England women kicked off their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign in rampant fashion as they thrashed Ukraine 6-1 in Antalya.
It was very much a game of two halves with the Lionesses finding themselves frustrated during the first 45 minutes, failing to find the breakthrough as Ukraine’s low block held firm.
But after Alessia Russo’s opener soon after the restart, the floodgates opened with the Arsenal striker adding another to her tally three minutes later, before braces from Georgia Stanway and Jess Park took the game out of sight.
Yana Kalinina did get one back for Ukraine before the hour mark but it proved a mere consolation, with Sarina Wiegman’s European champions getting off to the perfect start as they look to chase global glory next summer.
Relive all the action from Ukraine vs England in our live blog below:
Ukraine vs England live
- England hit Ukraine for six to kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign
- 89' GOAL! Park dipper puts icing on cake for Lionesses [UKR 1-6 ENG]
- 78' GOAL! Park taps home as Stanway turns provider for England's fifth [UKR 1-5 ENG]
- 70' GOAL! Stanway scores again with stunning strike [UKR 1-4 ENG]
- 64' GOAL! Stanway restores two-goal cushion from spot [UKR 1-3 ENG]
- 58' GOAL! Kalinina halves deficit with Ukraine's first chance of game [UKR 1-2 ENG]
- 51' GOAL! Russo bags her second to put England in total control [UKR 0-2 ENG]
- 48' GOAL! Russo finishes off tidy move to break deadlock [UKR 0-1 ENG]
Report: England thrash Ukraine to kick off World Cup qualifying in style
Tuesday 3 March 2026 19:47 , Will CastleGeorgia Stanway scored twice and added an assist to get England's World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start with a 6-1 victory over Ukraine in Antalya.
The ongoing war in the hosts' home country saw the contest staged in Turkey, where Ukraine stubbornly held strong in a goalless first half.
Alessia Russo got the scoring started with a quickfire double after the break before Yana Kalinina replied two minutes before the hour.
Stanway restored England's two-goal advantage with a penalty six minutes later, then found the back of the net again with 20 minutes remaining before Jess Park fired in two more.
England thrash Ukraine to kick off World Cup qualifying in style
Next up for the Lionesses
Tuesday 3 March 2026 20:00 , Will CastleEngland have passed their first qualifying test, and they’ll be back on home soil for their next outing as they face Iceland at the City Ground on Saturday.
Iceland faced holders Spain this evening - England’s big rivals for top spot in the group - but weren’t able to do the Lionesses a favour as Claudia Pina inspired victory.
Catch you next time!
Sarina Wiegman gives her post-match thoughts
Tuesday 3 March 2026 19:45 , Will Castle“I’m happy with the result,” Wiegman said. “I found the performance good. It was a big difference of course because the first half we didn’t score and we should have scored.
“I think we totally controlled the game and we did well, just in the final cross, the connections in front of goal and the quality with the shot, or final touch wasn’t good.”
When asked about her half-time team talk, she added: “I wouldn’t say [they were] tough words because I think we put a lot of effort it, and we played the way we wanted to, we just wanted to score more goals.
“We did have shots on goal, but I think [only four of 37 were on target] so we need to do that better.”
Georgia Stanway hails away support
Tuesday 3 March 2026 19:30 , Will CastleDespite the unorthodox neutral venue for tonight’s clash, combined with the obvious ongoing situation in the Middle East, around 200 England fans still made their way out to Antalya to support the Lionesses.
"Our fans are so special,” Georgia Stanway told ITV. “We're so grateful for the efforts that they put in. Travelling around the world, coming to support us, and we actually had some people from the hotel here as well.
"The tickets were free today, and which makes it extra special as well."
England hit Ukraine for six to kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign
Tuesday 3 March 2026 19:17 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Ukraine 1-6 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 19:01 , Will CastleEngland kicked off their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign in rampant fashion as they thrashed Ukraine 6-1 in Antalya.
It was very much a game of two halves with the Lionesses finding themselves frustrated during the first 45 minutes, failing to find the breakthrough as Ukraine’s low block held firm.
But after Alessia Russo’s opener soon after the restart, the floodgates opened with the Arsenal striker adding another to her tally three minutes later, before braces from Georgia Stanway and Jess Park took the game out of sight.
Yana Kalinina did get one back for Ukraine before the hour mark but it proved a mere consolation, with Sarina Wiegman’s European champions getting off to the perfect start as they look to chase global glory next summer.
