'Telepathic' James and Bronze inspire England's 2-0 victory over Iceland
Lionesses make it two from two in road to 2027 Women’s World Cup
England beat Iceland 2-0 in the second game of their 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Goals from Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway lit up a packed City Ground in Nottingham.
The result means Sarina Wiegman’s side have won their opening two games of qualifying, following Tuesday night’s 6-1 victory over Ukraine, and sit top of their group. Spain are set to play Ukraine later today.
Only the top side in Uefa’s League A qualification groups will automatically progress to the World Cup, and with the toughest tests of England’s fixtures to come against Spain in April and June, it was important that Wiegman secured wins in her opening games.
This performance had shades of what England can do when they have a fully fit and available first team, despite failing to score more than one goal in the first half, the Lionesses dominated the game. And as much as the famous lack of ruthlessness will still haunt Wiegman on an afternoon where her side could have scored double figures, what they produced going forward was positive.
Lauren James: revived and ready
Lauren James, who has only recently returned from a long spell on the sidelines, started on Saturday afternoon for the first time since the Euro 2025 final against Spain, a game in which she had to leave after 40 minutes because of injury.
This game showed James at her best, the ball control, the unpredictability, the patience and the final delivery.
The forward had the freedom to drift up and down England’s left side, and was invited by a lacklustre Iceland defence, to play endless crosses into the box.
Unlike against Ukraine, where Lauren Hemp was sprinting down to the byline and playing the ball into a busy box with several players camped out in front of the goal line, James was hitting the crosses early and playing them into space that Iceland were leaving in-behind.
Iceland failed to react to this obvious move from England, but time and time again James was allowed time on the edge of the box and was able to play a perfect cross towards the penalty spot. James ability with both feet also makes her unpredictable and hard to defend against. England did eventually find the back of the net through this move, as Bronze headed home a James cross in the 21st minute for the opener. Bronze then turned provider in the second half, playing the cross that led to Stanway thumping home.
Former England winger Karen Carney described Bronze and James’ relationship as “telepathic” on ITV at full-time, and the Chelsea teammates’ connection was clear to see on Saturday.
Bronze joked when being asked “what worked well today?” that it was “this one”, while pointing at James. The forwarded added “whenever I cut in, I know Lucy will be at the back post”.
Park pains
Hannah Hampton was only called upon once during the game but was forced into a very good save from Sandra Jessen in the 63rd minute, when the game was only 1-0. It was an important reminder of what can happen when England don’t put themselves out of danger in games.
Plenty more chances came for England across the 90 minutes, often through James or Bronze, but also through the attempted-line-breaking passes of Leah Williamson and Lauren Hemp’s movement. Alessia Russo was her usual busy self but unfortunately couldn’t grab a goal.
England delivered 34 crosses in total, compared with the 47 they attempted against Ukraine, and 31 shots, up from 26 on Tuesday night.
As James and Hemp enjoyed endless touches on the ball, Jess Park had more of an anonymous performance. Deployed in the No 10 role, as opposed to her usual wide forward or No 8 position, Park struggled to get involved in the game. The best way to involve both Park and James in England’s attack could be an ongoing puzzle for Wiegman to solve, but at this moment in time, with only Alex Greenwood missing from England’s best starting XI, it’s a nice problem to have.
England will return to action in April when they will face Spain at Wembley on the 14th before travelling to Iceland for their fourth match of the league phase on the 18th.