The Lionesses travelled to the Pankritio Stadium in Crete knowing a victory would put them in a commanding position in the two-legged tie. Hampton, James and Walsh were included from the off, while Lexi Potter was named among the substitutes.

England dominated possession throughout and Sarina Wiegman's side thought they had taken the lead in the 19th minute when James collected a pass in midfield and produced an exquisite 30-yard lob. However, following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside.

The opener arrived late in the first half, as a move started by Walsh ended with Georgia Stanway converting from inside the penalty area. Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo then added to the advantage in the second period.

Kallisti Brouksair did pull a goal back for Greece with 13 minutes to play, but England are now heavy favourites to progress to the second round of the play-offs ahead of the second leg at the King Power Stadium next Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Scotland's 2-0 away win over the Czech Republic included the welcome return to action for Cuthbert, who hadn't featured since suffering a knee injury while on international duty in June.

The Blues captain was brought on as a 63rd-minute substitute, and it was shortly after her introduction that Claire Emslie added to Caroline Weir's opener to put Scotland in control in the first leg of their first-round play-off tie.

It was also a positive night for Veerle Buurman and Wieke Kaptein, as both started in the Netherlands' dominant 8-0 away victory in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off tie against Hungary.

Lineth Beerensteyn and Victoria Pelova netted hat-tricks in the win, during which Kaptein completed an hour while Buurman played the full 90 minutes.

Sweden and Nathalie Bjorn also celebrated victory in their play-off first leg in Lithuania. The Blues defender played the opening 45 minutes, but it was in the second period Sweden accelerated, eventually running out 5-0 winners and putting themselves firmly in control of the tie.

There was a start for Chelsea goalkeeper Livia Peng, although not a clean sheet, as Switzerland recorded a 7-3 away victory in their World Cup qualifying play-off tie with Israel.

Geraldine Reuteler put Switzerland ahead and further goals from Iman Beney, Sydney Schertenleib, a brace from Riola Xhemaili, and own goals from Mia Shvill and Itaf Alkisi ensured a comfortable win.

Meanwhile, Giulia Dragoni featured as a second-half substitute as Italy recorded a 2-0 away win in their World Cup qualifying play-off against Belarus.

Dragoni was introduced just after the hour with the game goalless, but during her time on the pitch Italy struck twice through Martina Piemonte and Elisa Polli to put themselves in command of their tie.

Two Blues went head-to-head during a friendly at the Wildparkstadion as Sjoeke Nusken's Germany faced Ellie Carpenter's Australia.

Melissa Kossler'sbrace put Germany in front, but in first-half stoppage time, Carpenter exchanged passes and delivered an excellent near-post cross that Sam Kerr – our joint all-time leading goalscorer – headed home.

In the second period, Camilla Kuver added a third for Germany, but Australia were given late hope when Holly McNamara netted in stoppage time.

However, that was quickly extinguished as, from a corner, Nuksen collected the ball and powered a finish home to mark her 60th appearance for Germany with a goal and ensure victory.

Maika Hamano was also in friendly action, and the Blues forward was on the scoresheet as Japan recorded a 5-1 win over Haiti.

Hamano netted her country's second goal of the contest, which came in the 33rd minute, before she was replaced at half time.