England Aims for Victory Against Iceland in World Cup Qualifier

England’s head coach Sarina Wiegman has emphasized the need for her team to perform at their best as they prepare to face Iceland in a crucial World Cup Qualifier on October 7, 2023. The match will take place at the City Ground in Nottingham, following a successful start to their qualifying campaign.

The Lionesses kicked off their journey with an impressive 6-1 victory over Ukraine on Tuesday, where players Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway, and Jess Park each scored two goals. With this result, England aims to secure another win against Iceland before facing Spain next month, a rematch of last summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final.

Wiegman remains cautious, acknowledging Iceland’s strengths. “I think it will be a very strong test. They are disciplined and physical, direct with a lot of pace. Tough to beat,” she stated. The coach highlighted the importance of focusing on the upcoming match rather than the challenges posed by Spain, saying, “We know it will be a tough game tomorrow. They have dangerous attacks and are hard to break down.”

She further noted that maintaining composure and teamwork will be crucial, especially after England’s second-half scoring spree against Ukraine. “We stuck with the plan, everyone did their tasks together. That’s key in those moments,” Wiegman mentioned.

The Lionesses’ performance against Ukraine saw all six goals scored after the halftime break. Russo, who netted her 29th goal for England during this match, expressed the team’s positive atmosphere. “Everyone’s in a good place, confident, and people are loving playing for England,” she said. Russo, a striker, emphasized her desire to contribute to the team’s success, stating, “We are focused on winning every game we go into.”

Park, who continues to excel in her season with Manchester United, added to her tally with two goals against Ukraine, bringing her total to 11 goals for club and country this season. Russo praised Park’s development, noting, “She’s had an incredible season both at club and internationally. Sarina instills the freedom and confidence, and you see that coming out massively.”

In a setback for the team, defender Alex Greenwood has withdrawn from the squad due to a minor muscle injury. Wiegman confirmed, “Unfortunately, Alex didn’t make it. She was desperate to play last Tuesday and also tomorrow. We all tried to make it work, but it’s just too early and not worth the risk.”

As the Lionesses gear up for their match against Iceland, the focus remains on executing their game plan effectively and showcasing the skills that have brought them early success in the qualifiers. With a blend of confidence and caution, England aims to build on their momentum and secure another vital victory on the road to the World Cup.