Bright and Kirby shine for Lionesses as they thrash Wales 3-0 to qualify for World Cup

Millie Bright and Fran Kirby were outstanding as the Lionesses qualifed for the Women’s World Cup finals next year in France as they overcame a dogged Wales side 3-0 in Newport tonight.

However Chelsea boss Emma Hayes will be worried as Kirby limped off late with an ankle injury.

She went straight down the tunnel to continue her treatment and missed the on-pitch celebrations from the players.

A dour scoreless first half saw England pegged back and they struggled to get through the rugged Welsh defence

But a dominant second half saw strikes from Timi Duggan, a looping header from Jill Scott and close-range diving header by Mica Parris secured the three points which saw the Lionesses leapfrog Wales to win their group with 19 points with their final game on Tuesday away to Karzakhstan.