England smash China to reach Fifa Women’s World Cup last 16
England’s Lionesses toppled China 6-1 today to progress through to the last 16 of the Fifa Women’s World Cup Down Under.
The result means Sarina Wiegman’s team will take on Nigeria in their first knockout match next week.
England had almost limped their way through their group stage – Group D – with laboured 1-0 victories over both Haiti and Denmark but they cemented their place as a team to watch with their demolition of China, a team they had not faced since 2015.
Alessia Russo put the Lionesses ahead in just the fourth minute with a beautiful opener before Lauren Hemp doubled England’s lead.
Lauren James got the first of her two goals in the 41st minute before doubling her tally 20 minutes after half time following a Chinese penalty conceded by Lucy Bronze.
Chloe Kelly got in on the act deep in the second half before Rachel Daly made it six.
There were 13,497 in attendance in Adelaide.
The World Cup of 16 so far
Saturday, 5 August
- Switzerland (winners Group A) v Spain (runners-up Group C) – 06:00 BST, Auckland
- Japan (winners Group C) v Norway (runners-up Group A) – 09:00 BST, Wellington
Sunday, 6 August
- Netherlands (winners Group E) v Runners-up Group G – 03:00 BST, Sydney
- Winners Group G v United States (runners-up Group E) – 10:00 BST, Melbourne
Monday, 7 August
- England (winners Group D) v Nigeria (runners-up Group B) – 08:30 BST, Brisbane
- Australia (winners Group B) v Denmark (runners-up Group D) – 11:30 BST, Sydney
Tuesday, 8 August
- Winners Group H v Runners-up Group F – 09:00 BST, Melbourne
- Winners Group F v Runners-up Group H – 12:00 BST, Adelaide