England secures 3-0 win over Ukraine but faces World Cup playoffs
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 8:59 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
England defeated Ukraine 3-0 on June 9, with goals from Carter, Stanway, and Mead. Despite the commanding victory, England finished second in their World Cup qualifying group due to Spain's 6-1 win over Iceland, marking the first time in nearly 25 years that they did not top the group. The team will now enter the World Cup playoffs, where only four European teams will qualify automatically, down from nine in previous years. This change in playoff structure reduces the pressure compared to past qualifications. England's last failure to lead their group came in 2003, when they missed the World Cup altogether.
- •England wins 3-0 against Ukraine on June 9
- •Goals scored by Carter, Stanway, and Mead
- •Finishes second in World Cup qualifying group
- •Faces playoffs due to Spain's win over Iceland
- •First time not topping the group since 2003
- 8:59 PMThe Guardian Sport — Lionesses ease past Ukraine but must navigate playoffs to qualify for World Cup
"England 3-0 Ukraine Carter 14, Stanway 37, Mead 67 England had to settle for a place in the World Cup playoffs despite cruising to a 3-0 victory against Ukraine, as Spain’s 6-1 win in Iceland forced England to finish in second spot. It is the first time that England have failed to top their World Cup qualifying group for nearly 25 years, since missing out on a place at the 2003 World Cup, back when the major tournament finals only included 16 nations overall. Being involved in the playoff this time around is not as concerning as it might initially sound – a revamp of the format has meant that only four European sides will qualify automatically, down from nine automatic qualifiers four years ago. Continue reading...
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- EPL•Jun 9, 2026, 11:20 PMWolves in talks to re-sign Mexico striker Jimenez
- EPL•Jun 9, 2026, 11:10 PMMateus Fernandes has made his choice between United and Real Madrid
- LaLiga•Jun 9, 2026, 11:09 PMSilva agrees to replace Mourinho at Benfica
- Euros•Jun 9, 2026, 11:07 PMWhy England missed out on automatic World Cup spot
- Soccer•Jun 9, 2026, 11:04 PMAbuse suit by former NC State athletes dismissed
Soccer•Jun 9, 2026, 11:04 PMExplained: What Lionesses can expect in World Cup playoffs
