England secured a 3-1 first-leg victory against Greece in their Women's World Cup playoff tie. Despite the win, the Lionesses did not deliver the convincing performance they might have hoped for against the unfancied Greek side.
Goals for England came from Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier, who scored her first England goal, and Alessia Russo. However, a goal from Ioanna Papatheodorou for Greece means the tie remains open ahead of Tuesday's second leg.
England, who were overwhelming favourites against a Greek side ranked 59th in the world, dominated possession but lacked their usual urgency. The first half was largely forgettable, with a disallowed goal from Lauren James due to offside.
Beth Mead was introduced at half-time, and England soon created more chances. After Russo made it 3-0, Greece pulled a goal back through Kallisti Brouksair. Erica Meg Parkinson and Grace Fisk made their senior international debuts late in the match.