After a disappointing exit to the World Cup play-offs in June, England Women find themselves at a critical juncture. The Lionesses narrowly missed direct qualification, finishing with 15 points from 18 in their qualifying campaign, just one result short of securing their place.

The turning point came with a shocking 4-0 defeat to Spain, marking their largest loss in 17 years and raising questions about the team's competitive edge. This match illuminated a noticeable gap in performance, with Spain showcasing a superior technical and tactical approach.

Sarina Wiegman, the head coach, expressed confusion over the team's unexpected struggles in what was anticipated to be a tight match. With Spain out of the picture for the upcoming fixtures, England now turns their attention to Greece, ranked 55 places lower in the international standings, making the Lionesses clear favorites to progress.

This moment presents a pivotal opportunity for England to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability ahead of next year’s World Cup in Brazil. Wiegman’s squad features a mix of reliable players and fresh talent, including Lexi Potter, who has impressed at Chelsea. The return of captain Leah Williamson adds experience to the lineup, as England shifts towards merit-based selections.

The upcoming two-legged play-off against Greece is crucial, serving both as redemption for the Spain defeat and a chance to solidify team dynamics. Key players like Keira Walsh, Lauren Hemp, and Lucy Bronze must perform at their best to ensure England's place among the world's elite.

England’s path to the tournament includes:

• First leg: Away at the Pankritio Stadium in Heraklion, Friday.
• Second leg: Home at the King Power Stadium, next Tuesday.

As the other European powers watch, the Lionesses must prove they are worthy of a spot in the World Cup, showcasing their potential and commitment to excellence.