Sarina Wiegman has warned England must avoid slips in their World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Saturday to make their win over Spain “even more valuable”. The Lionesses face Iceland in Reykjavík in their 500th fixture, with the European champions aiming to maintain their perfect start in qualifying.
England sit top of their group after three wins from three, including a tight 1-0 victory over Spain at Wembley on Tuesday. Only the top team in each League A group secures automatic qualification, so Wiegman stressed the importance of a positive result. “It will be a different challenge but we need to make the win on Tuesday even more valuable by having a good result tomorrow,” she said.
Iceland are considered England’s easiest opponent this window, but Wiegman acknowledged past struggles against similar teams. The Lionesses lost to Belgium in the Nations League in 2023 and 2025, and drew with Portugal in 2025. “We are absolutely aware this is again a new game, a new situation,” she said. “We’re going for a very good performance and a win.”
Leah Williamson is fit after a thigh injury that has kept her out since mid-March. “She will train and the final decisions we always make after the session,” Wiegman confirmed. Forward Keira Barry is the only absence, having left the squad due to ankle problems.
Lucy Bronze, who has 146 caps, described the 500th game as “insane” and “really special”. She praised the young talent coming through, including Lucia Kendall, saying: “The future of the team is in very good hands.” England’s probable lineup includes Hampton in goal, with Bronze, Wubben-Moy, Morgan and Greenwood in defence.
