England eased to a 6-1 win over China PR at Hindmarsh Stadium to take top spot in Group D and set up a last-16 clash with Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
A dominant first-half display from England ensured Sarina Wiegman’s side were never in danger of missing out on a place in the knockout phase.
England were in front inside four minutes when China half-cleared to the edge of the penalty area, and Lauren James nodded the ball down for Alessia Russo to take a sharp touch and then finish low past Zhu Yu.
The second goal arrived on 26 minutes when Millie Bright nipped in to win the ball in midfield and then feed James, who sent Lauren Hemp in on goal for a low left-footed finish beyond Zhu.
Lucy Bronze headed against the post before England scored again four minutes before half-time, when Alex Greenwood rolled a low free-kick to James on the edge of the box and she curled a superb first-time shot into the far corner.
James thought she had scored a second in the fifth minute of added time following a stunning left-footed curler but, following a VAR review, Bronze was ruled offside in the build-up.
China pulled a goal back on 57 minutes when Wang Shuang rolled a penalty down the middle after Yang Lina’s flick-on from a corner struck Bronze’s arm, the decision given following a VAR review.
James’ penchant for spectacular goals continued on 65 minutes when she placed a brilliant first-time volley beyond Zhu following Jess Carter’s deep cross.
Substitute Chloe Kelly rolled in a fifth goal on 77 minutes after China goalkeeper Zhu was caught out by a long ball forward, before Rachel Daly volleyed home a sixth goal on 84 minutes.
Key stat
England’s 3-0 advantage at the interval was their biggest lead at half-time in a Women’s World Cup match.
Lauren James earned a huge 29 points with two goals and three assists, but just 12.17% of players picked Lauren James in our Daily Fantasy game.