FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: England advance to the Round of 16 with rampant 6-1 win
The Lionesses were prolific in front of goal to beat the People's Republic of China 6-1 in their final group game.
Football
England are into the Round of 16 following a ruthless rout of People's Republic of China in a 6-1 win at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
Lauren James inspired the Lionesses to their most impressive display yet, assisting the opening two goals for Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.
The Chelsea forward then got on the scoresheet twice herself, as well as seeing another chalked out for offside, before turning provider once more for Chloe Kelly.
Rachel Daly's volley at the back post sealed the sixth goal for England, who will now head into the knockout rounds.
Wang Shuang's second half penalty was nothing more than a consolation goal for her nation, as they are sent home at the group stages due to this loss and Denmark's win over Haiti.
England 6-1 PR China
Despite wins against both Denmark and Haiti, England had failed to hit the ground running at Australia & New Zealand 2023 – that was until today (1 August).
It took them just four minutes to get off the mark, with Russo inch-perfect strike following James’s header sneaking beyond the goalkeeper.
Sarina Wiegman’s side dominated possession from then on, eventually doubling their tally in the 25th minute. James once again was the provider, this time slotting through Hemp, whose brilliant first touch gives her the space to set herself and finish beyond Yu Zhu.
Their rampant display continued as Lucy Bronze saw her thumping header richochet off the post, before her attempt at a rebound was blocked.
Fans would not have to wait much longer to see the Lionesses put the ball in the back of the net once again, this time it was James who got her name on the scoresheet. Found on the edge of the area by Alex Greenwood, England’s no.7 swept the ball into the corner, catching Yu Zhu off guard.
The 21-year-old added her second minutes later with a simply sensational cushioned effort into the top corner – but it was subsequently ruled out for offside, with Bronze deemed to have interfered with prior to getting back onside.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 01: Lauren James of England passes the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between China and England at Hindmarsh Stadium on August 01, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
England may have been three goals to the good coming into the second half, but it was China who struck first from the spot. A VAR intervention penalised Bronze for a handball in the area, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.
Wang Shuang converted the penalty, sending Mary Earps the wrong way–but it would prove to be nothing more than a consolation for her nation, as England went into another gear.
Just after the hour mark, James was on the scoresheet once more and this time it stood. Patient build-up from England would see Jess Carter’s outswinging cross find her club team-mate at the far post, who just guided the ball home with ease.
England’s no.7 was on hand to get her third assist of the evening, playing the ball through to second-half substitute Chloe Kelly; Yu Zhu came rushing off her line and looked as though she may reach it, but it was misjudged and the ball flew past her allowing Kelly to slot into an empty net for England’s fifth.
Their sixth came just before stoppage time, with Rachel Daly on target at the back post to volley home in emphatic fashion.
A RO16 clash with Nigeria awaits Wiegman and her time, while People’s Republic of China fail to progress.