FULL-TIME! Ukraine 1-6 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:53 , Will CastleThere goes the final whistle!
England get their World Cup qualifying campaign off to the perfect start as they hit Ukraine for six.
A rampant second half from the Lionesses after being frustrated in the first.
Ukraine 1-6 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:51 , Will Castle90+1 mins: Just the two minutes added on. Think it’s the scoreline that’s dictated that.
GOAL! Ukraine 1-6 England (Park, 89')
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:49 , Will CastleWonderful, wonderful finish by Jess Park, who fires a vicious dipping effort over the keeper for England’s sixth.
That’s another England player on a hat-trick!
Ukraine 1-5 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:47 , Will Castle87 mins: Some run by Park, that!
She has her shirt tugged by about four Ukraine defenders but manages to stay on her feet, moving from left to right before getting a shot off.
It doesn’t have the power to cause any trouble for Samson but you can’t knock her efforts.
Ukraine 1-5 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:44 , Will Castle84 mins: What a goal that would’ve been.
Wubben-Moy sends out a super cross-field ball to James, who whips one into the box for Beever-Jones to volley goalwards.
The Chelsea striker does really well to adjust her body to divert her effort towards the top-right corner, but the ball flies the wrong side of the post.
Ukraine 1-5 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:42 , Will Castle82 mins: With England set to battle it out with holders Spain for top spot in their group, goal difference could be a huge factor.
This will be more than satisfactory for Wiegman, especially after that first half.
Ukraine 1-5 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:41 , Will Castle79 mins: A rare break for Ukraine as Hiryn drives inside from the left, outpacing Wubben-Moy and making her way into the box.
She tries to beat Hampton from close to the byline but her effort is blocked as she goes down under her own momentum.
She looks to the referee optimistically for a penalty, who is having none of it.
GOAL! Ukraine 1-5 England (Park, 78')
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:38 , Will CastleAnd another!
Brilliant from Georgia Stanway again, who this time turns provider to set up Jess Park and give the Man United star a simple tap in.
Ukraine 1-4 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:34 , Will Castle72 mins: Stanway tries to force another England goal as she drills it across. It’s last-ditch defending from Ukraine to deny a tap in.
Both Stanway and Russo are on hat-tricks, but it’ll only be the former who will get a chance to bag a third, with Russo’s number held up by the fourth official.
She’s replaced by Beever-Jones, while James also enters the fray for Hemp.
GOAL! Ukraine 1-4 England (Stanway, 70')
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:30 , Will CastleIt’s a stunner from Stanway!
The Bayern midfielder drives into the box and pummels it into the top corner, leaving Samson no chance.
England are enjoying themselves now, after a frustrating first half.
Ukraine 1-3 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:28 , Will Castle67 mins: This second half has been so frantic that we haven’t actually been able to mention one of the talking points of this second half, which has been just how atrocious Uefa’s global feed has been!
They got England’s half-time substitutions completely wrong before saying that Chloe Kelly (who isn’t on the pitch) scored instead of Alessia Russo.
ITV commentator Seb Hutchinson has had his work cut out correcting the mistakes.
GOAL! Ukraine 1-3 England (Stanway, 64')
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:25 , Will CastleGeorgia Stanway steps up... and sends the keeper the wrong way!
Alessia Russo could’ve fought the Bayern midfielder for the ball, with the striker on a hat-trick - but she instead made no fuss over Stanway fulfilling her duty as penalty taker.
PENALTY! Ukraine 1-2 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:23 , Will Castle63 mins: Lauren Hemp is tripped to the ground and England now have a chance to restore their two-goal advantage.
This second half has been relentless!
GOAL! Ukraine 1-2 England (Kalinina, 58')
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:18 , Will CastleWith their first opportunity, Ukraine are right back in this!
It’s a superb finish from Kalinina, who fires a brilliant first-time half-volley past Hampton after England failed to clear their lines from a free-kick.
Ukraine 0-2 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:14 , Will Castle53 mins: England are looking like they could really run away with this.
Russo, on a hat-trick, might’ve thought her third was about to come five minutes after her first when Samson spilled Park’s shot, but Ukraine manage to intervene and concede a corner instead of a goal.
GOAL! Ukraine 0-2 England (Russo, 51')
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:12 , Will CastleAnd there’s another!
Russo tucks home from close range to bag her and England’s second in quick succession.
Ukraine have big problems.
Ukraine 0-1 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:11 , Will Castle49 mins: You feel that now Ukraine’s defences have been breached, the goals might start flowing for England.
