England progress to knock-out stages with 6-1 victory over China
Lauren James of England speaks to the media in the post match press conference after their team advanced to the knockouts during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between China and England Credit: Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
England's women's team recorded a resounding 6-1 victory over China PR in the FIFA Women's World Cup Group D, ensuring their spot at the top of the group. The victory has set England up for a knockout clash against Nigeria.
England started off on the front foot, with the first goal coming just four minutes into the match. After a half-clearance by China to the edge of the penalty area, Lauren James nodded the ball to Alessia Russo, who expertly took control and finished with a low shot past Zhu Yu, China's goalkeeper.
A beautiful play by Millie Bright set up the second goal at the 26-minute mark. Winning the ball in midfield, Bright fed James, who found Lauren Hemp for a low left-footed finish.
Lucy Bronze hit the post before England extended their lead just before halftime. Alex Greenwood rolled a low free-kick to James, who scored with a superb first-time shot into the far corner.
A potential second goal from James was ruled out by VAR due to an offside call in the build-up.
However, China managed to pull a goal back at the 57-minute mark when Wang Shuang successfully took a penalty, awarded after a VAR review for a handball from Bronze.
James' brilliance continued, however, and she scored her second goal of the match with a first-time volley in the 65th minute, following a deep cross from Jess Carter.
Substitutes Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly scored in the 77th and 84th minutes respectively, solidifying England's dominant performance.
After the match, a jubilant James said, "Another day that obviously what dreams are made of. I'm happy for the team and everyone is buzzing, and we're looking forward to going into the next round. I felt free... I'm happy I can contribute to goals as well."
"Each day, each game, I'm looking to improve and get better, and there's many more years of improvement to come. I can always get better, I just need to stay focused."
Coach Sarina Wiegman also expressed delight at the team's performance, saying, "When I said before the game that we were going to do things a little differently than we did before, I think we did really well and showed how adaptive this team is... I don't think [China] expected us to play this way and they didn't find a solution."
