England’s Lionesses have reached the knock-out phases of the Women’s World Cup after a dominant 6-1 win in opposition to China in Adelaide.
The European champions wanted only a level in opposition to the Women’s Asian Cup winners to clinch prime spot in Group D.
But they settled nerves early on within the match when Alessia Russo hooked within the opener after simply 4 minutes.
Lauren Hemp added a second 26 minutes in, earlier than Lauren James scored her second curled marvel aim of the World Cup to make it 3-0 earlier than half-time.
James thought she had added a fourth with one other superbly positioned long-range strike earlier than the break.
However, the referee dominated it out after a assessment.
VAR punished England once more after half-time, when China had been awarded a penalty.
The Lionesses conceded for the primary time within the event after Lucy Bronze appeared to deal with the ball and was given a yellow card after the assessment.
Wang Shuang pulled one again for China from the spot to present the Chinese hope, because the Lionesses let their lead slip to 3-1.
But one other gorgeous James strike restored a three-goal cushion for England.
There was no denying the Chelsea ahead her second aim of the sport, as she produced a chic first-time side-footed volley into the far nook of the online.
And Euros hero Chloe Kelly pounced on a goalkeeping error by Zhu Yu to make it 5.
Rachel Daly rounded off the scoring to make it 6-1 in a thumping England win.
James was denied her hat-trick when England boss Sarina Wiegman took her off with 10 minutes to go – presumably with a watch on the subsequent spherical.
The double goalscorer mentioned: “It’s what dreams are made of. Happy for the team and everyone is buzzing and looking forward to going into the next round.
“I felt free, whether or not I’m on the wing or within the center, I’m simply completely satisfied to be on the pitch taking part in and having fun with my soccer. I’m completely satisfied I can contribute to targets as nicely.”
On her stunning first-time finish at the far post, she added: “I believe just like the final recreation, I simply thought ‘Why not? Hit it and see what occurs’.”
And she said more is to come, adding: “For positive, every day, every recreation I’m seeking to enhance and get higher, there are numerous extra years of enchancment, I can all the time get higher. I simply want to remain centered and hopefully that may occur.”
Manager Wiegman made three adjustments to her Lionesses beginning line-up – with Katie Zelem beginning within the World Cup for the primary time, and Jess Carter and Hemp returning to the beginning XI.
Five gamers that lifted final 12 months’s Euros had been unavailable for the showdown with China.
But England weren’t fazed and delivered their most assured efficiency of the event thus far.
Wiegman mentioned afterwards: “I am very delighted, I said before the game we were going to do things a little bit different than we did before and we did really well, it shows how adaptive this team is and I think they are enjoying themselves.
“I believe immediately it labored rather well, gamers felt snug. What we wish is the qualities now we have now to attempt to use them a bit bit extra.”
On James’s performance, Wiegman added: “She feels good, you’ll be able to inform, she did particular issues immediately. Unfortunately one aim was cancelled, however she flows over the pitch.”
Wiegman tight-lipped on Walsh
The Lionesses booked their place within the final 16 with out key midfielder Keira Walsh, who was dominated out of at the very least this conflict with an undisclosed knee downside after an harm within the final match in opposition to Denmark.
Wiegman was non-committal when requested earlier than the sport whether or not Walsh would be capable to play any additional half within the event.
Walsh was stretchered off within the first half of England’s match in opposition to Denmark in Sydney on Friday with what gave the impression to be a severe knee harm, though scans have since proven the 26-year-old has not suffered an ACL harm as first feared.
“Keira is okay. It’s not an ACL. I can’t give you any more information,” Wiegman mentioned.
“It’s not nice to lose players. First of all for them, and second for the team, but we are here to move on.
“It’s a part of sport, it is not good, however now we have to maneuver on, to adapt to the brand new state of affairs and discover a approach, and convey 11 gamers on the pitch with whom we predict can win the sport.”
Read extra:
How China v England unfolded
What subsequent for England?
The fourth-ranked Lionesses defeated Haiti 1-0 of their opener, and Denmark 1-0 within the second group recreation of the event.
Group winners and runners-up progress to the final 16.
By profitable their group, England have secured a knock-out tie in opposition to Nigeria on Monday – avoiding hosts Australia.
The subsequent spherical of knock-out stage fixtures will happen from 5 to eight August.
Source: information.sky.com”