Image Source: BBC
Greece vs England has begun in Crete, with the Lionesses entering a decisive Women’s World Cup qualification play-off semi-final as strong favourites. The first leg is being played at the Pankritio Stadio, where more than 500 travelling England supporters are expected to provide significant backing for Sarina Wiegman’s team.
The match is England’s first-ever meeting with Greece and represents an important opportunity to gain control of the tie before the return fixture. The second leg will take place at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday at 19:30 BST.
Greece vs England: Lionesses aim for a powerful start
England were handed a difficult route to the play-offs after being drawn in a qualifying group containing world champions Spain. Although the Lionesses defeated Spain in one of their meetings, they were ultimately required to continue through the knockout route to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
There is a substantial gap between the two sides in the Fifa world rankings, with England sitting 55 places above Greece. However, Wiegman has repeatedly stressed that reputation and statistics cannot replace concentration and quality on the pitch.
“We’re here to win, of course, but we want to play really well too and show who we are,” Wiegman said before kick-off, according to the BBC. Her message reflected England’s desire to produce a convincing performance rather than simply scrape through the tie.
England starting lineup revealed
England began with Hannah Hampton in goal and a defence featuring Maya Le Tissier, Leah Williamson, Esme Morgan and Alex Greenwood. Williamson captains the side, while Keira Walsh, Laura Blindkilde Brown and Georgia Stanway form the midfield.
Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Lauren James lead the attack. Blindkilde Brown’s inclusion was one of the main talking points before the match, with Wiegman praising the midfielder’s ability to receive the ball and operate in tight areas.
- Hannah Hampton starts in goal.
- Leah Williamson captains England.
- Laura Blindkilde Brown makes the starting XI.
- Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh and Blindkilde Brown start in midfield.
- Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Lauren James lead the forward line.
Maya Le Tissier’s selection at right-back also attracted attention because Lucy Bronze is absent. Jess Carter is among the substitutes, while England’s bench includes Beth Mead, Niamh Charles, Grace Fisk, Lexi Potter and Ella Toone.
Greece present an unbeaten qualifying record
Despite their underdog status, Greece have reason to feel confident. They completed their qualifying group with a perfect record, defeating the Faroe Islands and Georgia both home and away. They are yet to qualify for a major international tournament, but their recent results have earned them a place in the play-offs.
Greece’s best-known player to English supporters is striker Veatriki Sarri, who plays for Birmingham City in the Women’s Super League. Captain Eleni Markou leads a 4-3-3 formation managed by Vasilios Spertos.
The Greek side started with R. Petaloti in goal, supported by M. Paterna, E. Markou, M. Gouni and V. Giannaka in defence. A. Moraitou, E. Brame and E. Drakogiannaki formed the midfield, while K. Brouksair, I. Papatheodorou and Sarri were named in attack.
Key players and historic pressure
England will look to Hemp for inspiration after she created more chances and attempted more dribbles than any other Lionesses player during the qualifying campaign. Stanway is another major threat, having scored four goals in qualification and found the net against 22 different nations for England.
The Lionesses also carry an impressive record against European opponents they are facing for the first time. England are unbeaten in their last 15 competitive matches against new European opposition, winning 13 and scoring 87 goals while conceding only three.
Before kick-off, players and supporters observed a minute’s silence for George Baldock, the former Sheffield United and Greece international defender. The tribute took place on the second anniversary of his death at the age of 31.
What happens after the first leg?
The winner of the tie will progress to face either Slovakia or Ukraine later this year. England defeated Ukraine in both qualifying meetings, winning by an aggregate score of 9-1, but the Lionesses will not want to look beyond the immediate challenge in Crete.
With the return leg scheduled for Tuesday, every goal and defensive moment could prove decisive. England’s priority is to establish a strong advantage away from home, while Greece are seeking the biggest result in their women’s football history.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Greece vs England second leg?
The second leg will be played on Tuesday at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30 BST.
Where is the Greece vs England first leg being played?
The first leg is taking place at the Pankritio Stadio in Heraklion, Crete.
Who is England’s captain?
Leah Williamson captains England in the play-off semi-final against Greece.
Who could England face next?
If England progress, they will face either Slovakia or Ukraine in the next stage later this year.
Have Greece qualified for a major tournament before?
No. Greece have never qualified for a major international tournament, making this play-off a historic opportunity for the team.
