England beat Ukraine on Tuesday but failed to secure automatic qualification for next year’s Women’s World Cup after finishing level on points with Spain in their group, ​while France and Denmark sealed their places.

The Lionesses recorded a comfortable 3-0 ​victory over Ukraine at Everton Stadium, with Jess Carter, Georgia ⁠Stanway and Beth Mead on target, to move to 15 points.

However, World Cup ​champions Spain retained top spot in League A Group 3 on a superior ​head-to-head record after thrashing Iceland 6-1 away, Vicky Lopez scoring twice to clinch qualification.

“It’s mixed feelings,” Stanway told ITV Sport. “It’s very rare to get 15 points and not win the group. ​That shows our level and consistency, but we know our performance against ​Spain wasn’t good enough.”

Mead echoed the disappointment. “It’s the nature of the competition and very tough when ‌you ⁠are in a group with Spain. We’ll stay motivated to qualify through the play-offs,” she said.

In Group A2, France booked their ticket to Brazil with a 1-0 home win over Ireland, with Melvine Malard scoring just before halftime. Despite ​finishing with 10 players ​after Thiniba Samoura’s late red card, France held on to top the group, two points clear of the Netherlands, who beat Poland ​3-1. Ireland finished third on nine points.

Denmark secured first place ​in Group A1 with a dominant 4-1 win away to Serbia. Amalie Vangsgaard scored twice, while Pernille Harder converted a penalty after Allegra Poljak had cancelled out Cecilie Floe’s early opener.

Germany ​had already qualified from Group A4 ahead of ​the final round of fixtures.

The Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil from June 24 ​to July 25 next year.