England's Lionesses have secured a 3-1 first-leg lead against Greece in their Women's World Cup qualifying play-off. The match, played in Crete on Friday night, saw Sarina Wiegman's side take a significant step towards securing a place in next year's tournament in Brazil.
Manchester United captain Maya le Tissier, stepping in for the injured Lucy Bronze, seized her opportunity by scoring her first international goal in the 63rd minute. Wiegman praised Le Tissier's performance, noting her attacking contributions.
Despite the victory, Wiegman expressed frustration at not keeping a clean sheet, citing defensive lapses that allowed Greece opportunities, including a goal from Kallisti Brouksair. This was England's third win in their last eight competitive away games.
The match also saw an England debut for 18-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson, who joined North Carolina Courage this summer, and Liverpool captain Grace Fisk, 28. The question of England's preferred number 10 remains, with several players, including Lauren James, Grace Clinton, and Ella Toone, vying for the position.
England will aim to finish the job in the second leg against Greece on Tuesday in Leicester, with kick-off at 19:30 BST. The winner of this tie will then face either Ukraine or Slovakia in round two to determine who qualifies for Brazil.