BBC Women's Football Weekly

What the report says

BBC Sport Football’s Women’s Football Weekly focused on England’s 5-0 home win over Greece in Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs, which sealed an 8-1 aggregate victory and moved the Lionesses into round two. The episode, broadcast by Radio 5 Live on 13 October 2026, examined how England were more clinical in the second leg after a less convincing first-leg display.

Katie Smith was joined by former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis and commentator Vicki Sparks to discuss the team’s improved attacking edge, the effect of Sarina Wiegman’s selection choices, and the arrival of two new caps, Lexi Potter and Freya Godfrey. The programme also considered whether Wiegman has become more flexible with her starting lineup as England continue their qualification campaign.

A major talking point was Maya Le Tissier’s performances at right-back and whether they strengthen the case for her to start alongside Lucy Bronze. The discussion highlighted England’s options in defence as they prepare for tougher tests later in the qualifying process. The episode also included reaction from players and the head coach, with interviews from Alessia Russo, Grace Fisk and Sarina Wiegman.

More broadly, the segment reflects ongoing scrutiny of England’s balance between experience and emerging talent as they chase a place at the Women’s World Cup.