Jill Scott stars as England beat Russia to take another step forward to World Cup
England 3-1 Russia: Scott struck twice in the first half after Nikita Parris' opener to end any threat of a Russian revival
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England kept their World Cup qualification bid on track as Jill Scott scored twice in a 3-1 win over Russia in Moscow.
Wales had moved a point clear at the top of Group One on Thursday by beating Bosnia, which put the pressure back on Phil Neville’s side in the race to secure an automatic place at France 2019.
The Lionesses, though, took control in Moscow as Scott struck twice in the first half after Nikita Parris’ opener to end the threat of a Russian revival.
Build-up to the match had seen confirmation Casey Stoney was to leave her assistant role with the Lionesses to become head coach at the new Manchester United women’s team.
England produced a positive start at the Sapsan Arena, home to Lokomotiv Moscow’s feeder side. After 21 minutes, Barcelona’s Toni Duggan crossed into the penalty area and Manchester City winger Parris powered in a close-range header.
England doubled their lead six minutes later when captain Lucy Bronze floated the ball over from the right for Scott to nod in.
Russia had been beaten 6-0 by England at Tranmere in their World Cup qualifying opener last September, which was followed a day later by the sacking of Lionesses head coach Mark Sampson.
This time the Russians reduced their deficit after 31 minutes through Elena Danilova’s header after some sloppy defending from England.
The Lionesses responded quickly to re-establish the two-goal lead as Manchester City’s Keira Walsh played a ball into the near post, where club-mate Scott arrived to guide a shot past the keeper.
Russia looked to get themselves back into the match during the early exchanges of the second half, but could have fallen further behind when Ellen White fired just over.
During stoppage time, substitute Ekaterina Sochneva sent a low effort goalwards from 18 yards, but it was not enough to test Carly Telford.
England, now two points ahead at the top of the table, extended their unbeaten qualifying run to six matches with just one goal conceded.
The Lionesses finish their group fixtures with a pair of away fixtures, in Wales and then Kazakhstan.
Russia head to Wales on Tuesday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments