Lionesses heading for World Cup after victory in Austria | OneFootball

Alessia Russo gave England a early lead. (Tom Seiss/ SPP)

England have qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand after a 2-0 win away to Austria.

The Lionesses made the best of starts with an opening goal on seven minutes.

Lauren Hemp headed an Alex Greenwood delivery back cross the goal and Alessia Russo hooked it home.

Hemp and Russo were involved as England threatened a quick second goal but the latter didn’t get enough on the header to worry Manuela Zinsberger.

Mary Earps had a fright seconds after the restart, Julia Hickelsbeger blocking her pass out and the ball creeping inches wide if the upright.

Nikita Parris celebrates after scoring England’s second goal. (Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images)

Georgia Stanway’s strike was kept out by Zinsberger’s boot, before Earps turned Laura Feiersinger’s 20-yard shot round the post.

Nikita Parris came off the bench to double the lead in the 70th minute, hitting the top corner from Stanway’s through ball.

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