Greece 1-3 England: Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo on target for Lionesses in World Cup play-off
England's women's football team secured a 3-1 victory over Greece in the first leg of their World Cup play-off. Goals from Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier, and Alessia Russo put the Lionesses in a strong position for the return leg.
Why it matters
This match is a significant step in the qualification process for the 2027 Women's World Cup, impacting the international standing of both teams.
England are in control of their World Cup play-off with Greece after winning the first leg 3-1 in Crete. <p>Goals from Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo moved the Lionesses into a strong position for Tuesday's second leg in Leicester - although Calliste Brookshire, who plays for Rangers in Scotland, pulled one back late on for a Greece side ranked 58th in the world. The winner will play Slovakia or Ukraine in round two on the road to Brazil 2027.</p><p>Lauren James saw a stunning chip from long range ruled out for offside in the first half but the Lionesses - forced into the play-offs after finishing behind Spain in qualifying - were not at their sharpest in that period and they were almost shocked when Ioanna Papatheodorou cracked a shot against the crossbar from 35 yards.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/greece-women-vs-england-women/live/559077">As it happened</a> | <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/greece-women-vs-england-women/teams/559077">How the teams lined up</a> | <a…
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