Sarina Wiegman has warned England must produce a top-level performance against Iceland in Saturday’s World Cup qualifier to make their victory over Spain “even more valuable”. The Lionesses face Iceland in Reykjavík in their 500th game, with the European champions aiming to maintain their perfect start to qualifying.
England beat Spain 1-0 at Wembley on Tuesday, thanks to an early goal from Lauren Hemp, to move top of their League A group. Only the group winners secure automatic qualification for the World Cup, so Wiegman stressed the importance of following up that 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 in this international window, but Wiegman acknowledged the Lionesses have struggled against similar sides in the past. England lost to Belgium in 2023 and 2025 and drew with Portugal in 2025 in the Nations League. “We are absolutely aware this is again a new game, a new situation,” Wiegman said. “We are going for a very good performance and a win.”
Lucy Bronze, who will earn her 147th cap, described the 500th game milestone as “insane”. She said: “It’s amazing to be a part of the history of the Lionesses. To be part of the 500 games is really special for us.” Bronze also praised the young talent coming through, including Lucia Kendall, and said the future of the team is “in very good hands”.
Keira Barry is the only absentee for England, having left the squad due to an ankle problem. Leah Williamson is fit after a thigh injury and will train before a final decision on her involvement. The match kicks off at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium, with England looking to extend their winning start to qualifying.
