England win both Women's World Cup qualifiers, revealing key takeaways.

The matches were low‑key, yet securing six points from six confirmed England’s success in their opening two World Cup qualifiers. While a larger tally would have improved their goal difference, the wins are crucial for England’s aim to lead the group ahead of the upcoming clash with Spain.

With a highly anticipated encounter with the world champions scheduled for April at Wembley, the team will reflect on what these two competitive yet slightly experimental qualifiers—a 6‑1 triumph over Ukraine in Turkey on Tuesday and a 2‑0 victory over Iceland in Nottingham on Saturday—have taught them.

Stanway positioned further up the pitch – a positive sign.

Dynamic, purposeful and determined, Georgia Stanway would merit a player‑of‑the‑month award for March if such a prize existed, after two effective displays. The Bayern Munich midfielder netted three times, and her volley against Iceland highlighted her timing of a run into the box and exploitation of space. She even called for Alessia Russo to deliver the cross so she could finish it with a volley.

Stanway has been deployed higher this week and the 27‑year‑old explained after Saturday’s match: “In this camp I’ve been positioned higher overall. I’ve been more in the pocket and my role is to stay a bit more static. In the past I felt I was the energy, moving all over the pitch, which I can still do defensively. It proved effective in both games. It’s pleasant to operate in the pocket because I enjoy attacking, shooting and being creative in the final third.”

Inverted wingers prove effective for the Lionesses.

For most of Lauren Hemp’s senior England career, including her time at Manchester City, she has operated as a left‑winger, a role she again filled during the goalless first half against Ukraine. In the second half against Iceland she switched to the right flank, cutting inside onto her left foot, and the impact was notable. She recorded an assist, generated six chances overall, and set up Lucy Bronze for an overlapping run that produced England’s second goal in Nottingham.

Hemp appears pleased to broaden her options, stating: “I enjoy playing on the left and delivering crosses, but I also like playing on the right, cutting inside and adding to my toolkit.”

James remains England’s most talented star.

The standout performer at the City Ground, however, was on the opposite wing, where Lauren James took on Iceland and seemed to glide across the field without effort, troubling the defence at every turn. Her display was sufficient to keep Chloe Kelly out of the lineup, which says a lot, and it confirms James as a key component of England’s best XI when fit.