Sarina speaks after 'very hard' game

England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman was pleased with how her side dug deep win 1-0 away at Iceland in the Lionesses’ landmark 500th fixture, signing off April camp with successive victories.

The result in Reykjavík makes it four wins from four in England’s 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign, completing the double over Iceland.

“It was a very hard game,” reflected Wiegman. “There was a big difference between the first and second half. It is hard to keep the ball moving on this pitch, in the first half we played okay but the tempo could have been higher.

“We could have created more opportunities. The goal was a good one. In the second half, they pushed higher and we had to make better decisions.

“It was difficult circumstances, we know they are good at throws and corners. I thought we defended really well but there were some tricky moments. I am happy we won it.”

Alessia Russo scored the only goal of the game in the first half and although the England boss might have hoped for more goals, she emphasised the importance of the three points her team came away with.

“You hope we do that better and we made better decisions and stay in our shape,” continued Wiegman. “You always want to understand why it happened and learn.

“They came back into the game and we helped them, but then we had two chances with Georgia and Beth and we could have killed the game.

“They came back again. It was a very hard fight but we got over the line and that is most important.”

Wiegman also praised substitute Niamh Charles who came on for a second-half cameo on her return from injury.

“That is why we brought Niamh in,” said Wiegman. “She is fit again and we know she can defend really well with her head but also in the box, she is alert and powerful. We needed that, I was happy she showed up."

The Lionesses – who sit top of Group A3 – are back in action in June when they travel to Spain, having beaten the world champions 1-0 at Wembley earlier in the week.

“It is the most important,” stated Wiegman. “We have played four and have 12 points and that is really good.

“No game is easy anymore. We don’t take anything for granted. We know we are in a good position now and we know how good Spain is.

“We are happy with six points. Players go back to clubs now and we go again in June.”