Iceland 0-1 England: Russo secures win on landmark match to stay perfect in qualifying

Alessia Russo secured England a 1-0 victory over Iceland in their 500th match, maintaining their perfect record in Women’s World Cup qualifying.

It was far from easy for England, who took another big step towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with Hannah Hampton brilliantly standing up to Iceland’s second-half pressure.

The Lionesses got their reward for a bright start in the 21st minute. Lauren Hemp drove through midfield to set up Russo, who turned before slotting her low effort into the bottom-left corner.

Russo then fired wide from a similar position as England failed to add to their early goal, and Beth Mead was denied by a fine Cecilia Runarsdottir save after the break.

Iceland stepped up their game after that as they pushed for an equaliser, with substitute Sandra Jessen racing onto a loose ball, though Hampton smothered her offside effort.

Jessen then hit the foot of the right post with a bouncing half-volley, and Hampton was again on hand to keep out Dilja Zomers’ follow-up from a tight angle.

Alexandra Johannsdottir and Sveindis Jonsdottir also tried their luck, but the England goalkeeper was equal to their efforts, and Hampton walked away with a well-deserved clean sheet.

And when Hampton was taken out of the game by Jessen while well off her line, Lotte Wubben-Moy was on hand to block the shot in front of an empty goal.

Marking matchday 500 with an important @FIFAWWC qualifying win pic.twitter.com/RW2KGfBOjK

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) April 18, 2026

Data Debrief: Take a bow, Hampton

Sarina Wiegman will have plenty of things she wants to improve after that second half, but one thing that is not in any doubt is Hampton’s ability.

She made four saves as Iceland pushed in the second half, with the hosts creating 1.43 expected goals (xG) from their 10 shots, while England managed just 0.76 xG from 11 attempts.

Jessen’s introduction was the turning point for Iceland, as she managed a team-high three shots (worth 0.52 xG), and had two ‘big chances’ though she could not convert any.