GOAL! Ukraine 0-1 England (Russo, 48')
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:07 , Will CastleThere’s the breakthrough!
It’s tidy play from the Lionesses that is finished off by a familiar threat, with Alessia Russo dodging her defensive counterpart and slipping past Samson.
Clearly Sarina Wiegman’s team talk has worked a treat!
BACK UNDERWAY! Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:06 , Will CastleAnd with those changes, we’re off again!
The teams are back out
Tuesday 3 March 2026 18:05 , Will CastleJust about to get back underway in Antalya - and England have made a couple changes.
Poppy Pattinson makes her Lionesses debut as she replaces Taylor Hinds at left-back, while Esme Morgan comes on for Leah Williamson.
HALF-TIME! Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:58 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:53 , Will CastleEngland have been knocking at the door but just haven’t able to find the breakthrough against Ukraine, whose gameplan of sitting back seems to be working thus far.
The Lionesses, who have boasted 85 percent of possession, came closest first through Laura Blindkilde-Brown, who hit the underside of the crossbar, before Lotte Wubben-Moy saw her backheel miraculously cleared off the line.
It might just take the one for England to seal all three points this evening, with Ukraine failing to have even completed a pass in their attacking final third thus far.
But Sarina Wiegman’s side will need to make their chances count in the second half or risk suffering an early blow in their bid for automatic qualification to the 2027 World Cup.
HALF-TIME! Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:49 , Will CastleA dominant first half from the Lionesses, bar the scoresheet.
It’s Ukraine’s defence on top as we go into the break goalless.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:49 , Will Castle45+3 mins: Half-chance again for England as Russo meets a decent ball in from Le Tissier, but can’t get her header on target.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:47 , Will Castle45+1 mins: Three minutes added on.
England have had 85 percent possession, Ukraine haven’t had a touch in the attacking final third. But still no goal.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:46 , Will Castle44 mins: It’s just not falling for England when it needs to.
Hemp launches a delivery into the box, the ball goes over the head of desired target Russo but it’s hooked back in by Park, before again going over England’s number nine!
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:42 , Will Castle40 mins: CLOSE! That would’ve been special!
Hemp goes on a mazy run and drives through an array of yellow shirts before aiming for the far corner, but her shot rolls just past the post.
It might take something like that to find the breakthrough against this rigid Ukrainian defence.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:40 , Will Castle39 mins: England are taking more and more potshots from outside the box - a sign that Ukraine are frustrating them.
It’s Williamson this time who lets fly and she catches it well, but it’s straight down the throat of Samson.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:38 , Will Castle36 mins: Just under 10 minutes until half-time and for all England’s dominance, they haven’t yet found the breakthrough.
If Ukraine go into the interval with the game still goalless, they will be ecstatic.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:33 , Will Castle31 mins: OFF THE LINE! How have England not scored?!
A cross from a short corner goes all the way through to Wubben-Moy. She brings it down but has to improvise with her back to goal, firing a backheel from just inside the six-yard box.
It beats the goalkeeper but somehow, a Ukrainian shirt gets to the goal-line and blocks it!
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:26 , Will Castle24 mins: England are really knocking on the door now. They’re forcing it towards the six-yard box and Ukraine are being required to do some last-ditch defending to avoid falling behind.
The Lionesses appeal for a penalty after it a cross appears to hit a Ukrainian hand, but it’s waved away by the referee.
It feels like only a matter of time before England find the breakthrough.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:23 , Will Castle19 mins: OFF THE BAR! You don’t get closer than that!
It’s pulled back to Blindkilde-Brown just inside the box who despite having her first shot blocked lets fly again and smacks the underside of the crossbar, with it bouncing out off the line.
There’s no goal-line technology or VAR tonight - but luckily, there’s no ghost goal scandal this time. The officials got it right.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:18 , Will Castle16 mins: Goal-saving defending from Kotyk, who slides in to block Russo’s shot on goal after the England striker with slipped through by Walsh.
Walsh’s pass just cut through the Ukraine block but it’s Kotyk who’s getting the plaudits after that passage of play.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:14 , Will Castle13 mins: England get a corner after Park’s dragged effort takes a nick off a Ukraine body.
The Lionesses try to work it around the box but the resulting cross is miscued and flies over the crossbar.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:11 , Will Castle10 mins: CLOSE! Another opportunity for Russo comes and goes as she heads a cross from the left onto the roof of the net.
That first Lionesses goal is coming, you feel.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:10 , Will Castle8 mins: This doesn’t look good.
