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Women's World Cup qualifying: Do England lack ruthlessness in front of goal?

England's Lionesses Seek Ruthlessness Ahead of Women's World Cup Qualifier

BBC Sport•
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Summary

England heads into the second leg of their Women's World Cup qualifying play-off against Greece on Tuesday with a two-goal lead, following a 3-1 victory in Crete. Despite the win, manager Sarina Wiegman demands greater ruthlessness from her squad, as they only managed to convert three out of 26 shots while conceding in the second half.

The Lionesses dominated possession with 74% but left opportunities on the table, raising concerns about their finishing ability. This pattern of underperformance has persisted since their 2023 World Cup run, where they struggled against lower-ranked teams and faced challenges in the knockout stage.

Key statistics from the match against Greece include:

  • 58 touches in the opposition box
  • 210 passes in the final third

Midfielder Keira Walsh expressed frustration over the team's hesitancy in front of goal, emphasizing the importance of converting chances in the upcoming match.

Georgia Stanway, England's top scorer since Euro 2025, has been a standout performer, while Wiegman highlights the need for improved connections and decision-making in the final third.

Injuries to key strikers have created challenges for the squad, with Lauren James adapting her playing style and Alessia Russo facing limited competition. Former England striker Ellen White stresses the importance of building rhythm and connections to enhance performance in crucial moments.

With the second leg approaching, the Lionesses aim to refine their attacking strategy and demonstrate their capability on the world stage.

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