England boss Sarina Wiegman warned the European champions against becoming complacent after securing a narrow 1-0 win over Iceland to maintain a three-point advantage over Spain at the top of their World Cup qualifying group.
Alessia Russo’s 21st-minute goal was her 30th for the Lionesses in their 500th match, and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made a number of big saves during a second-half Iceland surge in Reykjavik.
The victory puts England, who face World Cup holders Spain then Ukraine in June, in pole position, with only the winners of each group advancing directly to next year’s World Cup in Brazil and avoiding an unwanted play-off.
“The most important thing is we have 12 points, which is really good,” said Wiegman, speaking to ITV.
“There’s no easy game anymore. We don’t take anything for granted. We’re just in a very good position now, and we also know how good Spain is, then the Ukraine game too.
“So first, now, we’re going to be happy with the six points. Players go back to their clubs, play very important games for their clubs, and then we go again in June.”
One of those players is Russo, who will hope to set Arsenal on their way to qualifying for a second straight Champions League final when they host Lyon in the first leg next Sunday.
The Gunners striker felt it was a “tough game of two halves”, and was grateful to Hampton for ensuring England preserved the win after several second-half scares.
“She was amazing,” Russo told ITV. “I just spoke out there about big moments. She kept us in it and she showed up three or four times to give us that clean sheet and keep the three points.
“It was massive, and sometimes you need someone to step up like that.”
