Stanway's two goals secure England's 2027 World Cup qualification

Georgia Stanway scored twice as England beat Greece 5‑0 in the second leg of the Women’s World Cup qualifying play‑off, sealing an 8‑1 aggregate win that sends the Lionesses into the next round. The match finished in Leicester on Sunday, after a 3‑1 win in Crete on Saturday. The victory gives England a comfortable cushion as they look ahead to the final stages of the qualifiers.

The play‑offs are the final hurdle before the 2027 World Cup. England had already won the first leg, but the coach, Sarina Wiegman, wanted to finish the tie with more ruthlessness. “We need to be more decisive,” Wiegman said after the first match. “Georgia always looks dangerous, and she made sure we scored.” The second‑leg win was a relief, as it confirmed England’s place in the tournament and highlighted the squad’s depth.

Stanway, 27, is rapidly becoming England’s most feared attacker. She finished the season as the country’s top scorer, netting 11 goals in her last 11 matches. In the two games against Greece she scored once and had another goal ruled out for offside. Her performance in the first match was a masterclass in work rate: 90 % passing accuracy, four shots, and several key tackles. Wiegman praised her “aggressive” style, noting she is “goal‑oriented, with a great shot and great mobility.” Former England keeper Rachel Brown‑Finnis called her “unplayable at times.” Stanway’s role shifted to the right wing in the second game, yet she still dominated the attack, showing her versatility.

With England now comfortably in the play‑off, the focus turns to the final group stage and the World Cup itself. Stanway’s form will be crucial as the Lionesses aim for a spot in the 2027 finals. Her combination of goal‑scoring, work rate and tactical flexibility makes her a key weapon for Wiegman’s side. As the squad prepares for the next set of qualifiers, fans will watch to see if Stanway can keep up her prolific streak and help England reach the world stage.