England carry a 3–1 advantage into Tuesday’s Women’s World Cup playoff return against Greece in Leicester, with progression the immediate aim and defensive improvement a longer-term concern.
Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo scored in the first leg in Crete. The two-goal margin gives Sarina Wiegman’s team a favorable position in the tie, but it does not settle every question raised by the performance.
The Guardian’s Monday assessment identified vulnerability to counterattacks and the composition of the center-back partnership among the issues England must address as they work toward Brazil 2027.
The return offers another opportunity to examine how England protect the space behind their attacking players. Keeping control when possession changes will matter more against stronger opponents, even if the immediate tie remains in their favor.
Selection questions also reach into midfield. Current previews have examined the attacking-midfield role and the balance between creating chances and maintaining the team’s shape around the ball.
England’s task Tuesday is to finish the tie while improving the execution that allowed Greece opportunities in the opener. The relevant measures will include the quality of the chances conceded and how quickly the team reorganizes after losing possession.
The playoff route has two rounds. Advancing against Greece would move England through this tie, with another qualifying stage still to follow. UEFA’s competition overview sets out the routes to the remaining World Cup places.
