Austria Women vs England Women. Women's World Cup Qualifying Group D.
Stadion Wiener NeustadtAttendance2,600.
Match report as goals from Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris gave England their ninth victory of World Cup qualifying; the Lionesses booked their place at next summer's tournament with one game to spare; qualifying campaign concludes against Luxembourg in Stoke on Tuesday
Saturday 3 September 2022 21:59, UK
Alessia Russo's early opener and a thumping finish from Nikita Parris proved enough to earn England a 2-0 victory over Austria in Vienna and secure a place at next summer's Women's World Cup, prompting a "proud and happy" response from manager Sarina Wiegman.
Returning to action just over a month on from their momentous Euros triumph, the Lionesses needed only a point to seal top spot in Group D and a place at 2023's showpiece event, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.
They predictably stole all three following a seventh-minute finish from Russo - stepping in for retired record scorer Ellen White - and a timely strike from Parris to wrap things up in the 70th minute.
Russo, earning her first start after a starring role at Euro 2022, got the ball rolling when connecting instinctively with a deep cross from Alex Greenwood, via the head of Lauren Hemp, to volley the Lionesses deservedly ahead - her ninth goal in 14 senior caps.
Austria, England's closest challengers to automatic qualification, proved tricky to break down thereafter and were denied an equaliser when Mary Earps' leaping save kept out Laura Feiersinger's stinging effort on the hour mark.
The victory was secure when Parris, stepping off the bench, latched onto an incisive pass from Georgia Stanway before lashing the ball emphatically into the far corner, well beyond the reach of Manuela Zinsberger.
Nine wins - and an equivalent number of clean sheets - from as many group-stage games means only Luxembourg can disrupt Wiegman's side's perfect qualifying campaign. That tie takes place in Stoke on Tuesday evening.
Irene Fuhrmann's second-placed Austria will take part in the World Cup play-offs, scheduled for October.
It is also now confirmed that England will play a friendly against world champions the United States at Wembley on October 7, in a return to the scene of July's Euros glory when they clinched their first major trophy following victory over old rivals Germany.
England head coach Sarina Wiegman:
"I'm very happy we have qualified," she said. I think again it was a hard game but coming out of Euros and not having that much rest. I am very proud of the team. It looked so easy but it was pretty hard.
"We know we're one of the World Cup favourites, we are getting used to that. I remember what it's like to lose, never forget. It feels good to be in this position though."
The Dutchwoman also paid tribute to departing duo White and Jill Scott, who announced their retirements last week: "We miss them, on and off the pitch! Too bad I could only work with them for one year, but I understand their decisions.
"We would love to have them with our group still, but it's a chance for other players to come through and be leaders."
Victory means the pressure has significantly eased going into England's final Group D qualifier against Luxembourg on Tuesday night, which will be staged at Stoke City's bet365 Stadium. Kick off 7.30pm.
