Barcelona in the Champions League final last term – in which the Spaniards were ‘bullied’.
‘The Spanish players are starting to act like they did in the Champions League final, the ones that played for Barcelona,’ Christiansen said.
‘Arsenal bullied them. I’m starting to see bits of negative body language, appealing for fouls that the referee isn’t giving – and they aren’t fouls.’
Christiansen also blasted Caldentey and Putellas for failing to score their penalties for Spain in the ninth minute and 99th minute respectively.
The ex-England star, capped 31 times, described Caldentey’s penalty as ‘really poorly executed’ and Putellas’ spot-kick as ‘terrible’.
‘Spain were poor and lucky to avoid red card’
Speaking after the match, Christiansen added: ‘Based on tonight’s performance, I don’t think Spain would [get to the final] because France and Germany would [have beaten them].
‘I also think Laia Aleixandri was lucky to stay on the pitch. Spain will know they have to improve if they are to beat France or Germany.
‘Spain will take confidence after being poor this evening and getting the job done.’
Ex-England stars hail Switzerland despite defeat
Meanwhile, a number of former England players hailed Switzerland for their performance after the match despite their loss to Spain.
Former England defender Anita Asante told the BBC: ‘We knew it would be nothing short of a miracle for Switzerland to get a result tonight, but they can take heart and credit for their performance.
‘This is a young team, they will bounce back and qualify for many competitions to come.
They held Spain for about 60 odd minutes until they scored. That’s incredible, they made it difficult, this is a world class outfit but they were frustrated by Switzerland.’
Ex-England captain Steph Houghton added: ‘Switzerland have done everyone proud. They’re on their own journey to create a legacy.
‘For those young players, it is an experience they can build on and get better.’