Alessia Russo and Lauren James reiterated their importance to England as both scored twice in a 5-0 win against Greece in the second leg of their World Cup play-off first-round tie, winning 8-1 on aggregate.

In fact, it was the Chelsea forward who supplied the Arsenal No 9 for an early opener – needed after a laborious 3-1 in Crete on Friday gave the Lionesses plenty to consider.

But once England had taken the lead at the King Power Stadium they did not look back. James doubled the hosts’ lead with a rocket effort before Georgia Stanway’s bullet header made it three after Lauren Hemp’s cross.

England to face Ukraine in next round

England will face Ukraine in the second round of the play-offs to secure a place at next year’s World Cup.

Ukraine beat Slovakia 4-1 on aggregate to progress.

The two sides were drawn in the same qualification group, with the Lionesses winning 6-1 away before following up with a 3-0 win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Ukraine will play at ‘home’ in the first leg, and away in the second. The ties will be played between November 26 and December 5.

James scored her second of the evening four minutes later – assisted again by Hemp – but was rested for the second half, replaced by Beth Mead.

The Manchester City winger spurned two glorious early chances – as did her club team-mate Hemp – while Stanway thought she had scored her own brace five minutes after the break.

A martial arts-esque leap saw her control the ball before finishing brilliantly on the volley, but her shoulder was just offside and VAR ruled out the goal.

Georgia Stanway celebrates her goal with James
Image:
Georgia Stanway celebrates her goal with James

England continued to create chances as Sarina Wiegman tinkered with her team – handing a debut to Freya Godfrey after Lexi Potter also earned her first cap with a start – before Russo spun her defender and finished on a tight angle to round off a dominant Lionesses performance.

England go into the second round of the World Cup play-offs, where they will face Ukraine over two legs in November and December.

James scores her first goal
Image:
James scores her first goal

The key moments from Leicester

3: GOAL! James drives through midfield before playing Russo through. The Arsenal striker scores after beating the goalkeeper one-on-one.

16: GOAL! James’ rocket effort powers into the top corner.

29: BLUSHES SPARED! Maya Le Tissier fluffs her lines with the goal gaping, but is saved by an offside flag – although replays showed she was onside.

Russo celebrates her opening goal
Image:
Russo celebrates her opening goal

30: GOAL! Stanway is unmarked inside the area to nod home Hemp’s cross with a pinpoint effort.

34: GOAL! James scores her second of the evening with a fine volley from close range.

50: NO GOAL! Stanway controls the ball with a high foot before volleying home – but VAR rules it out for offside.

75: GOAL! England finally score a fifth and final goal as Russo slots home on a tight angle.



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