Jill Scott stars as England beat Russia to take another step forward to World Cup

England 3-1 Russia: Scott struck twice in the first half after Nikita Parris' opener to end any threat of a Russian revival

England are on course to qualify for the Women’s World Cup (Getty)

England kept their World Cup qualification bid on track as Jill Scott scored twice in a 3-1 win over Russia in Moscow.

Wales had moved a point clear at the top of Group One on Thursday by beating Bosnia, which put the pressure back on Phil Neville’s side in the race to secure an automatic place at France 2019.

The Lionesses, though, took control in Moscow as Scott struck twice in the first half after Nikita Parris’ opener to end the threat of a Russian revival.

Build-up to the match had seen confirmation Casey Stoney was to leave her assistant role with the Lionesses to become head coach at the new Manchester United women’s team.

England produced a positive start at the Sapsan Arena, home to Lokomotiv Moscow’s feeder side. After 21 minutes, Barcelona’s Toni Duggan crossed into the penalty area and Manchester City winger Parris powered in a close-range header.

England doubled their lead six minutes later when captain Lucy Bronze floated the ball over from the right for Scott to nod in.

Russia had been beaten 6-0 by England at Tranmere in their World Cup qualifying opener last September, which was followed a day later by the sacking of Lionesses head coach Mark Sampson.

This time the Russians reduced their deficit after 31 minutes through Elena Danilova’s header after some sloppy defending from England.

It was another positive result for Phil Neville’s side (Getty)

The Lionesses responded quickly to re-establish the two-goal lead as Manchester City’s Keira Walsh played a ball into the near post, where club-mate Scott arrived to guide a shot past the keeper.

Russia looked to get themselves back into the match during the early exchanges of the second half, but could have fallen further behind when Ellen White fired just over.

During stoppage time, substitute Ekaterina Sochneva sent a low effort goalwards from 18 yards, but it was not enough to test Carly Telford.

England, now two points ahead at the top of the table, extended their unbeaten qualifying run to six matches with just one goal conceded.

The Lionesses finish their group fixtures with a pair of away fixtures, in Wales and then Kazakhstan.

Russia head to Wales on Tuesday.