'Unplayable' Stanway a free-scoring warrior for Lionesses

Key points

• Georgia Stanway scored in both legs as England beat Greece 5-0 to advance 8-1 on aggregate.
• Stanway has now scored 11 goals in her last 11 England matches.
• Manager Sarina Wiegman called Stanway a 'warrior' and praised her flexibility.

Georgia Stanway scored in both matches as England completed a 5-0 win over Greece in Leicester to seal an 8-1 aggregate victory in the second round of the Women's World Cup qualifying play-offs. The 27-year-old midfielder also scored in the first leg in Crete, where England won 3-1.

England manager Sarina Wiegman described Stanway as a 'warrior' after the game. Stanway's goals mean she has now scored 11 times in her last 11 appearances for England.

Wiegman on Stanway

Wiegman said Stanway has 'that tenacity in her' and is always aggressive both in and out of possession. The manager also praised her athleticism and composure, noting a disallowed goal that she thought was 'really good'.

Wiegman added that Stanway is a player who can be relied on for a fight or a counter-attack, but also fits into a possession game.

When you really need a fight, or a duel, or a counter-attack breaking up, she is there. She is a warrior who you can play a possession game with too.

— Sarina Wiegman

Tactical experiment

Stanway played a more flexible role against Greece, including time as a right winger. Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis told BBC Radio 5 Live that Stanway was 'unplayable at times' and had won all her tackles, completed 90% of her passes, and taken four shots.

Wiegman introduced 20-year-old debutant Lexi Potter in midfield, which allowed Stanway and Keira Walsh to push higher. Wiegman said she liked the balance and wanted to see Potter deeper and Stanway higher up to score more goals.