Adelaide, Aug 1 (FN Representative) England eased to a 6-1 win over China PR at Hindmarsh Stadium here on Tuesday to take top spot in Group D and set up a last-16 clash with Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. A dominant first-half display from England ensured Sarina Wiegman’s side were never in danger of missing out on a place in the knockout phase. England were in front inside four minutes when China half-cleared to the edge of the penalty area, and Lauren James nodded the ball down for Alessia Russo to take a sharp touch and then finishlow past Zhu Yu. The second goal arrived on 26 minutes when Millie Bright nipped in to win the ball in midfield and then feed James, who sent Lauren Hemp in on goal for a low left-footed finish beyond Zhu. Lucy Bronze headed against the post before England scored again four minutes before half-time, when Alex Greenwood rolled a low free-kick to James on the edge of the box and she curled a superb first-time shot into the far corner. James thought she had scored a second in the fifth minute of added time following a stunning left-footed curler but, following a VAR review, Bronze was ruled offside in the build-up.
China pulled a goal back on 57 minutes when Wang Shuang rolled a penalty down the middle after Yang Lina’s flick-on from a corner struck Bronze’s arm, the decision given following a VAR review.James’ penchant for spectacular goals continued on 65 minutes when she placed a brilliant first-time volley beyond Zhu following Jess Carter’s deep cross.Substitute Chloe Kelly rolled in a fifth goal on 77 minutes after China goalkeeper Zhu was caught out by a long ball forward, before Rachel Daly volleyed home a sixth goal on 84 minutes.England coach Sarina Wiegman said, “I’m very delighted. When I said before the game that we were going to do things a little differently than we did before, I think we did really well and showed how adaptive this team is and I think they are enjoying themselves on the pitch. I think the players felt comfortable and what we want is to use the qualities we have now and try to use them a little more and today it worked really well.
What we expected from China is they would press a little higher to try to win to make a chance to go through but I don’t think they expected us to play this way and they didn’t find a solution.”England VISA Player of the Match Lauren James said, “Another day that obviously what dreams are made of. I’m happy for the team and everyone is buzzing, and we’re looking forward to going into the next round. I felt free, whether I’m on the wing or in the middle, I’m just happy to be on the pitch playing and enjoying my football. I’m happy I can contribute to goals as well. Each day, each game, I’m looking to improve and get better, and there’s many more years of improvement to come. I can always get better, I just need to stay focused.”