Russo’s return to form is vital but Lionesses still lack bite against low blocks | Suzanne Wrack

England have the edge over Greece after the first leg of their World Cup playoff but remain a team in transition It took a labyrinthine move from Sarina Wiegman’s team to find a way through deep-lying Greece.

On the outskirts of Heraklion, the ancient city of Knossos, which is associated with the legend of the Minotaur and the labyrinth constructed by Daedalus to contain it, Laura Blindkilde Brown’s quick pass to Alessia Russo was artfully flicked first time to her Arsenal teammate Georgia Stanway and the midfielder slotted in past the goalkeeper Fafailia Petaloti.

There were muted celebrations after the goal, reflective of the frustration they felt at having taken 39 minutes to get their first goal against the team ranked 54 places below them.