Thank you so much for joining me for this match! China were blown away by a clinical England and particularly Lauren James. I think Wiegman has found James’ position in the 10 role and Toone may be benched for more games in this tournament. The dominant win means England are group winners and will face Nigeria in the last 16. That is all the live action from the World Cup for today but do tune back in with us tomorrow as Group G and F are decided. Until then have a read of the report from this one:
Who doesn’t want to see a Lauren James highlight reel? Ah everyone wants to see it, I thought so! The clip is from the BBC and so some may not have access:
⚽⚽🅰️🅰️🅰️
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 1, 2023
It was a Lauren James masterclass against China 🌠🤤#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/9944QUefdH
In the press conference Sarina Wiegman has spoken about her change in formation: “They were really excited about it. We were convinced that it would work. We saw a lot of players tonight that were at a very high level.”
This is what Oshoala can do:
🇳🇬 Nigeria swooped in on the hosts after coming from behind to put 3 past Australia taking them top of Group B.
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 27, 2023
✨ Asisat Oshoala claims today's #SpotlightOfTheDay, as she neatly tucked away the winning goal, becoming the first African player to score at 3 #FIFAWWC.@Budweiser. pic.twitter.com/v4baq86Dew
England’s next opponents are Nigeria who have had some great performances in this tournament so far. They held Olympic champions Canada to a 0-0 draw, they beat co-hosts Australia 3-2 and had another 0-0 draw with Ireland. The last 16 match will be a tricky one for the Lionesses and they will have to quell the forward threat of Asisat Oshoala – some readers will know her from her cracking skill at Barcelona.
Many did think China could cause England more issues today and there were times where they were threatening. However, the country only scored two goals at the tournament in the three group games – both penalties. They will be ruing their missed chances against Denmark, a win there would have seen them through.
All of James’ efforts today were impressive but this one may be better than her first goal! The one that was disallowed was also a stunner but take a look at this:
LAUREN JAMES OH MY WORD 💫
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 1, 2023
Sensational on the volley from James... she has 2️⃣, #ENG have 4️⃣!#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/NGtFPLGZ5n
A milestone has been hit at the tournament following the conclusion of Group D:
Continuing to set new milestones on and off the pitch!
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) August 1, 2023
1️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ fans have now passed through the turnstiles at the @FIFAWWC 🤩
It is not only England who have finished the group stage with a statement performance. The Netherlands beat Vietnam 7-0, Australia defeated Canada 4-0 and Japan saw off Spain 4-0. The team to raise an unimpressed eyebrow though has been defending champions USA, who many would have had as favourites before the tournament but have not been great so far. They secured their spot in the last 16 with a 0-0 draw against Portugal and the team are getting a lot of criticism. This is how their head coach reacted:
England will next have Nigeria, it is not clear if Walsh will be available but she is the only player with a question mark over her. Wiegman worked her replacements well. Stanway and Hemp had a yellow from a previous match, Stanway was subbed at half-time and Hemp was taken off early in the second, if they picked up another yellow they would not have been available for the last 16 match.
Updated
The main talking point heading into this match was Keira Walsh being missing after her knee injury. Katie Zelem was asked to fill some big boots and she did a really good job. Fans will feel more confident moving forward – with or without Walsh -England have the answers.
England manager Sarina Wiegman told ITV: “Yeah I am very delighted. What I said before the game, we are going to do things a bit different. It shows how adaptive this team is. I think today it worked really well, players felt comfortable. We want to use the quality we have. James feels good, she did special things today. Unfortunately that one goal was cancelled. I think what we expected for China was them to press a little high, I don’t think they didn’t expect us to play this way and they didn’t find a solution.”
