James and Russo lead rout of Greece as ruthless England set up Ukraine playoff

Playoff semi-final second leg: England 5-0 Greece (agg 8-1)
Goalscorers: Russo 3 75, James 16 34, Stanway 30

A mercurial Lauren James scored two and provided an assist in a thrilling four-goal first 45 minutes against Greece, as England put themselves two games away from securing their place at the World Cup.

James’s double was matched by Alessia Russo, who scored either side of the break, and her Arsenal teammate Georgia Stanway was also on the scoresheet, with the Lionesses setting up a playoff final against Ukraine in November and December. It was a clinical and slick statement from England, albeit against a team they should bypass with ease.