England Women began their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification campaign in emphatic style, sweeping aside Ukraine Women 3–0 at a sunny Stadium MK in Milton Keynes on 10 June 2026. Goals from Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, and substitute Chloe Kelly ensured the Lionesses made a statement of intent in Group A, staying level on points with France after the opening round of matches.

Match Overview

As expected, England dominated from the first whistle. Sarina Wiegman’s side pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and never allowed Ukraine to settle. Ukraine, ranked 35th in the world, defended deep with five at the back but were simply overwhelmed by the power, pace, and precision of the European champions. The match was effectively over by half‑time, with England leading 2–0.

Key Moments

• 13th minute – Hemp opens the scoring: A slick move down the right saw Lucy Bronze overlap and cut back for Beth Mead, whose low cross was tapped in at the far post by the Manchester City winger. It was Hemp’s 25th international goal.
• 32nd minute – Russo doubles the lead: A long ball from Millie Bright caught the Ukrainian defence square. Russo controlled with her left, spun her marker, and drilled a finish into the bottom corner from 12 yards.
• 67th minute – Kelly seals the win: After a period of sustained pressure, substitute Kelly latched onto a loose ball in the box and smashed it past Kateryna Samson, the Ukraine goalkeeper, at the near post.

Tactical Story

England’s 4‑3‑3 system overwhelmed Ukraine’s 5‑4‑1 block. The full‑backs, Bronze on the right and Niamh Charles on the left, provided constant width, while Keira Walsh dictated tempo from deep. Ukraine’s game plan relied on long balls to striker Olha Ovdiychuk, but England’s centre‑back duo of Leah Williamson and Bright won every aerial duel. The midfield trio of Georgia Stanway, Walsh, and Ella Toone rotated seamlessly, creating overloads that Ukraine simply could not handle.

Ukraine had just one shot on target – a speculative effort from Darya Apanaschenko that Mary Earps gathered comfortably. England’s 26 attempts and 15 corners told the story of a one‑sided contest.

Standout Players

• Lauren Hemp (England) – A constant menace down the left, scoring the opener and creating multiple chances with her dribbling and crossing.
• Alessia Russo (England) – Her link‑up play and intelligent movement caused chaos, capped with a clinical finish for the second goal.
• Kateryna Samson (Ukraine) – Despite conceding three, the Ukraine goalkeeper made a string of fine saves to keep the score from becoming embarrassing.

Table and Qualification Impact

England sit top of Group A on goal difference after France’s 1–0 win over Ireland. With Ukraine and Ireland both yet to pick up a point, the group appears to be a two‑horse race between the Lionesses and Les Bleues. England’s next test is a tricky away fixture in Ireland, while Ukraine will look to recover when they host France. For Wiegman’s side, this was the perfect start – dominant, professional, and with a clean sheet to boot.

The path to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil is long, but England have already shown the form that made them European champions in 2022 and runners‑up in the 2023 World Cup. If they maintain this level, qualifying should be a formality.