England Women will have to go through the play-offs to secure a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup after their 3-0 victory over Ukraine on Tuesday night fell short of claiming top position in their qualifying group. The Lionesses entered the match knowing they needed Iceland to do them a favour against Spain, following La Roja’s dominant win over Sarina Wiegman’s side on Friday. Unfortunately, that help never came, meaning their win carried no significance in the race for the sole automatic qualification spot.

While hopes were slim that Spain might slip, England still needed to take care of their own result and started strongly in pursuit of three points. Jess Carter opened the scoring with a fine header that beat Ukraine goalkeeper Kateryna Boklach just 14 minutes into the game. However, by that stage Spain had already gone ahead in Iceland through Vicky Lopez, giving the contest at Hill Dickinson Stadium more of an exhibition feel from the outside.

Despite that, England produced a strong display in response to Friday’s disappointment, controlling the game and giving their opponents little opportunity to threaten. Ukraine were pinned in their own half for most of the match, with Lauren Hemp forcing a smart save from the edge of the box, Maya Le Tissier missing a great chance over the bar, and Laura Blindkilde Brown denied her first senior international goal by an excellent tackle from Yana Kotyk before Georgia Stanway doubled the lead.

Keira Walsh’s brilliant reverse pass split open the Ukraine defence, finding Alessia Russo’s intelligent run. Russo then squared the ball for Stanway, who slid in to finish and move further up England’s all-time goal-scoring list. Moments later, Spain extended their own lead and added another before half-time, leaving England needing a miracle to alter their fate.

The evening still delivered one highlight for the fans, as Beth Mead came off the bench to curl in a stunning free-kick to make it 3-0 just past the hour mark. It was a superb strike to cap off the scoring, ensuring England ended this World Cup qualifying stage on a positive note. However, Spain’s 6-1 win in Iceland ultimately consigned the Lionesses to the play-offs, with Wiegman’s side set to learn their opponents later this month.

GOAL provides the player ratings from the Hill Dickinson Stadium encounter...

Goalkeeper & Defence

Hannah Hampton (6/10):

Had only one straightforward save to make in the first half and was otherwise untested. Composed on the ball but rarely called upon.

Maya Le Tissier (7/10):

Supported the attack effectively, providing width and options going forward. Should have converted a great opportunity in the first half.

Jess Carter (7/10):

Opened the scoring with an excellent header. Defensively solid and rarely troubled at the back.

Esme Morgan (6/10):

Had little defensive work to do before being substituted at half-time. Confident in possession.

Niamh Charles (7/10):

Spent more time attacking than defending and did it efficiently, delivering several good crosses from wide areas.

Midfield

Keira Walsh (7/10):

Produced a superb reverse pass in the build-up to the second goal. Controlled the tempo of the game and helped England shift the Ukraine defence to create space and chances.

Georgia Stanway (7/10):

Timed her run perfectly to score again for England. A solid all-round performance, contributing both offensively and defensively.

Laura Blindkilde Brown (7/10):

Arguably her finest performance yet in an England shirt, despite this being only her seventh cap. Worked hard off the ball to regain possession high up the pitch and used it intelligently when in control.

Attack

Lauren Hemp (6/10):

Energetic and involved throughout but slightly lacking in her final delivery.

Alessia Russo (6/10):

Made a clever off-the-ball run leading to the assist for England’s second goal and created more chances besides. Loses marks for not seriously testing the goalkeeper despite several attempts.

Lauren James (7/10):

Central to England’s attacking play in the first half. Unlucky to hit both the bar and post with one effort and provided a wonderful cross for the opening goal. Substituted at half-time.

Substitutes & Manager

Alex Greenwood (6/10):

Fitted seamlessly into the backline after coming on at the break.

Beth Mead (7/10):

Made the biggest impact among the substitutes. Scored a brilliant free-kick and injected energy and creativity into the attack.

Chloe Kelly (5/10):

Struggled to impose herself despite England’s dominance.

Jess Park (6/10):

Added liveliness to midfield play and showed some neat touches, though without making a major impression.

Lucia Kendall (N/A):

Came on for Walsh in the final minutes.

Sarina Wiegman (6/10):

Perhaps could have rotated her attacking options more, as this match seemed ideal for giving younger players minutes. Still, giving Blindkilde Brown a start proved a smart choice as she impressed.