England took a 3-1 lead over Greece in the first leg of their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off on October 9. Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo scored for the Lionesses in Crete.

The two-goal advantage puts England in a strong position before the return leg at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on October 13. Greece’s late goal means the tie is still alive, but Sarina Wiegman’s side has control of the contest.

England need to protect a two-goal lead at home to reach the second play-off round in November.

Three goals put England in control

Stanway opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Le Tissier followed with her first senior England goal in the 63rd minute.

Russo added England’s third four minutes later. Greece responded through Calliste Brookshire in the 77th minute.

  • Georgia Stanway scored England’s opening goal.
  • Maya Le Tissier registered her first senior England goal.
  • Alessia Russo completed England’s three-goal spell.
  • Calliste Brookshire scored Greece’s late reply.

Le Tissier marks personal milestone

Le Tissier scored on her 15th senior international appearance. England Football’s post-match statistics also recorded Erica Meg Parkinson’s senior debut at the age of 18 years and 174 days.

England therefore left Crete with both a valuable result and a notable milestone for a young international beginning her senior career on the road to Brazil.

Statistics show England’s control, but the tie is not over

England recorded 73.8 per cent possession and 26 shots, compared with Greece’s three, according to Sky Sports. Those figures underline the Lionesses’ dominance.

Brookshire’s late strike still matters. It reduced the margin and gave Greece a reason to believe the second leg can produce a different contest.

The winner of the tie will face Slovakia or Ukraine in the second play-off round in November. England’s immediate task is to protect its advantage at home on October 13.

The 3-1 scoreline gives England confidence without removing the tension. Greece need a strong response in Leicester, while England need only to manage the two-goal cushion and finish the job.