Ukraine striker Koslova goes down with a knee injury and just by the way she signals to the bench, it’s clear that it’s serious.
The stretcher is out. The fact that the stadium is near-empty - this is a neutral venue after all - means you can hear her crying.
Not what you want for the Glasgow City forward, at all.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:08 , Will Castle6 mins: Fantastic play from Russo, who turns Kotyk and gets off an effort in the box to force the keeper into action.
It’s a simple enough stop from Samson but better play from England.
Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:04 , Will Castle2 mins: Ukraine are sitting in from the off. They’ve set up in a 5-3-2 and it looks like their gameplan is to frustrate this England side and catch them on the break.
Ideas are nice and all, but if they can’t hold this England side off, this could be a long night for the Ukrainians.
All England possession so far.
KICK-OFF! Ukraine 0-0 England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 17:01 , Will CastleAnd we’re off! England’s World Cup qualification campaign is underway.
Here come the teams
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:56 , Will CastleThe two sets of players are out under the lights in Antalya.
Now, the anthems.
Final preparations
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:54 , Will CastleWe are just a few minutes away from kick-off in Antalya - stay tuned for all the action!
Stanway's landmark
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:50 , Mike JonesGeorgia Stanway is two away from recording her 50th goal involvement in an England shirt (48 - 29 goals, 19 assists).
The midfielder was the Lionesses’ top scorer in 2025 (eight goals) and could be the first player to net in four consecutive appearances for the nation since Ellen White in July 2019 (five in a row).
Wiegman confirms Greenwood injury
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:47 , Will CastleSarina Wiegman has confirmed that Alex Greenwood missed out on the squad due to a minor injury.
Taylor Hinds comes in at left-back to replace the England stalwart.
Wiegman indicated that it isn’t serious and she will be assessed to see if she can feature on Saturday against Iceland.
Can Ukraine qualify for the World Cup?
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:45 , Mike JonesUkraine have never qualified to the main tournament from any of their seven Women’s World Cup qualifying campaigns, though they have always finished in the top three positions of their group.
They last reached the playoffs in 2015 qualification, when they finished as group runners-up to England.
Wiegman's winning mentality
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:40 , Mike JonesEngland manager Sarina Wiegman is unbeaten in her last 20 matches when facing a nation for the first time (16 wins, four draws).
That is since a 2-0 loss against the USA as Netherlands manager in the 2019 Women’s World Cup final.
England's qualifying streak
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:35 , Mike JonesSince missing out on the 2003 Women’s World Cup by losing both legs of their play-off final against France, England are unbeaten in each of their last 46 qualifying matches for the tournament (42 wins, four draw).
They’ve scored 225 goals and conceded just eight times.
Leah Williamson says player strikes cannot be ‘taken off the table’ amid schedule row
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:30 , Mike JonesEngland Women captain Leah Williamson has said she would consider strike action to protest ongoing concerns regarding player welfare.
The Arsenal defender, recently returned to the Lionesses squad following knee surgery, led her country to Euro 2025 glory last summer.
Her comments come after a significant number of Sarina Wiegman’s squad faced fitness and injury struggles in the wake of last summer’s tournament in Switzerland.
Leah Williamson says strikes cannot be ‘taken off the table’ amid schedule row
Unbeaten in Turkey
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:25 , Mike JonesEngland will play in Turkey for the third time having previously faced Turkey in two World Cup qualifying matches in November 2009 and October 2013.
They went on to win 3-0 in Izmir and 4-0 in Adana on those respective trips.
A tough task for Ukraine
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:20 , Mike JonesUkraine have won just one of their last six Women’s World Cup qualifying matches against nations ranked in the current top five of the rankings.
They’ve lost two vs England, lost two vs Spain, and lost one vs Sweden.
But they did beat Sweden 1-0 in June 2018 before ultimately failing to progress out of their qualification group for the 2019 tournament.
England's record versus Ukraine
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:15 , Mike JonesEngland have won all four of their previous meetings with Ukraine in all competitions, with this their first since a 2-1 away win in June 2014 in qualification for the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
Lionesses in ‘close contact’ with government over squad safety ahead of World Cup qualifier
Tuesday 3 March 2026 16:09 , Mike JonesEngland boss Sarina Wiegman has revealed they remain in constant dialogue with the UK Government over the safety of the squad in Turkey.
The Lionesses are in Antalya to face Ukraine in an away World Cup qualifier on Tuesday and are playing at a neutral venue due to the ongoing war in the country of the designated home team.