Updated
A fun fact for you, for context James is 21:
⚽️x2
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) August 1, 2023
🅰️x3
Lauren James is the youngest player to be directly involved in 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 goals in a single Women's World Cup match. 🤯#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/0svOVIYrfU
England’s Lauren James has told ITV: “Again another day of what dreams are made of. I am happy for the team, we are looking forward to the next round. I felt free, whether I am on the wing or the middle I am just happy to be on the pitch. I think like last game I thought why not hit it and see what happens. A bit frustrating [one goal being ruled out], but those things happen. Each game I am looking to improve and get better, there are many more years of improvement. Yeah [Nigeria will be] very tough, every team has been tough – teams are catching up with each other.”
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes was on the commentary and I did laugh when she said after James’ second goal went in: “I hope whichever club has this player, signed her to a long term contract.” Chelsea have done just that.
Denmark are also through after a 2-0 win over Haiti, they will face Australia in the last 16.
No announcement on who was Player of the Match but I suspect it could be coming for James. A great performance throughout the team but James had three assists and two goals.
Full time! China 1-6 England
England are through to the last 16 as group winners and will play Nigeria, the result means China are out and bow out at the group stage for the first time. China were unfortunate to lose late on to Denmark and put themselves in a shout after beating Haiti. But their performance against England was not good enough with the Lionesses able to put six in.
Updated
90 + 10 min: Charles loses possession and china create something but Shen sends it over the bar. In the other game Denmark have double their lead against Haiti. England attack and Kelly wants a free kick but it is not awarded.
90 + 8 min: The free kick is taken and it’s back to halfway, it comes to Coombs who gets a shot off but it’s wide.
90 + 6 min: A bit of a disjointed end to this one, Daly wins a free kick from a foul. It seems England will be playing Nigeria in the next round.
90 + 4 min: So slick from China, Charles was in a good position but they manage to wrestle it off her and keep it in. China make two changes with Shen and Dou on.
90 + 2 min: A cross comes in and England almost gets to it but it evades her. China win a free kick and it’s thundered up. It comes all the way through for Earps to save. There will be 11 minutes added.
89 min: England threading some lovely passes together but it ends with Yang being fouled.
87 min: Zelem is down here but play goes on, China pings the ball into the box and Earps is forced to save after a huge shot from Chen. Zelem is back up and okay.
86 min: Goal stands! The referee didn’t need to check, VAR confirm she was onside.
86 min: I think the ref will be sent over to check this, it is taking a while.
85 min: Hang on! Could this be offside? VAR are checking.
GOAL! China 1-6 England (Daly, 84')
Lovely finish from Daly, it’s popped in by Kelly and it’s a one touch finish.
Updated
84 min: A great run form China and Yang takes a shot but it hits the referee – uncontested drop ball to come. Or is it? Because of the position of where it was going to be taken Earps has a word and the referee allows the keeper to take possession. England trigger an attack and Kelly does well to get it in a great position.
82 min: England make another change with James coming off for Toone, a huge cheer for her as she comes off after two goals. Almost a hat-trick with one goal ruled out.
80 min: England are coming forward again here, can they score again int he last 10? Tony has had his say on the penalty: “I think it was a penalty given that China were disadvantaged due to Bronze’s hand/arm. However, I would prefer those incidents to be given as an indirect free-kick and only deliberate handball given as a penalty. The booking is just daft.” An interesting take!
78 min: A long pass came into Kelly, Zhu comes out to try and take it but she makes no contact and it is an open goal for the Manchester City player.
GOAL! China 1-5 England (Kelly, 77')
A mistake from Zhu and Kelly pounces!
Updated
76 min: China make changes with S Wang and Li off for Gu and H Wu. I am surprised S Wang is off, she is one of their best players – created the most going forward.
75 min: England taking a bit of the stung out of the game with possession in their backline. China had real pressure after the penalty but James’ second has taken the momentum back.
73 min: Ah England should have been a bit more selfish there, she could have had a pop at goal but she lays it back in – Coombs can’t get it away. England have a corner though. A good delivery from Zelem but Daly’s header is over.
