HIGHLIGHTS - Alessia Russo and Nikita Parris seal England’s World Cup spot with Austria win

England secured World Cup qualification as goals from Alessia Russo and substitute Nikita Parris were enough for the European champions to beat Austria 2-0 in Wiener Neustadt.

Returning to action just over a month on from their historic Euros triumph, the Lionesses needed a point to seal top spot in Group D and a place at next summer’s showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.

They ended up with all three following a seventh-minute finish from Russo – in the side as a replacement for retired record scorer Ellen White – and Parris’ strike to wrap things up in the 70th minute.Austria were denied an equaliser on the hour mark as Mary Earps’ fine save kept out a Laura Feiersinger effort.It made it nine wins – and clean sheets – from as many games in the group for Sarina Wiegman’s side with one more to go, Tuesday’s contest against Luxembourg at the bet365 Stadium.