# England take an early two-goal lead over Greece in World Cup play-off

Russo and James scored early in Leicester as the Lionesses defended a first-leg advantage; Lexi Potter made her senior debut.

By The Signal Edition | Sports / Women’s soccer
Published: 2026-10-13T19:06:42.209382Z
Updated: 2026-10-13T19:06:42.209382Z
Canonical: https://www.thesignaledition.com/article/england-greece-playoff-nw8kz9

## Summary
- England led 2-0 early after goals from Russo and James.
- Potter started in midfield on her senior debut.
- Progression from this tie leads to a second qualifying play-off, not automatic World Cup entry.

## An early lead in Leicester

England led Greece 2-0 early through Alessia Russo and Lauren James, according to The Guardian’s October 13 live coverage. [1](https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/oct/13/england-v-greece-womens-world-cup-qualifying-playoff-second-leg-live)

The England Football match center identifies Tuesday’s game at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium as the second leg of round one in qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. England entered with a 3-1 advantage from the October 9 first leg in Crete. The early second-leg score reported here is a live-match snapshot, not a final result. [2](https://www.englandfootball.com/england/womens-senior-team/fixtures-results/2026-27/World-Cup-Qualifiers/england-v-greece-world-cup-qualifying-play-off-2-tuesday-13-october-2026-match-centre)

## Potter’s first senior appearance

England’s official team update says Lexi Potter was handed her debut from the start in central midfield, replacing Laura Blindkilde Brown. Jess Carter came into central defense for Esme Morgan as Sarina Wiegman made two changes from the first leg. Grace Clinton was also on the bench after joining the squad as a late replacement for injured Lucia Kendall. [2](https://www.englandfootball.com/england/womens-senior-team/fixtures-results/2026-27/World-Cup-Qualifiers/england-v-greece-world-cup-qualifying-play-off-2-tuesday-13-october-2026-match-centre)

The starting side listed by England includes Hannah Hampton in goal; Maya Le Tissier, Leah Williamson, Carter and Alex Greenwood in defense; Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Potter in midfield; and Russo, James and Lauren Hemp in attack. The official update describes a confirmed team, rather than the predicted selections commonly circulated before a match. [2](https://www.englandfootball.com/england/womens-senior-team/fixtures-results/2026-27/World-Cup-Qualifiers/england-v-greece-world-cup-qualifying-play-off-2-tuesday-13-october-2026-match-centre)

## A further round still required

England Football’s play-off explanation says the Lionesses entered this route after finishing second in their qualifying group and missing automatic qualification. The winner of the Greece tie is due to face the winner of Slovakia against Ukraine in round two. Advancing from Tuesday’s first-round tie would therefore be a step toward Brazil, not completion of qualification. [3](https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2026/Jun/09/world-cup-qualification-play-offs-for-lionesses-explained)

The official guide lists the second round for November 26–December 5. It says the seven best-ranked winners of that round qualify directly, while the remaining winner enters intercontinental play-offs. England would be seeded for round two if they advance and would have the second leg at home. Those conditions remain part of the qualification route beyond the Greece match. [3](https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2026/Jun/09/world-cup-qualification-play-offs-for-lionesses-explained)

## Reporting sources
1. [The Guardian: England v Greece: Women’s World Cup qualifying playoff, second leg – live](https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/oct/13/england-v-greece-womens-world-cup-qualifying-playoff-second-leg-live) (October 13, 2026)
2. [England Football: Match Centre: England v Greece](https://www.englandfootball.com/england/womens-senior-team/fixtures-results/2026-27/World-Cup-Qualifiers/england-v-greece-world-cup-qualifying-play-off-2-tuesday-13-october-2026-match-centre) (October 13, 2026)
3. [England Football: World Cup qualification play-offs for Lionesses explained](https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2026/Jun/09/world-cup-qualification-play-offs-for-lionesses-explained) (October 8, 2026)