England beat Greece 3-1 to take World Cup play-off advantage

England took a two-goal lead in their Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece with a 3-1 away victory on Friday. Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo scored at the Pankritio Stadium in Crete, according to England Football’s official match centre. The result leaves England ahead after the first of two legs.

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Stanway opened the scoring in the 39th minute, giving the visitors a 1-0 half-time lead. Le Tissier added the second in the 63rd minute and Russo made it 3-0 four minutes later. Greece reduced the deficit through Kallisti Brouksair in the 77th minute, leaving the final margin at two goals.

Sarina Wiegman had made two changes from the team that started England’s 3-0 win over Ukraine in June. Leah Williamson returned as captain after missing that camp through injury, while Alex Greenwood also came into the starting side. Hannah Hampton started in goal, with Keira Walsh, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp also in the XI.

The return match is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at Leicester’s King Power Stadium, with kick-off at 7.30pm BST. England Football’s qualification guide confirms that victory over Greece on aggregate would bring a second two-legged tie against Slovakia or Ukraine. Friday’s win therefore does not yet secure a place at the 2027 tournament in Brazil.

England entered the play-offs after finishing second to Spain in qualifying Group A3. A 4-0 defeat away to Spain in their penultimate group match moved the Spanish side above them on the head-to-head criteria. England then beat Ukraine 3-0 at home, but Spain sealed first place by defeating Iceland 6-1, leaving the Lionesses without an automatic berth.

The second play-off round is scheduled for November 26 to December 5. Under the format set out by England Football, England would be seeded and play the return leg at home if they advance. Their ranking means winning that round would secure direct World Cup qualification; for now, the immediate task is to complete the Greece tie in Leicester.