The England Pod

That’s more like it. England produced the statement performance they were looking for, beating Greece 5-0 at the King Power to complete an emphatic 8-1 aggregate victory and move one step closer to the World Cup.

Robyn Cowen and Kathryn Batte react to a dominant Lionesses display led by an outstanding Lauren James, who scored twice. Alessia Russo also struck twice, Georgia Stanway continued her remarkable scoring form for England and Lauren Hemp provided two assists as Sarina Wiegman’s new-look attack clicked into gear.

There’s also plenty on Lexi Potter, who was handed her England debut from the start alongside Keira Walsh and made an immediate impression, including a superb disallowed goal.

Has Wiegman now found a new system? The 3-4-2-1 shape allowed James and Stanway to operate as two number tens behind Russo, while Maya Le Tissier continued an excellent international window on the right.

We discuss the battle for places in England’s back three, whether Le Tissier can seriously challenge Lucy Bronze, the importance of Russo staying fit and what four debuts across this camp tell us about the squad Wiegman is building towards the World Cup.

Next up: Ukraine over two legs, with a place at Brazil 2027 on the line.

All England. All the time. Go well.
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England are one step closer to the World Cup after a 3-1 win away to Greece - but the tie isn’t quite finished yet.

Robyn Cowen is joined by Kathryn Batte in Crete to react to a dominant but slightly frustrating performance from Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses.

Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo scored England's goals. But Greece caused England more problems than expected, hit the bar, scored late and ensured there is still something to play for in Tuesday’s second leg.

There’s discussion of the developing Leah Williamson–Esme Morgan partnership and the continuing question of who backs up Russo at number nine. Plus, an exciting England debut for 18-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson and what role she could play going forward.

With Ukraine likely waiting in the next round, but England produce the statement performance at the King Power that this first leg never quite became?

All England, all the time. Go well.
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Ali Maxwell rounds up a huge international break across England’s U21s, U20s, U19s, U18s and U17s, featuring some of the most exciting young players in English football.

There’s a bit on Max Dowman, still playing well above his age group, and Tottenham wonderkid Luca Williams-Barnett, who looks increasingly like a player in need of senior football.

We also look at two hugely exciting young strikers in Shim Mheuka and Alejandro Gomes Rodríguez, plus brilliant camps for Mikey Moore, Shea Lacey, Jesse Derry, Chris Rigg and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen.

Elsewhere: Jobe Bellingham and Archie Gray lead England’s Under-21s towards another European Championship, Ethan Nwaneri searches for his best role, Tyrique George impresses, Josh Acheampong continues to develop and Will Lankshear pushes his case up front.

The Under-20s won all three games against Italy, France and Germany, while the Under-19s contain an extraordinary group including Dowman, Williams-Barnett, Reggie Walsh, Harry Gray, Ryan McAidoo and Chizzy Ezenwata.

There’s also a mention for Marley Salmon, Jeremy Monga, Hezzy Grimwade, Reggie Watson and the next group already emerging at Under-17 level.

Across five England age groups: 18 games, 13 wins and a lot of serious talent.

Who are the players most likely to become the next Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka or Elliot Anderson? This is the England Pod’s guide to the next generation.

All England. All the time. Go well.
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England have rounded off the longest international break ever with a 3-0 win over Czechia, and George joins Dave who was at Wembley to have a nice time talking about another fun performance from Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions
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BBC commentator Robyn Cowen and the Telegraph's Kathryn Batte look ahead to the Lionesses World Cup play-off against Greece

Sarina Wiegman surprised some by leaving out Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, who admittedly have both been struggling to find their best for Man United and Arsenal at the start of this season

Who starts the first leg away in Crete? Can England expect to sweep aside Greece and then one of Slovakia or Ukraine?
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