England Women Take Control in World Cup Playoff Despite Greece’s Resilience

England’s women’s national team took a significant step towards World Cup qualification by securing a 3-1 victory over Greece in the first leg of their playoff tie. Despite the comfortable scoreline, manager Sarina Wiegman expressed the need for better performance levels ahead of the second leg.

The match, played on 9 October 2026, saw England assert control through goals from Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier, who scored her first goal for the senior team, and Alessia Russo. Greece, though considered underdogs, remained in contention thanks to a goal from Kallisti Brouksair, keeping the tie alive ahead of the return fixture.

Wiegman was candid about her team’s display, describing it as “a bit sloppy” at times. The England manager emphasized that while the victory was valuable, the team must raise their standards to ensure qualification. The Greek side’s resilience and ability to find the net underline the challenge England faces in closing out the tie.

The contributions from Stanway and Russo reinforce their growing importance in the squad, while Le Tissier’s breakthrough goal adds another attacking option for England. However, the team’s overall performance suggests there is room for improvement in cohesion and sharpness, particularly against a less fancied opponent.

With the second leg scheduled for Tuesday, England will look to build on their advantage but cannot afford complacency. Greece’s goal demonstrates their potential threat, meaning the tie remains competitive and unpredictable. England’s ability to tighten their play and manage the game effectively will be crucial in securing passage to the World Cup.

Next up, England must prepare strategically to maintain their lead and secure qualification. The outcome will not only impact their World Cup campaign but also serve as a test of their resilience and adaptability under Wiegman’s guidance.

For further details on the match and the upcoming second leg, visit the original report at theguardian.com.