\n<\/p>\n
Having recorded a crucial 1-0 victory over world champions Spain at Wembley on Tuesday, Wiegman’s side were keen to back it up with three points in Reykjavik.<\/p>\n
They were greeted with respect by their opponents, who applauded them before kick-off in recognition of the Lionesses’ milestone 500th fixture.<\/p>\n
Celebrations have taken place throughout the week by the Football Association (FA) as it marked the occasion – and optimism is high for the Lionesses’ future as they gear up towards the World Cup.<\/p>\n
This was another good result for England who sit top of their qualifying group, despite Spain’s 5-0 thrashing of Ukraine earlier on Saturday.<\/p>\n
However, this was far from routine.<\/p>\n
Iceland were organised and compact, as Wiegman predicted, which made it tough for England to create clear-cut chances. But in Russo, they have a striker who only needs one to capitalise.<\/p>\n
The Arsenal forward, who has been in scintillating form for club and country in recent months, was a threat throughout the first half despite not seeing as much of the ball as England would have liked.<\/p>\n
When the chance did come her way in the first half from Lauren Hemp’s burst down the middle, Russo spun away from her marker in the box and drilled the ball into the far corner.<\/p>\n
It was the clinical moment England needed to nudge ahead, but victory would not have been theirs had it not been for Hampton’s athleticism and quick reactions in the second half.<\/p>\n
The Chelsea goalkeeper, who also made a crucial save late on against Spain, proved her worth in Iceland, stepping up when needed as England were rocked.<\/p>\n
It will have caused concern for Wiegman, who was visibly frustrated at times in the dugout, but while this was a nervous display, England’s star players delivered.<\/p>\n
They have called on individual brilliance during their back-to-back Euros successes and if anyone thought this qualification campaign would be smooth, Iceland proved otherwise.<\/p>\n
They have two remaining fixtures against Spain and Ukraine in June, and if they win them both will be guaranteed automatic qualification to next year’s World Cup in Brazil and be seeded for the draw.<\/p>\n
That is the dream scenario – but England will likely need better control in the summer in order to do so.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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