Suzanne Wrack
Lauren James lit up the first half, scoring twice and setting up another as England raced to four goals by halftime. Could Greece have imagined such a storm?
Alessia Russo answered with a brace, flanking James, while Arsenal mate Georgia Stanway added her name to the sheet, confirming England’s dominance ahead of a November‑December double‑header with Ukraine.
Greek hopes of a surprise comeback in Leicester vanished after their spirited 3‑1 effort in Crete fell short against a relentless Lionesses side.
Full time: England 5‑0 Greece (agg: 8‑1)
England sit just one win away from the World Cup, with Russo and James each on two goals and Stanway chipping in the fifth, extending her rich run of form.
Up next: a two‑legged showdown with Ukraine in November and December, the victor earning a ticket to Brazil next summer.
90 min Three minutes of added time.
88 min The tie is winding down. England’s decisive clash with Ukraine is slated for November and December, exact dates pending.
86 min Walsh loses control, then fouls Drakogiannaki and receives a yellow card.
85 min “We want six!” roars the crowd – they’re likely to get it.
81 min Godfrey drives inside‑left, fires a telegraphed shot and Katergiannaki makes a diving save.
81 min: Greece substitution Eleni Saich limps off for Panagiota Argyriou after a hard tackle by Stanway, probably accidental.
79 min Alessia Russo looks effortless; both goals showcase her calm superiority.
77 min Stanway’s studs catch Saich’s Achilles – a reckless challenge that should have earned a booking.
GOAL! England 5‑0 Greece (agg: 8‑1; Russo 75)
Another clinical finish from England’s best. Russo angles her foot, receives Walsh’s pass, evades Katergiannaki and slots home with ease.
72 min: England substitution Grace Fisk earns her second cap, replacing Leah Williamson in defence.
70 min: Greece substitution Georgia Chalatsogianni comes on for Veatriki Sarri.
69 min Mead feeds Stanway; her shot is blocked, Walsh’s rebound rockets wide as England presses for a fifth.
66 min Greenwood’s corner lands at Park’s feet, Stanway, on a hat‑trick, smashes the loose ball just wide.
63 min Freya Godfrey makes her England debut – a milestone worth savoring for any player.
61 min Scotland lead Czechia 3‑2 on the night, 5‑2 aggregate, moving toward a playoff with Sweden who beat Lithuania 15‑0 overall.
59 min: Triple substitution for England Godfrey, Jess Park and Niamh Charles replace Lexi Potter, Maya Le Tissier and Lauren Hemp.
57 min Stanway’s cross‑shot is cleared by Katergiannaki, who then mishits a clearance, leading to a goal kick.
53 min Mead’s left‑side cross is headed over by Hemp; a solid effort that barely missed the mark.
NO GOAL! England 4‑0 Greece
Stanway was marginally offside – a shame, as the first touch deserved a goal.
GOAL! England 5‑0 Greece (agg: 8‑1; Stanway 49)
Georgia Stanway nets her second, soaring to meet Greenwood’s clipped ball and finishing emphatically; the touch was exquisite, though offside scrutiny remains.
49 min Mead heads a well‑placed cross wide of the far post, but the danger continues.
47 min Russo’s long‑range effort bounces oddly and is securely saved by Katergiannaki.
46 min Greece make a triple change at halftime: Rapani, Ntarzanou and Drakogiannaki replace Brame, Paterna and Moraitou.
46 min Lauren James is subbed at half‑time for Beth Mead, ending her chance at a hat‑trick.
Tom Garry
England showed noticeable improvement over Friday’s display; the Euro champions displayed more zip, confidence and flair, and Wiegman seemed pleased as she walked the tunnel – the midfield pairing of Potter and Walsh is finally clicking, and Stanway’s higher positioning adds a new dimension.
Martin Belam
I am at King Power and the tie feels settled; the stadium now markets lager at £6.90, only to charge £7.20 at purchase.
45+3 min VAR upholds the on‑field decision.
45+2 min: Potter has a goal disallowedLexi Potter’s debut strike is ruled out for a prior Stanway foul; VAR review leaves the call unchanged.
Tom Garry
After just 22 minutes the crowd launched a Mexican wave; by 39 minutes they were flashing phone lights as the score hit 4‑0 – are they not entertained?
42 min Stanway’s running shot is saved at the near post by Katergiannaki, yet England continues to create chances at will.