England beat Greece 5-0 to set up World Cup play-off against Ukraine
Alessia Russo and Lauren James scored twice each as England beat Greece 5-0 in Leicester, completing an 8-1 aggregate victory. The Lionesses will face Ukraine over two legs in November and December for a place at the Women’s World Cup.
skysports.comRusso, James both score twice as England beat Greece in World Cup play-off
theguardian.comJames and Russo lead rout of Greece as ruthless England set up Ukraine playoff
independent.co.ukEngland close in on Women's World Cup with dominant play-off win over Greece
England advance
England reached the final round of the Women’s World Cup play-offs with a 5-0 victory over Greece at the King Power Stadium. The result completed an 8-1 aggregate win after England’s 3-1 first-leg victory in Crete.
Alessia Russo and Lauren James scored twice each, with Georgia Stanway also on target. England scored four goals before half-time, responding to coach Sarina Wiegman’s call for greater efficiency in front of goal.
James and Russo lead the scoring
James set up Russo’s opener in the third minute, then doubled England’s lead with a powerful strike in the 16th. Lauren Hemp supplied the crosses for Stanway’s header and James’s second goal before the break.
James was replaced by Beth Mead at half-time. Stanway later had a goal ruled out for offside following a VAR check, before Russo completed the scoring in the 75th minute after receiving Keira Walsh’s pass and rounding the goalkeeper.
Debuts and the next test
Lexi Potter earned her first England cap with a start, while Freya Godfrey made her debut from the bench. Wiegman said England had improved on their first-leg performance and described the use of a back three as part of efforts to develop the team’s style of play.
England will face Ukraine over two legs in November and December for a World Cup place. England previously beat Ukraine 6-1 and 3-0 during this qualifying campaign.
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