72 min: England make some changes with Charles, England and Kelly are on for Bronze Russo and Hemp. Charles is on for her first minutes of this tournament.
70 min: Peter has had his say on the China penalty: “Come off it, Sarah. That’s a penalty all day long. The ball was going towards the net and came off her arm. We’ve seen players sent off for that before. Let’s not let our passion for England get in the way of being sensible.” In my opinion Earps pushes Bronze into the ball and the keeper would have saved the shot regardless. That is the beauty of the game, opinions a plenty! Also I am not bias – I don’t have a horse in this race in my reporting.
68 min: Oh my word Earps that was risky. She pops the ball to Carter but it doesn’t have a lot on it and China almost pounce!
67 min: A beautiful one touch finish from James, she has her second goal. What is promising for England is that they were really under pressure there, China were in their face but England dug deep.
GOAL! China 1-4 England (James, 66')
Wow! Greenwood blasts the ball into the box but Coombs can’t get a shot away. James has it back in but it’s cleared, Carter pings it back in and James slams it home.
Updated
65 min: China are doing much better at closing England down in this half, they are wise to the game now. Chris has got in touch and said: “That was clearly ball-to-hand - Bronze had nowhere to go, except for dislocating her shoulder.” I agree, Earps also seems to push her arm into the ball also. It was a harsh penalty and even harsher to give Bronze a yellow for it.
64 min: Bright takes some pace out of the game, they are running the ball through the team now. Bronze finds a header to Russo but it’s out for a goal kick. Here come England again.
62 min: Bright expels the ball after China have sustained pressure here, the team feel so confident Yang tries a long range shot but it is over the bar.
60 min: Two decisions gone against Bronze now, she gave the penalty away and her offside position overturned James’ second goal. England need to collect themselves here, though China need to push while the team are hurting.
59 min: S Wang was the player to score a penalty against Haiti and she does it again for China. Earps nowhere near it, a start of a comeback perhaps.
PENALTY! China 1-3 England (S Wang, 57')
S Wang steps up to the spot and it’s in! A lovely penalty that.
Updated
56 min: The positioning looks like Earps would have stopped it even if Bronze didn’t touch it but the referee decides a penalty and a yellow card. Bronze looks baffled.
55 min: The referee has been asked to have a look at this, has it hit Bronze? It hits her arm but they look in a natural position, a penalty could come here.
54 min: James loses possession and Wu comes away with it, she hits a great strike but Earps saves – conceding a corner. Yao takes the corner, a lovely delivery and it pinballs. It looks like it has hit Bronze’s hand, a penalty to come? VAR will check
Updated
52 min: Greenwood takes and it is a good delivery, Bronze leaps but can’t quite get to it. Also just to confirm England are playing a 3-5-2.
51 min: Tor has got in touch and said: “As a United fan, I’m not surprised by how brilliantly Zelem has slotted into this England side - she was the logical choice, an experienced midfielder, dead ball specialist, naturally slots into this role. The Laurens are also on absolute FIRE. I don’t think we’re back to our Euros best yet. but we’re no longer in a state where we’re overly worried by the prospect of Nigeria, and that’s a good start. More of this please!” Zelem has played really well so far, a great delivery from the corner. England have the ball here but they are slowing it down a bit to settle. Coombs wins a free kick.
49 min: Coombs losing out there, she tried to find Hemp but Chen collects. Bright disrupts the play but they come away with it and then Greenwood does well to win it and England counter. Possession exchanges hands more, frantic start to the second half.
47 min: Bronze has a loose ball and S Wang works it forward, the defender tries to make up for her error but Lou gets a shot in – it is straight at Earps.
Back underway! China 0-3 England
So can England continue this game as they started it? Or will China get back into this? Stanway is off for Coombs, the midfielder is changed as Stanway was on a yellow from another game.
Updated
Our reporter Suzy Wrack is in Australia and she has had her say on James’ second goal being ruled out. She has tweeted: “Steaming pile of sh**e decision that.” Do you agree?
