Sarina Wiegman said she remains confident England will reach next summer’s World Cup, even after the Lionesses were forced into the playoffs by Spain’s 6:1 win away to Iceland. England did their own job on Merseyside with a comfortable victory over Ukraine, but Spain’s result meant Wiegman’s side had to accept second place in the group.
England ended the campaign with 15 points from 18, a strong return in most circumstances, yet it was not enough for an automatic ticket to Brazil. Their head to head record against Spain proved decisive after Friday’s painful 4:0 defeat in Mallorca, a result that left the European champions needing help from Iceland on the final matchday.
For the first time in almost 25 years, England have failed to finish top of a Women’s World Cup qualifying group. The previous occasion came before the 2003 tournament, when the finals still had only 16 teams. This time, the playoff route carries less alarm than it might first suggest. The qualification format has changed, and only four European nations now qualify automatically, compared with nine in the previous cycle.
England face seeded playoff route after Spain take top spot
England were placed in a demanding group from the start, with Spain joining them in a repeat of both the last World Cup final and the 2025 European Championship final. The Lionesses will be seeded for the playoff draw on 18 June, where they will meet one of the League C sides: Lithuania, Kosovo, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Belarus, Croatia or Kazakhstan.
The first playoff round will be played over two legs in October. Asked about the danger of that route, Wiegman kept her answer calm and direct. She said England have a very good team, know what is required and remain positive about qualifying.
In truth, England probably knew before kick off that the playoffs were the most likely outcome. Spain only needed to win in Iceland to take first place, and although Iceland have improved, they were facing world champions in strong form. Vicky López scored early to put Spain in control inside five minutes. Edna Imade made it 2:0 after 37 minutes, with Iceland barely seeing the ball, and Salma Paralluelo added a third before half time. By then, England’s automatic hopes had almost disappeared.
James and Stanway help England control Ukraine
That situation did not stop England from playing with energy and confidence against Ukraine. Lauren James gave the visiting defence a difficult evening, while Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh and Laura Blindkilde Brown controlled midfield with ease. James struck the woodwork with a dipping shot from a tight angle, then soon after sent a dangerous cross to the back post for Jess Carter. The defender guided her header across goal to give England the lead.
Stanway then doubled the advantage with a sharp run into the box, sliding in at the far post to finish Alessia Russo’s square pass. Russo, who scored twice in England’s 6:1 win over Ukraine in Turkey in March, again caused problems for the centre backs. Her movement across the front line pulled defenders out of position and opened space for runners from midfield.
England played with freedom, but the level of opposition gave important context. Ukraine finished bottom of the group and operate with a far smaller budget than the Lionesses enjoy through their setup at St George’s Park. With that in mind, it was slightly surprising that Wiegman made only four changes from the side beaten heavily in Mallorca. It felt like a possible chance to test more players had passed, especially with in form winger Freya Godfrey not included in the matchday squad.
Mead adds third as England finish strongly
Wiegman brought on Beth Mead and Alex Greenwood at half time, and England’s control continued. Ukraine rarely reached the final third, while England’s defence spent more and more time camped inside the visitors’ half. Jess Park and Chloe Kelly were introduced with 25 minutes left, giving the hosts fresh width and more pressure around the box.
From the next England attack, Mead made it 3:0 with a direct free kick. She bent the ball into the far corner, helped by a wall that offered little real protection for the goalkeeper. It was Mead’s first goal for club or country since March and her first for England since November.
The night gave England a routine win and a clean finish to the group stage, but not the reward they wanted. Spain’s victory in Iceland decided the table, leaving the Lionesses to take the longer route. Wiegman’s side will still be strong favourites in the playoffs, but their path to Brazil now includes two more matches they would rather have avoided.
