BREAKING: #Chelsea Star, Lauren James Bags Brace As England Humiliates China At 2023 #FIFAWWC—England hit six as they soared into the knockout stages at the Women’s World Cup with a thumping win over China.
Lauren James was the star of the show again, scoring two stunning strikes and having another controversially ruled out. Sarina Wiegman’s side head into a last-16 clash with Group B runners-up Nigeria full of confidence, having won all three group matches and conceded just once.
Two-goal Lauren James starred as England produced their best performance of the World Cup so far with a majestic 6-1 victory over China that saw the Lionesses top Group D with a perfect record.
Sarina Wiegman’s European champions shifted to a 3-4-1-2 system in the absence of the inspirational Keira Walsh and the surprise switch in tactics reaped impressive rewards via an irresistible display.
England had only needed a point to secure a spot in the knockout stage, but Alessia Russo set the ball rolling towards a superb win with an expert touch and finish to net her first goal of the tournament on four minutes.
The Lionesses’ fluid attack seemed to expose China at will and a second followed on 26 minutes when Millie Bright and James combined to feed Lauren Hemp, who made no mistake with a composed, low shot.
The lively James had already caught the eye with two assists and she deservedly got on the scoresheet four minutes before the interval with a sweet first-time strike from 20 yards out.
The Chelsea forward curled an even better shot into the top corner in first-half stoppage time, but had it chalked off for offside following a harsh VAR intervention.
VAR then again worked against England following the interval when the referee awarded a penalty for handball against Lucy Bronze on 57 minutes.
China’s Wang Shuang made no mistake from the spot, but any suggestions of a fight back were ended past the hour when James expertly volleyed home her second of the contest.
Substitute Chloe Kelly took advantage of a goalkeeping error to add a fifth before Rachel Daly rounded off the scoring six minutes from time.
The result sees the Lionesses finish at the summit of Group D with three wins from three and they will now meet Nigeria in the last 16 on Monday.
China miss out on second spot to Denmark, who will take on co-hosts Australia.
