England Face Greece Playoff as James Demands World Cup Focus

England must overcome Greece in a two-leg playoff to keep their hopes of reaching next summer's FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil alive. Lauren James urged Sarina Wiegman's squad to concentrate on winning both matches after England finished second behind Spain in qualifying Group 3 on goal difference, while defender Esme Morgan stressed the need to maintain exceptionally high standards.

According to Sky Sports on October 8, England face Greece at home and away in the playoff. If England advance, they will meet the winner of the Slovakia versus Ukraine tie, with the successful team in that subsequent matchup securing a place at the World Cup.

James acknowledged that England cannot change the circumstances that led to the playoff and emphasized the importance of focusing on the matches ahead.

"We can't change what happened and that's where we are now," James told Sky Sports News.

The forward said England's immediate priority was to secure victories rather than dwell on their qualifying campaign.

"I think we have to just try to look forward to win these games."

James added that winning was essential to advancing toward the team's ultimate objective.

"That's always our goal at the end of the day, and the position we're in at the moment is, we have to win in order to get to somewhere."

She also described the importance of reaching the tournament, which will take place in Brazil next summer.

"The World Cup's a massive tournament that you always want to be a part of and it's everyone's dream from a little kid."

James said the opportunity to compete at the global tournament remained a shared ambition across the squad.

"So, to go there and get another opportunity again, it's obviously something we're all trying to aim for."

In a separate report published by BBC Sport on October 9, Morgan reinforced the need for England to deliver a high-level performance against Greece. The defender's message highlighted the standards the team must maintain as it enters the decisive playoff stage.

"We have to be perfect against Greece," Morgan said.

James also pointed to her club form as a source of momentum ahead of the international fixtures. Chelsea had dropped just two points across their first five league matches of the season, according to Sky Sports, and were second in the standings at the time of publication.

The Chelsea forward, who signed a new contract earlier in the year, said regular football helped her maintain confidence and develop her performances for England.

"I'm always looking forward to coming into camp with England and getting another opportunity to play games for the country," James said.

She explained that performing well at club level could support her international contributions.

"I think it always helps massively when you're doing well with your club, which obviously is why you get called up for your country. Hopefully I can just build the momentum and keep going."

James, Chelsea's player of the year in 2024, said she wanted to demonstrate her ability whenever she represented her club or country.

"Every time I put on a shirt, whether it's for club or country, I always want to just show what I'm made of."

She also highlighted the importance of playing regularly and enjoying her football as she prepared for the international challenge.

"The more you play, the more you have rhythm and I like to just play free. And I think the best is still yet to come."

James said she remained focused on continuing her development and approaching upcoming fixtures positively.

"I'm just trying to enjoy my football and look forward to the things that are coming up."

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter received her first England call-up for the World Cup playoff fixtures after a promising start to the season. The 20-year-old had featured in all four of Chelsea's victories in the Women's Super League and scored in a 2-0 win over Birmingham the previous month.

Potter learned about her selection while at her family home and described her initial reaction to the news.

"I've been really lucky and grateful for the opportunities I've been given at Chelsea and when I got the call, I was really surprised," Potter said.

The midfielder said she preferred to concentrate on improving her performances rather than looking too far ahead.

"I like to stay focused every day and be the best version of myself and don't like to think too far ahead."

Potter recalled receiving the call while watching her phone in her bedroom before going downstairs to share the news with her mother.

"I was at home, I still live at home so I was just in my room watching my phone a bit and then when I got the call I was really happy and went downstairs and told my mum and she was really proud of me."

England now face Greece with progression through the playoff required to keep their qualification campaign on track for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.