However, safety concerns have been raised in Turkey due to the close proximity to the conflict in the Middle East between Israel, Iran and United States, which has escalated in recent days.
Lionesses in ‘close contact’ with government over squad safety
England's team changes
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:57 , Mike JonesThe Lionesses last outing was in a friendly against Ghana back in December (which they won 2-0).
From that side, Sarina Wiegman has made five changes.
Hannah Hampton replaces Anna Moorhouse in goal while Leah Williamson returns in defence and as captain replacing Lucy Bronze. Maya Le Tissier is expected to play at right-back.
In midfield, Georgia Stanway and Laura Blinkilde Brown slot in for Lucia Kendall and Missy-Bo Kearns while Chloe Kelly and Aggie Beever-Jones are replaced by Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo further forward.
Lionesses team to take on Ukraine
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:52 , Mike JonesEngland XI: Hampton; Le Tissier, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Hinds; Walsh, Stanway, Park; Blindkilde-Brown, Russo, Hemp
Our first #Lionesses teamsheet of 2026! 📋 pic.twitter.com/ZHY9EUQhFn
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) March 3, 2026
Stanway on leaving Bayern Munich
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:48 , Mike JonesGeorgia Stanway will be leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the current season and revealed that she hopes to leave with ‘good memories’.
The midfielder explained: “It was really difficult, I’ve absolutely loved my time at Bayern.
“Honestly, it's been probably one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. From the moment I got there, it felt like home. It was a really difficult decision to tell them that I wasn’t going to be re-signing and that’s because I still love it there.
“I’ve kind of come to the conclusion that I want to always have good memories at Bayern – I never want to get to the point where I’m not enjoying something or I’m a little bit over it.
“I want to continue to fulfil the rest of this season – we’re in a really good place in the league, in the Champions League as well – and I want to try and make as many memories as possible.”
England's task is to qualify 'as soon as possible'
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:42 , Mike JonesGeorgia Stanway was high expectations of her England teammates and wants the Lionesses to qualify for the World Cup ‘as soon as possible’.
“Our main task is to qualify as fast as possible, as soon as possible,” Stanway said.
“We also understand the process that is behind it and we understand what it takes to get to a Euros or get to a World Cup.
“We know that it’s super difficult and we’ve always said that we need focus on ourselves; we need to take each game as it comes; we need to make sure that we’re adapting, evolving and changing our game.
“We know that oppositions are getting better and better, and we need to make sure our environment is as competitive as possible.
“Sarina’s challenging us, pushing us and making sure that we can be adaptable and make changes in moments and try and play the game that we want to play.”
Georgia Stanway on playing in Turkey
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:36 , Mike JonesEngland midfielder Georgia Stanway took the press conference alongside Sarina Wiegman and was also asked for her thoughts on playing in Turkey.
She revealed: “I think we are in a fortunate position. I think sometimes we do take things for granted but it’s times like this that really make you realise the bigger picture.
“Like Sarina said, football is our common goal and we know that everybody’s stepping on that pitch on Tuesday, everybody’s stepping over that white line and nothing else matters apart from the game and that’s the beauty of football is the fact that it brings us together – that deep connection, that deep love for the game and the solidarity.”
Five big names return to Lionesses squad as Poppy Pattinson earns first call-up
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:30 , Mike JonesA quintet of Euro 2025 winners have returned to the England squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers, while London City Lionesses defender Poppy Pattinson has earned a first senior call-up.
The Lionesses will take on Ukraine and Iceland as they kickstart their qualification campaign for the 2027 tournament in Brazil, having been drawn in a group that also includes reigning world champions Spain.
Five big names return to Lionesses squad as Poppy Pattinson earns first call-up
Wiegman on facing Ukraine
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:23 , Mike JonesThe Lionesses boss added: “They [Ukraine] changed their coach in January, so that will probably give some more challenges but they’re a direct team.
“They have some pace and some players up front that can make a difference – especially from the wings, they can be very dangerous. We want to have the ball a lot and we really want to challenge them.
“We’ll probably force them back a bit and need to be aware of their counter-attacks. That’s mainly what we expect.
“We really want to be tight on the ball and challenge them a lot, give them a lot of question marks how to defend us.”
England have full squad available
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:17 , Mike JonesEngland have been boosted by the returns of formerly injured players and Sarina Wiegman has a full cohort to select from.
As she begins her preparations for another World Cup it’ll be interesting to see how Wiegman chooses her matchday squad today.
