England delivered exactly what Sarina Wiegman demanded with a 6-1 victory over Ukraine in their Women's World Cup qualifier. The Lionesses, playing with a new-look lineup featuring debuts and returning players from injury, controlled 85% possession in the first half but needed the second half to break through.

Arsenal's Alessia Russo scored twice in four minutes, followed by Georgia Stanway's double, to put England in command. Jess Park added two late goals to secure the emphatic win. The match, played in Turkey due to Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia, saw the visitors endure a 15-hour coach journey to reach the stadium.

England's performance answered Wiegman's call for ruthlessness ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures. With Spain already winning 3-0 against Iceland, the Lionesses understand that goal difference could prove decisive in their qualifying group. The victory puts England top of the table with a two-goal advantage over Spain, setting up an intriguing April showdown at Wembley that will be a repeat of both the 2023 Women's World Cup final and Euro 2025 final.