Bronze and Stanway on target for England in World Cup qualifying

Englands European champions achieved two victories in as many matches during their 2027 World Cup qualifying effort, securing a 2-0 victory against Iceland at Nottinghams City Ground on Saturday.

Lucy Bronze, achieving her 145th international appearance, put them in front during the middle of the opening period thanks to a delivery from Lauren James along the left side.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton pulled off an outstanding stop to thwart Sandra Maria Jessens header that was bound for the upper corner, prior to Georgia Stanway confirming the result in the 78th minute.

England had earlier overwhelmed Ukraine with a 6-1 scoreline earlier that week and now lead group A3, while world champions Spain take on the Ukrainians later on Saturday.

"An important win. I think we played well, we know theyre very disciplined, very powerful and really dangerous on the counter," England coach Sarina Wiegman told ITV.

"For the most part, we took that out so they didnt become dangerous. They had that one chance where Hannah Hampton did really well.

"Overall, we showed some good football. Of course, we want to score more goals but it starts with winning the game."

England will confront Spain next month in another clash reminiscent of the Euro 2025 final and the 2023 World Cup final.

Merely the victors of each of the four European League A groups secure automatic qualification. The remaining 12 sides proceed to play-offs that incorporate the four League B group winners alongside the six group winners and two strongest runners-up from League C.