England did not want to go through the play-offs but were given an unkind draw in the qualifying groups when they met world champions Spain.

However, Wiegman’s side are in a strong position for the play-offs and, armed with their handy first-leg lead, are firm favourites to progress against Greece, who sit 55 places beneath them in the Fifa world rankings.

England also beat potential round two opponents Ukraine in both matches in the qualifying group stage, with an aggregate 9-1 score.

Northern Ireland were always in for a tricky tie against a talented young squad from Portugal in round one, and their prospects do not look good with a 4-0 deficit to take into the second leg, away from home. Head coach Michael McArdle suggested it has become an “impossible” task.

Scotland are hoping to reach just their second Women’s World Cup, after a 2019 appearance. They failed to qualify in 2023 but have performed well this year, including drawing with Belgium, showing that they can compete with some of Europe’s strongest teams.

They would need to produce their best in round two if they meet big-hitters Sweden, who have been semi-finalists in the past two Women’s World Cups.

Wales have never beaten a team ranked inside the world’s top 20 in a competitive fixture and are likely to need to do so to qualify.

There is optimism, though, as Rhian Wilkinson’s side thrashed play-off opponents Albania 4-0 in their qualifying group and already have a first-leg lead.

Elsewhere, having performed superbly in qualifying, the Republic of Ireland have a tough play-off route with Belgium potentially waiting in round two.

Carla Ward’s side navigated a 3,100-mile trip to Kazakhstan for the first leg in round one and have an impressive 8-0 lead so will already be thinking ahead.