England secured a 3-1 first-leg victory over Greece in their Women's World Cup qualifying playoff, with goals from Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo, though a Greek reply means the tie is not yet settled.
Key facts
- Greece 1-3 England in the first leg of the Women's World Cup qualifying playoff.
- Scorers for England were Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo.
- It was Maya Le Tissier's first England goal.
- Ioanna Papatheodorou scored for Greece to keep the tie alive.
- The first leg was played in Crete; the second leg is on Tuesday.
England took firm control of their Women’s World Cup qualifying playoff with a 3-1 first-leg win over Greece in Crete, according to the Guardian and Sky Sports. The result gives the Lionesses a two-goal advantage heading into the second leg.
Georgia Stanway opened England’s account with a neat finish, before Maya Le Tissier added her first goal for the national side. Alessia Russo completed the scoring with a low strike, as reported by the Guardian.
Despite the comfortable margin, the Guardian noted that England were unable to produce the convincing performance they would have hoped for against a hugely unfancied Greek side.
Greece kept themselves in contention through a goal from Ioanna Papatheodorou. That strike means the tie is not definitively over going into Tuesday’s second leg.
Sky Sports described England as being in control of the playoff after the win in Crete, but the single goal conceded ensures the hosts retain a route back into the tie.
The two sides will meet again on Tuesday, with England carrying a 3-1 lead into the decisive second leg.
Why it matters
The playoff is part of the path to the Women's World Cup, so the result directly affects England's qualification hopes. A two-goal cushion puts the Lionesses in a strong position, but Greece's goal means the outcome is not yet secured.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in the first leg?
England beat Greece 3-1 in the first leg, played in Crete.
Who scored for England?
Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo scored for England. It was Le Tissier's first goal for the national team.
When is the second leg?
The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, with England holding a 3-1 advantage.