Starring Lauren James, England beat Iceland 2-0 at a packed City Ground to give them a 100 per cent start to qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Lucie Bronze, who won her 145th cap, opened the scoring with a looping header midway through the first half, her 22nd goal for her country as a right-back.
The home side needed a stunning save from Hannah Hampton to protect their narrow lead in the second half, but Georgia Stanway’s volley with 12 minutes remaining eased the Lionesses’ nerves.
Georgia Stanway celebrates doubling England’s lead against Iceland
As a result, Sarina Wiegmann’s side remain top of Group A3 ahead of Saturday’s match between world champions Spain and Ukraine, leaving them the only team to qualify automatically for the tournament in Brazil.
How England stayed top of Group A3
Wiegmann opted for an attacking lineup for the second qualifying leg, knowing goal difference could be decisive, but England’s first match on Tuesday proved a much tougher opponent than Ukraine, with Iceland scoring six goals in the second half.
It took until the 22nd minute for the home side to make the breakthrough when James broke free on the left and Bronze hit the back post, but there was still a lot of work to be done for the Chelsea full-back to beat Cecilia Runarsdottir with a stray header into the far corner.
Lucy Bronze celebrates giving England lead against Iceland
England looked for a second goal to give them some breathing room and before half-time the elusive James proved impossible to stop down the left, hitting the post twice, but the visitors defended stubbornly and frustrated the European champions.
And had it not been for Hampton’s world-class save, Sandra Jessen’s header looked set to go into the far corner, but Hampton managed to dive the length of the ball to claw it home and Iceland would have leveled with an hour remaining.
Hildur Antonsdóttir with Georgia Stanway and Jess Park in England
That fear awoke a sluggish England side, who scored their 32nd international goal when Bronze converted Stanway’s cross from the right sideline, quickly doubling their lead with Stanway’s well-placed volley into the bottom corner.
But England know that a double-header with Spain will ultimately decide whether they automatically advance to Brazil next year or have to face play-off uncertainty.
Wiegman: “I want to score more goals”
England national team manager Sarina Wigman:
“I’m not frustrated at all at the moment. I’m happy with the performance and the camp. We have six points from two games. I think Iceland are a very disciplined team, powerful, compact and a team that will be very difficult to break down.”
“We played very good football and created a lot of big chances. We could have scored more, of course we would like that, but the most important thing is to win the game.”
“Hannah made a great save that was decisive and we got the goal. We would like to have scored more goals but we are happy with the win and the clean sheet.”
“I hope everyone had a great afternoon and that I entertained them (the fans).
“Overall I’m happy with the camp. It would be helpful to get six points. The team worked hard to improve the pitch both as a team and as individuals.”
James: I’m always happy to wear this shirt.
England forward Lauren James told ITV Sport:
Lauren James takes on Iceland’s Gudrun Arnaldóttir
“It was really fun. It’s always nice to come back in this shirt after being out for a while. Whenever I cut in, I know Lucy (Bronze) is at the back post and I can give it back to her. She’s good at using her head.”
“It’s always a good game against them (Spain), they’re a high-quality team and we’re looking forward to them.”
Bronze: I’m really proud to represent my country so many times.
England defender Lucy Bronze told ITV Sport:
“I’m really happy to have earned an extra cap over the great Lionesses legend Karen Carney and to be able to stand behind Farrah Williams and Jill Scott. All three of them are close friends and long-time team-mates of mine and I’m really proud to have represented my country so many times.”
“I remember the last game we played against them (Spain) at Wembley. The atmosphere was great. It was a tense game and I think we’re all looking forward to it and I think the Spanish women are as well.”
“James’ best game since returning from injury”
Anton Troi on Sky Sports News at the City Ground:
This was probably Lauren James’ best game since returning from injury and a great game for both England and Chelsea.
The WSL champions face the League Cup final every Sunday, but James, who was fired in form, could make the difference not only next weekend, but also in the FA Cup and Champions League.
As for Georgia Stanway, while England’s No. 8 continues to score, the right-back moved into third place in England’s all-time appearances rankings on a day when she also recorded an assist and a goal to win the bronze medal.
