The Lionesses officially book their place in the knockouts after topping Group D. Despite 3 wins in 3, their performances have been far from the European Champions we saw last summer. Expectations were high, and the pressure was on the team to step up and show their capabilities.
After key player Keira Walsh was stretchered off during the game against Denmark, fans were anxious to see how England would replace the defensive midfielder.
Zhang Rui’s red card in their 1-0 win against Haiti meant China also had to adapt their squad ahead of this game.
The Lionesses set up in a 3-5-2 with Katie Zelem making her World Cup debut in replacement of Walsh. Both Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly dropped to the bench with Jess Carter and Lauren Hemp coming back into the starting 11.
China set up in a 4-4-2 with Wang Shuang starting in the front 2. With only 1 win so far, they were hoping she could give them a chance to progress in the tournament.
England started the game strong, and it wasn’t long before Alessia Russo found the back of the net. A calm finish assisted by James put the Lionesses ahead just 4 minutes into the game. Dominating possession all over the pitch, the team looked sharp.
Millie Bright influenced their second goal with a clever step in front of the Chinese forward, passing the ball to James who assisted Hemp with her impressive strike from 15 yards out. The Chinese defence had a busy first half, but the England players couldn’t settle for just 2. Following her involvement in the first 2 goals, it was LJ’s time to shine. A free kick taken by Alex Greenwood found James’s feet at the edge of the box. Composed as ever, she curled the ball into the net first time. On the stroke of half-time, James thought she had her second, but VAR ruled it out after Bronze was caught offside. Some would say a lucky escape for China.
Confidence was high among the Lionesses going into the second half. England were determined to continue their dominant performance, one which the fans had been waiting to see.
China needed a big change if they had any chance of stopping the attacking threat from England.
Georgia Stanway made way for Laura Coombs going into the second half. The game was going England’s way but it was China who claimed the first goal of the second 45. A contradicting handball in the box from Lucy Bronze meant she was given a questionable yellow card and China were awarded a penalty.
Wang Shuang stepped up, placing the ball straight down the middle past Mary Earps. A glimmer hope for the Chinese but a wake-up call for England. Nevertheless, conceding their first goal in the tournament didn’t faze the Lionesses and in the 65th minute, Lauren James struck again.
The 21-year-old has become a crucial part of this team since her first call-up. She has a cool personality off the pitch and her performances on the pitch are calm and effortless. A precise cross from her Chelsea teammate Jess Carter ended with a slick side-foot volley into the goal. 4-1 to the Lionesses.
This @laurenjamess22 technique. 👌pic.twitter.com/MDIGKMvxJY
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 1, 2023
A triple change for the Lionesses saw Bronze, Hemp, and Russo replaced by Charles, Kelly, and Beth England. New personnel meant it was down to the subs to bring more energy into a team that was already in high spirits.
The Chinese also made changes in an attempt to solve the problems caused by England. While they had opportunities, forcing Mary Earps into some vital saves, they were unable to finish their chances.
England were the total opposite. Since stepping on the pitch, Kelly had been a threat in attack. Another pin-point ball from James and a mistake from the Chinese keeper meant Kelly could slot the ball home to make it 5-1.
Racing after the ball and scoring our 5️⃣th of the night.
👊 @Chloe_Kelly98 pic.twitter.com/OeFNInSRHk
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 1, 2023
With 2 goals and 3 assists, James left the pitch with a performance to be proud of. Replacing her was Ella Toone, a talented player who is yet to make her mark in this tournament.
Entering the final stages of the game, China hoped that they wouldn’t concede a sixth, but Rachel Daly was keen to get on the scoresheet. Assisted by Laura Coombs in the 84th minute, Daly fired the ball into the roof of the net.
Despite a valiant effort, China were unable to nullify the threat of the Lionesses. Sadly they bow out of the competition after Denmark defeated Haiti 2-0.
England will play Nigeria on Monday 7th of August and Denmark face co-hosts Australia in the knockout stages of the 2023 WWC.
The #Lionesses will play Nigeria in the #FIFAWWC last-16 on Monday! 👊 pic.twitter.com/2HEoln7tJC
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) August 1, 2023
The Lionesses have finally arrived at the tournament, but they have a long road ahead on their journey to becoming World Champions.
To read more Women’s World Cup-related articles, click here.
Follow Sporting Her on social media: Instagram // Twitter // Facebook
