International 2 hr ago · 315 words

England Women face Greece in World Cup play-offs after Spain defeat

The Lionesses aim to redeem themselves in crucial World Cup play-offs against Greece.

An aerial view of Heraklion, Greece, showcasing the vibrant cityscape blending modern buildings with ancient fortifications.

Photo by K on Pexels

England Women face a crucial World Cup play-off against Greece after a disappointing qualifying campaign. The Lionesses finished with 15 points from 18 but fell short of automatic qualification, largely due to a heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain. This loss marked their biggest margin of defeat in 17 years and raised questions about their competitiveness against top teams. The result highlighted a significant gap in technical ability and tactical execution between the two sides.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed confusion over the team's performance against Spain, which she anticipated would be closely contested. As England prepares to face Greece, a team ranked significantly lower, there is a chance for redemption. The Lionesses are expected to progress, but how they perform will be critical in demonstrating their readiness for the World Cup in Brazil next year.

Wiegman has made some changes to her squad, including the introduction of Chelsea's Lexi Potter, alongside returning captain Leah Williamson. This blend of reliable players and fresh talent aims to inject energy into the team. The selection reflects a shift towards prioritising form over reputation, which could be vital during this World Cup cycle.

The upcoming matches against Greece are seen as essential for England to regain confidence after their defeat to Spain. The team must approach these games with a must-win mentality, using them as an opportunity to solidify their status among the elite in women's football. Players like Keira Walsh, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo will be key to showcasing England's attacking prowess and resilience.

England's path to the World Cup involves two play-off rounds, starting with the first leg in Crete. The return match will take place at the King Power Stadium. If they advance, they will face the winner of the Slovakia vs Ukraine tie in the next round, scheduled for late November. The Lionesses are determined to prove they deserve to compete with Europe's best.

via Sky Sports