The England Lionesses begin another FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign this evening with a meeting against Ukraine in Turkey.
For England, the expectation is clear. Qualification campaigns are not simply about progression. They are about authority, rhythm and momentum.
Under Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses have turned early qualifiers into statements of intent, and tonight presents another opportunity to do exactly that.
Why is the game being played in Turkey?
Although Ukraine are designated as the home side, the match is taking place on neutral territory.
Due to the ongoing war following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine are currently unable to host international fixtures on home soil.
Security concerns, infrastructure disruption and logistical challenges mean UEFA and FIFA competitions involving Ukrainian national teams have been staged abroad since 2022.
Turkey has regularly served as a host nation, offering suitable stadium facilities, stable security conditions and accessible travel arrangements for both teams.
As a result, while this is officially a home qualifier for Ukraine, it will be played in neutral surroundings.
History is on England’s side
England have won all four previous meetings with Ukraine, most recently a 2-1 away victory in June 2014 during qualification for the 2015 World Cup.
That record reflects a broader trend of dominance in this competition.
Since missing out on the 2003 tournament after losing a two-legged play-off against France, England are unbeaten in 46 World Cup qualifying matches.
Across those games, they have scored 225 goals and conceded just eight. Numbers that underline the control they tend to exert at this stage of the cycle.
Sarina Wiegman’s first qualifying campaign in charge only strengthened that reputation.
England won all ten matches by an aggregate score of 80-0, including a record-breaking 20-0 victory over Latvia.
Ruthless, clinical and relentless, it set the standard.
Ukraine chasing a breakthrough
Ukraine continue their search for a first appearance at a FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.
In seven qualification campaigns, they have never reached the main tournament, though they have consistently competed strongly within their groups, always finishing in the top three.
They last reached the playoffs in the 2015 cycle, finishing runners-up behind England , but ultimately fell short.
Against the very elite sides, results have been harder to find. Ukraine have won just one of their last six World Cup qualifiers against nations currently ranked inside FIFA’s top five, a 1-0 victory over Sweden in 2018.
That context highlights the size of the challenge awaiting them this evening.
Form and momentum
England arrive in good rhythm, having won their last three matches.
They last recorded four straight victories in February 2024, and the squad remains unbeaten in their opening fixture of a calendar year across the past five years.
Momentum matters in international football. A fast start can define a group campaign long before the decisive fixtures arrive.
Ukraine are likely to sit compact, limit space between the lines and attempt to frustrate England for as long as possible. Patience, then, will be just as important as attacking quality.
Players to watch
The Lionesses possess game changers across the pitch.
Lauren Hemp has an extraordinary record. England have won all 15 matches in which she has scored.
The Manchester City forward has been directly involved in 12 goals across her last five World Cup qualifiers, blending pace with decisive end product.
Meanwhile, Georgia Stanway edges closer to a personal milestone. Sitting on 48 goal involvements for England (29 goals, 19 assists), she needs just two more to reach 50.
After finishing as the Lionesses’ top scorer in 2025, she arrives in confident form and is capable of influencing the game from midfield.
The bigger picture
England will also be playing in Turkey for the third time, having previously recorded convincing wins in Izmir (2009) and Adana (2013) during earlier qualifying campaigns.
On paper, the Lionesses are clear favourites. But qualification campaigns are rarely defined by one night alone. They are built through consistency, clean sheets and professionalism.
England do not just want to win this evening. They want to set the tone.
Another controlled, commanding performance would send an early message that their remarkable qualifying run is set to continue and that the road to the 2027 World Cup will once again run firmly through a confident, composed England side.
