England Crush China to Set up Last 16 Clash with Super Falcons

England’s Lauren James produced a sensational individual performance as the Three Lions entertained to sweep aside China 6-1 to set up a Last 16 clash with Nigeria on Monday at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Adelaide, Australia.

The victory confirmed England as winners of Group D to play the runner up team of Group B which happens to be the Super Falcons.

England’s display was worthy of their status as European champions and James once again lit the stage alight in Adelaide with two sensational goals and three assists.

The 13,497 in attendance were treated to a masterclass from Chelsea’s James, who announced her arrival at the World Cup with the match-winner against Denmark on Friday.

She helped England get off to the perfect start when she teed up Alessia Russo for the opener, and later slipped the ball through to Lauren Hemp to coolly place it into the bottom corner.

It was largely one-way traffic as England dominated and overwhelmed, James striking it first time into the corner from the edge of the box to make it 3-0 before another stunning finish was ruled out by video assistant referee (VAR) for offside in the build-up.

China knew they were heading out of the tournament unless they responded, so they came out with more aggression in the second half, unnerving England slightly when Shuang Wang scored from the penalty spot after VAR picked up a handball by defender Lucy Bronze. But three more goals condemned the Asians to return home empty handed.

Denmark defeated Haiti 2-0 to finish as Group D runners up and are to play Australia for a place in the quarter final on Monday.