England close in on Women's World Cup with dominant play-off win over Greece

England booked their place in the final round of the Women’s World Cup play-offs with a 5-0 win over Greece at the King Power Stadium, completing an 8-1 aggregate victory.

Four goals before the interval settled the tie. Alessia Russo opened the scoring early, and Lauren James then struck twice either side of a Georgia Stanway header.

The Lionesses had created plenty of chances in the 3-1 first-leg win in Crete last week, and Sarina Wiegman had wanted her side to be more clinical in Leicester.

Sarina Wiegman wanted her team to be more clinical and they responded (PA)

Lexi Potter, a promising talent who has made an impressive start to the season, earned her first England cap.

She was denied a dream debut goal in the first period.

England went on the hunt for more goals after the break, and Russo grabbed her second to finish the scoring.

Wiegman‘s side will meet Ukraine in the next round, with a spot at next year’s tournament at stake.