She said:” The players are good. Everyone’s available.
“This is what you want to know. Everyone will be on the pitch which is good and is nice to have.
“We have a squad of 25 and for tomorrow is 23 and that’s a very good thing to have, to be able to train with everyone on the pitch.”
England have had safety reassurances
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:11 , Mike Jones“We did have reassurances,” Sarina Wiegman admitted after being asked about concerns over playing in Turkey.
“We’re in close contact with our government but also with the people here that are responsible.
“Our security team is really in contact with them and we’re fine here but they keep an eye on it and are in contact with them all the time, with the responsible authorities here too.”
Playing Ukraine in Turkey is 'really sad' says Wiegman
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:05 , Mike JonesSarina Wiegman offered her sympathies to the Ukranian team who have been forced to play their international matches in Turkey due to the ongoing war in their home country.
The England boss admitted that is was a ‘really sad’ feeling for her and the Lionesses as they want Ukraine to be able to play in front of their home fans.
“Of course, we think about that because is really sad,” Wiegman said.
“We do have great facilities here. The climate is really good, so we can prepare really well but the reason we’re here is not nice because you want Ukraine to be able to play in their home country, so that makes it all really sad.
“Also, they had to travel a lot themselves to get here. The things they have in front of them in their country is just really horrible.
“We just hope that this game unites a bit and of course, it’s competitive but also, it’s an opportunity for Ukraine to show themselves to the world in another way where hopefully football unites and brings some joy.”
Mary Earps admist regrets over autobiography
Tuesday 3 March 2026 15:00 , Chris WilsonFormer Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps has revealed regrets over comments made in the autobiography she released last year, explaining that “there were clearly things that I could have done better”.
Earps’ book contained several comments that caused controversy at the time, with the 32-year-old claiming that Hannah Hampton had been “rewarded for bad behaviour” by Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman who chose her ahead of Earps for a Euro 2025 qualifier.
Mary Earps admits regrets over autobiography and reveals Sarina Wiegman chat
England's early team news
Tuesday 3 March 2026 14:50 , Mike JonesLionesses captain Leah Williamson has been included in the squad for the first time since the Euro 2025 final after recovering from a long-term knee problem.
The defender is joined by Hannah Hampton, Alex Greenwood and Lauren James as notable names returning to the squad, while London City Lionesses’ left-back Poppy Pattinson has earned a first call-up. Ella Toone, however, is out with a hip injury.
Predicted England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Le Tissier, Greenwood, Hinds; Walsh, Stanway; James, Park, Hemp; Russo
Ukraine's early team news
Tuesday 3 March 2026 14:45 , Mike JonesUkraine are set to lean on the attacking exploits of Glasgow City striker Nicole Kozlova, who has nine goals and five assists to her name in Scotland’s top flight this term.
Predicted Ukraine XI: Samson; Korsun, Kotik, Shainyuk, Shmatko; Kozlova, Kalinina, Petryk, Semkiv, Ovdiychuk; Kravchuk
How can I watch it?
Tuesday 3 March 2026 14:40 , Mike JonesViewers in the UK can watch the game on ITV4, with coverage starting at 4:30pm GMT. Fans can also stream the match on ITVX.
When is Ukraine vs England?
Tuesday 3 March 2026 14:35 , Mike JonesUkraine’s clash with England kicks off at 5pm GMT on Tuesday 3 March at the Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey.
Ukraine vs England
Tuesday 3 March 2026 14:30 , Mike JonesEngland will begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 Women’s World Cup tonight against Ukraine.
The Lionesses turn focus to women’s football’s most coveted international prize off the back of a triumphant 2025, which saw Sarina Wiegman guide her side to a second consecutive European Championship in Switzerland last summer.
England will now be dreaming of glory on the global stage, hoping to avenge the heartache they suffered in the 2023 final as they lost out on the World Cup crown to Spain in Australia.
They will face the defending champions in their qualifying group, a clash that will surely be pivotal in deciding who secures top spot and thus an automatic berth to the tournament finals, but Wiegman’s side will be keen to avoid any early slip-ups against tonight’s opponents.
Good afternoon!
Tuesday 3 March 2026 10:14 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s World Cup qualifying action as the Lionesses begin their pursuit of another major trophy.
Sarina Wiegman’s side are facing off against Ukraine in this qualifier but the match is being held in Turkey due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This will be England’s first game since a very successful 2025 and the Lionesses hope to kick off the new year with a win.
We’ll have all the team news, updates and more throughout the day so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 5pm.
