News Focus
- England finish second in Group A3 despite winning five of six matches
- Heavy 4-0 defeat to Spain proves costly for automatic qualification hopes
- Lionesses must now compete in two play-off rounds to secure Brazil spot
- Manager Sarina Wiegman criticises ‘toughest’ possible group draw
- Play-off draw scheduled for June 18 with ties in October and November
England Women face a nervous play-off campaign to reach the World Cup finals after missing out on automatic qualification. The Lionesses collected 15 points from six games but still finished behind Spain in Group A3.
Sarina Wiegman’s squad defeated Ukraine 3-0 in their final fixture. However, a 4-0 loss to Spain in Mallorca earlier in the campaign decided the group. Spain topped the standings due to a superior head-to-head record against the European champions.
Wiegman expressed frustration at the draw system. She questioned how the reigning European and World champions could be placed in the same qualifying section. “You win five games and take 15 points, but you cannot qualify directly. This is disappointing,” she stated.
The path to Brazil is now longer and more complex. As a runner-up, England enter the play-offs in October as a seeded team. They will face a League C opponent over two legs. If successful, they must play another two-legged tie in late November or early December.
Forward Alessia Russo admitted the team failed to perform against Spain. “We know that display was below our standards,” she said. Defender Niamh Charles agreed the group was extremely difficult, while midfielder Georgia Stanway noted that 15 points usually guarantees automatic qualification.
The draw for the first play-off round takes place on June 18. England will hope to secure one of the final European places for next summer’s tournament.