WC 2027: Ruthless Lionesses Run Riot as England Hit Ukraine for Six

For 45 minutes, it looked like it might be one of those frustrating nights. England dominated possession, territory, and chances but somehow went into the break level. After the interval, however, Sarina Wiegman’s side produced a devastating response, scoring six to open their campaign in style.

Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway, and Jess Park all scored twice as England finally turned their first-half dominance into goals.

Russo opened the scoring just two minutes after the restart, producing a sublime turn and finish after being played through by Keira Walsh. Four minutes later, she struck again, doubling the lead with a close-range finish following a dangerous low cross from Lauren Hemp.

At 2–0, the Lionesses looked in control, but Ukraine briefly threatened to disrupt momentum. Yana Kalinina capitalised on a failed defensive clearance in the 58th minute to pull one back and give Ukraine a glimmer of hope.

That glimmer of hope lasted six minutes. Georgia Stanway (64′) restored the two-goal cushion from the penalty spot after Hemp was brought down in the box. Six minutes later she added her second, and England’s fourth, with the goal of the night, unleashing a powerful drive from the edge of the box into the top corner.

Manchester United’s Jess Park added further gloss to the scoreline. She made it five in the 78th minute, arriving at the far post to convert Stanway’s pinpoint low cross, before completing the scoring in the 89th minute with a superb curled finish after cutting in from the right.

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