Finalscore : England 2 – Austria 0
England vs Austria : Alessia Russo, who was starting to replace Ellen White, who announced her retirement following Euro 2022 – set the Lionesses on the right track by scoring a goal with ease prior to substitute Nikita Parris sealed the win by slamming a shot from in the area.
“I’m very happy we have qualified,” said Wiegman. “I think again it was a hard game but coming out of Euros and not having that much rest, I am very proud of the team. It looked so easy but it was pretty hard. “
When asked about England being among the most anticipated teams at the World Cup, Wiegman added: “We knew that was going to happen..
“But we’re just trying to complete the tasks that we are required to accomplish. “
England, who handed an opportunity for Lauren James as a late substitute, needed only one point to ensure that they will be in the next competition with Australia as well as New Zealand.
Austria was lively and caused problems. Mary Earps producing a fine stop to prevent Laura Feiersinger from equalising in the second period before Parris put it in two goals.
However, the fanbase of England’s few fans celebrated the end of the game with a rendition of “We’re all off to Australia” as the Lionesses completed their work in they played their last game in their qualifying tournament in the match against Luxembourg at Stoke the previous Tuesday (19:30 BST).
England is able to begin planning for the summer to come.
When the last time that they took to the field on July 31 they were surrounded by joy as they celebrated their crowning as European champions, in front of 87.192 people at Wembley.
On Saturday, only a handful of England fans gathered at the Stadion Wiener Neustadt to witness an 18th win in 21 games played under Wiegman.
The Lionesses are unbeaten under Wiegman who was asked following the game to recall the feeling of being in lose.
“Of course you remember the defeats, but you never get bored with winning,” she said.
The England manager can now begin making plans for the coming Summer’s World Cup after a ninth victory in nine qualifying matches made the group D toppers eight points ahead of the second-placed Austria with only one game left.
England has scored 68 times with no response in their previous eight qualifying games, and it was not long to add another one as Russo made a smart finish within the 7th minute, after Lauren Hemp had connected with Alex Greenwood’s cross.
Austria which will now play in the play-offs, appeared energetic and caused a lot of problems after England changed three players to the squad that began in Wembley.
Then, in the second period, Earps was lucky to escape Julia Hickelsberger closed down the England goalkeeper, and took an opportunity to touch the ball before it flew narrowly over the goal post.
However, With Millie Bright and Leah Williamson dominating in the defensive third and the team recording another clean sheet to lead to victory, which could be confirmed with Parris the thumping goal.
Parris was only playing for a short time when she came across the left-hand corner in the top after being kicked into by Georgia Stanway.
Parris’s contribution to the team demonstrates his talent and depth.
England are now joining the ranks of champions of the world, The United States – who they are playing in a friendly match at Wembley on October 7 – Brazil, South Africa, Sweden and France in the next World Cup, which will be held between the 20th of July between 20 July and 20 Aug.
Could it be another summer of glory to The Lionesses?
It’s not a secret it is White is a major loss, however Russo was extremely busy and had a great start to her career with perfect finish that will aid in establishing her place in Wiegman’s plans for the future.
The England head coach will have 10 months to perfect her team before preparing for tougher tests next summer.
But Parris’ vital contribution following his removal from the bench demonstrates the depth and ability of the team despite the departure from White as well as Jill Scott, who has also quit.
A memorable night for the Lionesses, 20-year old forward James, who is the sister to Chelsea as well as England defender Reece was a debutant as she was substituted for Ella Toone after 79 minutes.
