The short version
- Georgia Stanway scored in both matches against Greece, contributing to England's comprehensive aggregate victory in World Cup qualifying play-offs.
- Manager Sarina Wiegman deployed a new midfield configuration featuring debutant Lexi Potter, which allowed Stanway greater freedom to attack.
- England must now face Ukraine in the final round of playoffs to secure their spot at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The England women's national team has advanced to the final stage of qualification for the 2027 Women's World Cup following a decisive two-legged victory over Greece. The Lionesses secured an 8-1 aggregate triumph, with the second leg ending in a comfortable 5-0 win in Leicester. This performance ensures they will face Ukraine in the concluding playoff round later this year, a matchup where England holds a significant historical advantage having already defeated their opponents 9-1 on aggregate during the league phase.
Central to this success was the continued scoring prowess of midfielder Georgia Stanway. The 27-year-old Arsenal player found the net in both fixtures, opening the scoring in Crete during the initial 3-1 victory and adding another goal in Leicester. Her contributions capped a remarkable run of form that has seen her finish as England's top scorer for the season. Over her last eleven matches, Stanway has netted eleven times, establishing herself as one of the most reliable offensive threats in European international football since Euro 2025.
Manager Sarina Wiegman praised Stanway's dual ability to contribute defensively and offensively, describing her as a warrior who remains eager to attack regardless of the game state. During the Leicester match, Stanway demonstrated significant composure by controlling a long pass from Alex Greenwood before firing a powerful shot into the bottom corner. Although another potential goal was ruled out for offside, Wiegman expressed satisfaction with Stanway's overall impact, noting her tenacity in possession and without it.
Tactical adjustments played a crucial role in unlocking the opposition's defense. Wiegman introduced a new midfield structure that included 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter making her debut. Potter provided defensive cover for experienced players Keira Walsh and Stanway, allowing them to push higher up the pitch. Lauren James also operated in the number ten role, creating space for Stanway to exploit. This shift enabled Stanway to operate more freely, causing consistent problems for the Greek defense throughout the encounter.
Stanway's versatility was evident as she adapted to various positions during the match. At times she played as a right winger, while at other moments she dropped deep into a number ten role or acted as a second striker. Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis highlighted this adaptability, noting that Stanway was unplayable at times due to her ability to win tackles and maintain high passing accuracy alongside her attacking output. Her performance included winning all her tackles and achieving a 90 percent passing accuracy rate.
The tactical experiment appears to have yielded positive results for the national team's future planning. Wiegman indicated that she wanted to test Potter in a deeper role while simultaneously exploring how Stanway could be utilized higher up the pitch to increase goal output. The balance achieved in the midfield was described as pleasing by the manager, who noted the intense competition for places in that area of the pitch. This flexibility suggests that similar formations may be employed in future fixtures.
Despite the dominant performances against Greece, the qualification process is not yet complete. England must still navigate a two-legged tie against Ukraine to finalize their place at the tournament in Brazil. The upcoming matches will test whether the tactical innovations and individual brilliance displayed against Greece can be replicated against a different opponent. The team's ability to maintain this level of performance will be critical in securing their spot on the global stage.
Stanway's current form places her among the top three European players for international goals scored since Euro 2025. Her combination of athleticism, mobility, and technical skill makes her a unique asset for Wiegman's squad. The manager emphasized that while scoring is vital, Stanway's ability to play in pockets, retain possession, and connect with teammates remains equally important. This holistic contribution underscores her growing status as one of England's most indispensable players.
The progression to the final playoff round marks a significant milestone for the Lionesses. The ease with which they dispatched Greece suggests a team that is gelling well under Wiegman's guidance. The integration of younger talent like Potter alongside established stars provides depth and tactical options. As the campaign moves toward its conclusion, the focus will shift to maintaining this momentum against Ukraine.
The upcoming fixtures will offer further opportunities for Stanway and her teammates to demonstrate their readiness for the World Cup. The tactical flexibility shown in recent matches indicates a squad capable of adapting to various challenges. With the aggregate score heavily in their favor from previous encounters with Ukraine, England enters the final stage with confidence. The coming weeks will determine if this form translates into qualification success.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗'Unplayable' Stanway a free-scoring warrior for Lionesses
