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England are up and running in their quest to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 after defeating Ukraine 6-1 this evening.
Ukraine battled bravely on neutral territory in Turkey but they were eventually undone by second half braces from Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway and Jess Park.
The first half saw England completely dominate but Ukraine threw everyone behind the ball and kept the Lionesses out.
Laura Bilndkilde Brown hit the crossbar while Lotte Wubben-Moy saw a back-heeled effort cleared off the line. Stanway also had two unsuccessful penalty shouts.
It took England three minutes to break the deadlock in the second half. Russo bustled her way in on goal and she fired the ball home. The Arsenal player then made it two moments later, tapping home from a few yards.
Ukraine’s performance was spirited and they were rewarded with a consolation just before the hour. Yana Kalinina took advantage of a loose ball and impressively beat Hannah Hampton.
England were awarded a penalty when Lauren Hemp was fouled in the box. Stanway claimed the ball and converted from 12 yards. The same player then crashed home a shot from outside of the box to make it 4-1.
Stanway was involved in the fifth England goal. She crossed for Park to convert from close range. Park then rounded-off the scoring with a lovely looping effort over Ukrainian keeper Kateryna Samson.
England are next in action when they play host to Iceland at The City Ground in Nottingham on Saturday.