Lauren James is denied of a wonderful second goal thanks to VAR 😫
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 1, 2023
Do you think Lucy Bronze was offside?#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/VLJTeCuQaI
Just look how much space James has on the edge of the box for her goal. China completely ignoring her threat and they were punished (the clip is from ITV and so some may not have access):
LAUREN JAMES MAKES IT THREE 🦁🏴
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 1, 2023
James smashes #ENG's third from outside the box 🌟#FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/izdessl6jF
Despite that goal being ruled out, it has been a much improved performance from England. China look threatening when they do get the ball in the final third but England defenders, especially Bright, are doing a good job of keeping them quiet.
Half-time! China 0-3 England
Well no Walsh? No problem for England! The Lionesses look back to their brilliant best with clinical finishes from Russo and Hemp and an absolute stunner from James sees them three goals to the good and looking likely to top the group.
NO GOAL! China 0-3 England
I have to be honest, I am confused about why this has been pulled for a check. Bronze is offside apparently, the stunner is ruled out.
Updated
45 + 7 min: Ah Bronze may have been offside in one of the chances from the corner before it comes to James.
45 + 6 min: Oh hang on, they are checking for an offside here. Will it stand?
Updated
GOAL! China 0-4 England (James, 45+5_
SPEECHLESS! What a thunderous strike. It comes out to James from the corner and she booms it home. WOWOWOW.
Updated
45 + 5 min: Zhu pushes away the effort but England come again, Bronze wins another corner.
45 + 4 min: Russo wins a corner after another chance pops into the box.
45 + 3 min: Daly is back to her feet and okay to continue.
45 + 2 min: Daly receives treatment on the pitch and it allows the teams to take on some water, hopefully she is okay. There are four minutes added.
45 + 1 min: The delivery is good but Bright heads away and China continue to press, it comes in and Li almost gets to it! Jeez. Daly is down here injured, I think she took an elbow to the face.
45 min: Bronze concedes a corner and China have a chance to throw a punch at the end of this half.
43 min: That was poor defence from China, they were concentrated on the threats in the box and did not have a player anywhere near James. Really well worked, straight off the training pitch. Emphatic from England so far.
GOAL! China 0-3 England (James, 41)
OH MY WORD JAMES! Bronze wins a free kick on the edge of the area and Zelem is over the ball. James is left unmarked on the edge of the area, she strikes it and it’s a stunner.
Updated
40 min: Zelem, who has risen to the occasion of her first start, is involved in England’s latest attack. china need to get S Wang on the ball, she is their best chance of getting back into this.
38 min: Zelem over the corner, great delivery but no one can get on the end of it. China trying to counter now but they are unable to do so quickly.
37 min: Stanway puts in a cross but it has too much on it, Daly though does amazingly to keep it in play! It is crossed in and Stanway gets a head to it but Zhu has it over the bar – corner.
36 min: Hayes cannot stop praising Wiegman for her game plan and I have to agree, to think Walsh is injured, Toone and Kelly are on the bench and the team are still so dominant! England again in possession.
34 min: Bronze is unlucky to not score! She gets a header to one post, picks up the ball on the rebound and it hits the other post! Everything has clicked today for England, Bright seems back to her best, Russo creating something from nothing and Hemp with some lovely runs. China may be a bit shocked by England’s formation but they need to create something soon – they need to win here.
32 min: China have sustained pressure around the box but Zelem recovers for England and they are on the attack now. This is much more like the team England fans came accustomed to last summer. It comes into the box, Hemp has some nice footwork but her shot is wide. However, she was offside.
30 min: A lovely ball into the box from China and Bright heads away. It comes to James but Chen wins a corner! S Wang sends it in but Bright heads away.
28 min: The first game of this World Cup where England have scored more than one goal and both from open play.
Updated
GOAL! China 0-2 England (Hemp, 26')
WOW! That all comes from a confident recovery from Bright. There’s a great run from James who passes to Hemp and what a class finish.
