The Lionesses have missed out on automatic qualification for next summer’s Women’s World Cup and must now navigate the play-offs to reach Brazil 2027.
There were mixed emotions at the final whistle as it was confirmed that the European champions must now take the long route to the showpiece despite another emphatic victory here against Ukraine.
Last weekend’s 4-0 defeat to Spain in Mallorca had already taken qualification out of England’s hands, leaving their fate hinging on Iceland taking points off the world champions in Reykjavik.
The other part of the equation required England to dispatch minnows Ukraine – whom they had beaten 6-1 in the reverse fixture – but the contest quickly took on a processional feel when news filtered through that Spain had taken the lead inside five minutes.
Jess Carter soon followed suit to give England the advantage in Liverpool, but it had little impact 1,000 miles away as Spain continued to assert their dominance. By full time, Spain finished 6-1, leaving England to reflect on a missed opportunity after their victory over Spain at Wembley in April.
The heavy defeat in Mallorca meant only points could separate the sides due to England’s inferior head-to-head record – and on this occasion, that proved the death knell.
Georgia Stanway doubled the lead before the break, poking home Alessia Russo’s cross from close range
By half-time, Spain were already 3-0 up against Iceland, leaving England to reflect on a missed opportunity after their own victory over the world champions at Wembley in April
England nevertheless produced an entertaining display in front of a 26,065 strong crowd at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Georgia Stanway doubled the lead before the break, poking home Alessia Russo’s cross from close range before Beth Mead followed up in the second half with a wonderful free-kick to put the game beyond doubt.
However, the more significant developments were unfolding across the Atlantic, with England now consigned to a play-off route involving two home-and-away ties – a semi-final followed by a final.
As a Group A qualifier, the European champions will be seeded, giving them the advantage of hosting the second legs in both rounds.
The draws for the play-off ties are scheduled for June 18, with matches set to be played later in the year – first in October, and then in late November into early December.
