England have continued their winning ways, securing a place in the 2023 World Cup, just a month on from their historic Euros triumph.
Goals from Alessia Russo and substitute Nikita Parris were enough for the European champions to beat Austria 2-0 in Wiener Neustadt on Saturday.
The Lionesses only needed a point to seal top spot in Group D and a place at next summer’s showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.
They ended up with all three from the win, making it nine wins – and clean sheets – from as many games in the group for Sarina Wiegman’s side.
England’s Lionesses ‘brought football home’ in July when they won the Euro 2022 tournament, after beating Germany 2-1 in extra-time at Wembley.
It was the country’s first major trophy since the men’s side won the World Cup in 1966.
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There had been rumblings before Saturday’s World Cup qualifier about the small size of the stadium for the game.
The Stadion Wiener Neustadt has a capacity of around 2,700. When the Lionesses beat Germany in the European final at Wembley, there were a record 87,192 people in the stands.
Wiegman described Saturday’s venue as a “little bit disappointing”.
It is now confirmed England will play a friendly against world champions the United States at Wembley in October.
