When England were consigned to the World Cup 2027 play-offs back in June, it felt like a massive step backwards. The Lionesses only missed out by a whisker, finishing qualifying with 15 points from a possible 18.
England's 4-0 defeat to Spain was an eye-opener, their biggest margin of loss for 17 years and heaviest under Sarina Wiegman. It highlighted a technical gulf and posed a problem: is the rivalry now partial to Spanish supremacy?
Wiegman will be grateful not to face Spain again, but Greece, ranked 55 places below England. The Lionesses are fierce favourites to progress across two legs, with the most important outcome being qualification for next year's World Cup tournament in Brazil.
Wiegman has selected a squad of reliables mixed with wild cards. Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone have been left behind, while Chelsea's Lexi Potter has been named in her first senior squad. Captain Leah Williamson also returns. Potter, Aston Villa's Lucia Kendall, and 18-year-old Erica Meg Parkinson offer fresh energy.
None of that constitutes a huge shake-up but is evidence of form-based decision making. These two games are must-win, effectively retribution for the defeat to Spain.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing