ENGLAND RETURNED TO winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ukraine in their final World Cup qualifier at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but will be forced to go through the play-offs to make next year’s finals.
Sarina Wiegman wanted a response from her side after they were thrashed 4-0 by Spain on Friday and the European champions bounced back with a professional performance in a game they were expected to win.
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However, Spain’s win over Iceland ensured they topped Group A3 and England’s second-placed finish means they will have to go through the play-offs in order to reach Brazil in 2027.
Defender Jess Carter got the scoring under way inside a quarter of an hour before Georgia Stanway doubled their lead going into the break following a half completely dominated by the hosts in front of 26,065 fans in attendance at Everton’s stadium.
Ukraine produced a spirited display in the second period but Beth Mead’s 40th goal for her country finished the scoring and handed the visitors a sixth defeat from their six qualifying games.
Wieke Kaptein celebrates scoring a goal against Poland. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
Meanwhile, the other game in Ireland’s A2 group saw the Netherlands earn a 3-1 win over Poland.
Wieke Kaptein put the Dutch in front on 24 minutes and Romée Leuchter doubled their lead after the hour mark. Liz Rijsbergen put them 3-0 in front in the 81st minute.
Ewelina Kamczyk grabbed one back for Poland from the penalty spot two minutes later but it was a comfortable win for the Netherlands.
They finish the group in second place and will join Ireland in the play-offs this November. France have won the group and will qualify automatically for the World Cup next year.
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England defeat Ukraine but must go to play-offs as Netherlands take second in Ireland's group
World Cup Qualifier Results
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ENGLAND RETURNED TO winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ukraine in their final World Cup qualifier at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but will be forced to go through the play-offs to make next year’s finals.
Sarina Wiegman wanted a response from her side after they were thrashed 4-0 by Spain on Friday and the European champions bounced back with a professional performance in a game they were expected to win.
However, Spain’s win over Iceland ensured they topped Group A3 and England’s second-placed finish means they will have to go through the play-offs in order to reach Brazil in 2027.
Defender Jess Carter got the scoring under way inside a quarter of an hour before Georgia Stanway doubled their lead going into the break following a half completely dominated by the hosts in front of 26,065 fans in attendance at Everton’s stadium.
Ukraine produced a spirited display in the second period but Beth Mead’s 40th goal for her country finished the scoring and handed the visitors a sixth defeat from their six qualifying games.
Meanwhile, the other game in Ireland’s A2 group saw the Netherlands earn a 3-1 win over Poland.
Wieke Kaptein put the Dutch in front on 24 minutes and Romée Leuchter doubled their lead after the hour mark. Liz Rijsbergen put them 3-0 in front in the 81st minute.
Ewelina Kamczyk grabbed one back for Poland from the penalty spot two minutes later but it was a comfortable win for the Netherlands.
They finish the group in second place and will join Ireland in the play-offs this November. France have won the group and will qualify automatically for the World Cup next year.
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England Netherlands Poland Scenic Route Soccer Ukraine World Cup 2027