Williams and White seal win

Five-point gap
Hope Powell's side began their campaign with a 4-0 home win against Northern Ireland, and this result takes their points tally to 12 in four games, though the home team did not make it easy for them on a windy night in Lurgan. And key England player Kelly Smith, who missed an early penalty, later received a booking that leaves her suspended for the 20 March visit of the unbeaten Czech Republic, who like Spain are five points adrift of the leaders.

Deadlock broken
Smith nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute but her shot hit the post after she was set up by Anita Asante. And not long afterwards Smith was tripped in the box by Una Harkin but her spot-kick and subsequent effort on the rebound were both saved by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Emma Higgins. Instead it fell to Williams to break the deadlock, tapping in from close range after Smith's strike was blocked.

Victory sealed
Higgins again denied Smith early in the second half and the home defence continued to have their hands full. The second goal arrived six minutes from the end when England captain White shot into the roof of the net after the hosts, for once, were unable to clear. The preliminary round qualifiers remain without a point and return to action on 26 April in the Czech Republic.