Updated
26 min: James does well to get away from three defenders to keep England’s attack alive. After a good build-up it is James in the end who loses the ball but Greenwood gets back to cut out China’s counter.
24 min: Carter heads a chance away, it pinballs around and there is a shout for handball. I’m sure it is being checked but nothing has been given yet. In the other game, Denmark have scored a penalty. China do looks very deadly when they have front foot ball, England’s defence not totally comfortable.
22 min: China want a free kick on the left side after their attack ends with Bronze winning the ball but nothing is given. Li tries to ping a ball upfield but Daly sees it out for a throw and England quickly win it back.
20 min: Zelem takes it, it comes to Bronze who delivers in but China clear easily – a wasted chance there.
19 min: Russo seems to have a huge fan in Nick, who has said: “Alessia Russo is such a great player, any kid or adult watching how to play from the front, she is an exceptional example, back tackling, holding the ball up, passing is excellent, and what a smart finish that was, the keeper was not getting near that so far in the corner tucking it back in. Any numpty that says it’s women’s football is on the wrong side of the argument here, I am convinced she would rinse out 99% of everyone from amateur to professional level playing men’s or women’s football.” she is definitely a dynamic player, Arsenal have got a good one there! Daly wins a free kick after a foul.
18 min: Oo Earps gets a touch with England running it back to her, China have not troubled the keeper at all yet. Greenwood sees the ball out for a China throw in, Li takes it but it rolls towards Earps who gets England back on the attack.
16 min: Russo looks like a different player from the opening two matches, she is playing much more freely and creating a lot more.
14 min: England on the break, a huge run from Russo – a great creative play – and she passes to Hemp but she is well tackled! Not only did it stop a probable goal but also a corner, a goal kick.
14 min: I haven’t seen England in this much possession for a long time, they are completely dominating the opening stages. A heavy touch sees China win it but England’s ball recovery is impressive. Zelem by the way is not only on for her first start for England at a major tournament, it’s her first ever start!
Updated
12 min: Oh James, the footwork! The Chelsea star retains the ball and they send it back and forth. A lovely turn from Hemp and Zhu tries to cut out the chance, the keeper doesn’t get there but no England player could get on the end of it. So close to a second.
10 min: England back in the box but they decide to run it back to halfway, well marshalled by China. Hemp with a great run, really good play there – her pace is scary. England have a throw and they work it through the back line.
8 min: I was just writing about no real chances in this one and England sensed my typing and changed the course of the post! China have not faded since it was scored though, they know what they need to do.
6 min: A lovely finish from Russo but it was not very powerful, Zhu will be disappointed she didn’t get something on that.
Updated
GOAL! China 0-1 England (Russo, 5')
How did that go in?! Hemp with a brilliant cross and it’s a controlled effort.
Updated
4 min: Bright makes a long pass but Bronze can’t control. Stuart has got in touch and said: “Not sure nervous is quite the word! I’d love a confident and convincing win today please. No high drama, no injuries. If you could sort that I’d be grateful.” Haha, I can have no bearing!
2 min: The atmosphere seems quite lively, a 15,000 seater here. England settling into the game and Daly seems to be in the back, a 3-5-2 according to Emma Hayes on comms!
Kick-off! China 0-0 England
Here we go then! Can England get the job done? Or will China upset the party? We will soon find out …
Awaiting whoever go through here is Australia and Nigeria, the group winners will face Nigeria and the runner-up co-hosts Australia. Nervous? It should be a great match!
The players are on the pitch ready for this one. The anthems will be getting underway shortly! England only need a point, China need to win. All to play for.
