Four teams from the British Isles took big steps toward the 2027 Women's World Cup on Friday.

England beat Greece 3-1 in Crete in the first leg of their qualifying playoff, The Guardian reported. Georgia Stanway, Maya Le Tissier and Alessia Russo scored. It was Le Tissier's first goal for England. Kallisti Brouksair scored for Greece, which is ranked 59th in the world and has never reached a major tournament.

England coach Sarina Wiegman was not fully pleased. "Of course, I'm happy with the 3-1. I'm not happy with the 1," she said. She said her team had been "a bit sloppy" at times.

Scotland won 2-0 in Pardubice, Czechia, the Scottish FA reported. Caroline Weir scored in the 57th minute, and Claire Emslie added a second seven minutes later, just after coming off the bench. Czechia's Tereza Krejciríková was sent off late.

The Republic of Ireland cruised past Kazakhstan 8-0 in Astana. Kyra Carusa scored twice. Wales won 1-0 in Albania thanks to an own goal. Northern Ireland lost 4-0 at home to Portugal, which leaves its hopes all but over.

The second legs are on Tuesday. England host Greece in Leicester, and Scotland host Czechia in Paisley.

There is still more to do. If England get through, they would face Slovakia or Ukraine in another two-leg round in the November-December window, The Guardian said. Scotland would play Lithuania or Sweden.

The 2027 Women's World Cup will be held in Brazil next summer.

What we know: the first-leg scores.
What we don't: who will make it through Tuesday's second legs.