England take control of World Cup play-off with win in Greece

Match report as England take a 3-1 lead from the first leg in Crete; Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo struck but a goal back from Calliste Brookshire means there is work to do on Tuesday in the second leg; winner will face Slovakia or Ukraine for place at Brazil 2027

Greece Women vs England Women. Women's World Cup Qualifying Play-off Round 1.

England are in control of their World Cup play-off with Greece after winning the first leg 3-1 in Crete.

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.

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.

Source: Sky Sports