An update on the conditions in Aus:
Bit chillier over on the south east coast tonight! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/dKJLQL1IuM
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 1, 2023
Lucy Bronze has spoken to ITV and said: “Keira [Walsh] arguably one of the best players in the world, let alone this England team. Luckily enough for us we have plenty of players who can come in and fill the spot. She is doing really well, she is in good spirits. She is fully focused on her recovery but for us it is important for us to focus on the game. I think as an England team we are adaptable, we didn’t show that at the Euros as we were lucky enough not to lose players.”
Updated
Earlier today Group E was decided with the Netherlands going through as group winners and the US squeaking in as runners-up. You can read the reports for those:
China manager Shui Qingxia has said: “This is a complex group. The most critical aspect is to perform our brand of football well. Players should maintain a positive mental and physical attitude. I hope we can find the net.”
A year ago yesterday was the Euros final where England beat Germany 2-1 to win the trophy. It’s one of my favourite football memories, what is yours? Let me know via Twitter or email.
Niall has got in touch and said: “Good luck to England today but I think China could get all 3 points. Their record is impressive.” You’re right they have reached the quarter-finals twice previously and were unlucky to lose at the death to Denmark. With arguably their best player Shuang Wang starting it could be a long game for England. The Lionesses will be the favourites to win though.
Sarina Wiegman gave an update on Keira Walsh yesterday, Walsh went off with a knee injury against Denmark last time out:
There has been a lot of chat around England squad depth with Walsh’s injury but head coach Sarina Wiegman has instilled belief in all of her players. Check this interview out:
Another guess at England’s formation, everyone is coming in with different thoughts!
A 4-2-3-1?
— Anita Asante (@NicenNeetz) August 1, 2023
Jess Carter sitting in as a holding defensive mid with Zelem? If so this is really great call from Sarina.
I said on the weekend that Jess could play there - she did so for Birmingham and as we know she's so good 1-1 defensively.
I could be wrong though 😂 #ENG https://t.co/1WpBUKwRIJ
The question for England is around their formation. With Carter coming in does that mean Daly will play on the wing? And if England have a 4-4-2 will Hemp or Daly slot into the midfield? Russo is named up front and she typically plays in the middle, we will have to wait and find out!
The team news is in! China have made one change and it is a forced one. Rui Zhang is serving a suspension after being handed a red card against Haiti and so exciting player Shuang Wang is in.
China starting XI: Yu Zhu, Mengwen Li, Shuang Wang, Wei Yao, Shanshan Wang, Lina Yang, Jiahui Lou, Qiaozhu Chen, Lingwei Yao, Chengshu Wu, Linyan Zhang
England, meanwhile, make three changes with Lauren Hemp, Jess Carter and Katie Zelem in for Chloe Kelly, Keira Walsh and Ella Toone. Zelem has her first start at a major tournament.
England’s starting XI: Earps, Bronze, Greenwood, Bright, James, Stanway, Daly, Hemp, Carter, Zelem, Russo.
The #Lionesses' team news is in! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/i0t225ILP3
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 1, 2023
Preamble
Good morning, afternoon or evening, whatever time it is where you are! Coming up is China v England, a deciding match in Group D with all four nations in the group able to progress.
Let’s start with the two in this match. England will progress with a draw or win against China. They could even qualify if they lose to China but they would need Haiti to beat Denmark – if they didn’t head-to-heads would decide who progresses.
For China, they will go through if they beat England but need Haiti to defeat Denmark. If not the head-to-heads come into play. A draw would be enough if Haiti beat Denmark and if both games draw there we would get into the head-to-heads again. If China lose they will be relying on Haiti beating Denmark and on head-to-heads.
The other match in this group will see Denmark take on Haiti. Denmark progress if they win, unless England lose to China, in which case tie-breakers will be required. A draw would be enough for the Danes but they would need England to win. If both games finish level then tie-breakers will be required.
And the maths on Haiti’s progression are much simpler! They must beat Denmark and hope England defeat China PR to have a chance of going through via the tie-break criteria such as goal difference and head-to-heads.
Do not fret about working out the permutations as we go, I’ll update you! But first is the team news! Stay tune for updates.
