Having already booked their place in the next round thanks to victories over Haiti and Denmark, there wasn’t much riding on their game against China.
But that didn’t stop the Lionesses producing a magnificent performance to round off the group stage, hitting China for six and heading into the next round brimming with confidence.
In front of a packed-out crowd at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, it is easily the performance of the tournament so far!
Six of the Best
Once again, it was Chelsea’s Lauren James that was the star of the show.
With a goal and two assists at half-time, the 21-year-old continued her fine form with a high-quality first-half display.
Her first contribution came with just four minutes on the clock. Lauren Hemp whipped a dangerous ball into the box that was well dealt with by the China defence. James was first to it, nodding a neat header down to the feet of Alessia Russo, who guided her finish past the inside post.
An opening goal of the tournament for the new Arsenal striker.
England’s second came 20 minutes later after some outstanding defensive work from Millie Bright to set up the attack. She intercepted the ball brilliantly, took on the player in front of her and then nudged the ball into path of Lauren James.
James looked up to find Hemp making a dangerous forward run and the pace on the pass was inch perfect. Hemp’s touch was good, leaving her with just the keeper to beat, which she did with ease.
James rounded off the half with a deserved goal just five minutes from the break. Alex Greenwood pulled an indirect free-kick back to edge of the area, where the winger was waiting to whip the ball into the far corner. England three-nil up and coasting at the interval.
China pulled a goal back thanks to a Wang Shuang penalty kick, but England soon restored their three-goal cushion and once again it was Lauren James. This time on her left foot, she volleyed the ball beautifully passed the helpless Yu Zhu in net after a delicious cross from Jessica Carter.
A mix-up at the back let Chloe Kelly in for an easy tap-in to an open goal to make it five, before Rachel Daly added the gloss with a fine finish for the Lionesses’ sixth.
Shiv Takes Adelaide
Birmingham and Jamaica defender Shiv Wilson (@wilsoncoachinguk) has been getting in on the action for us down under!
If you haven’t been checking out the socials, Shiv has been following the Lionesses to every game this tournament, chatting with fans, going to matches and sharing the vibes with us!
She’s also been hittin’ up JD stores in each city to make sure she’s lookin’ fresh for matchday. This time, in Adelaide, Shiv rocked a full Nike Tech Fleece ‘fit that looks fire and feels great, with a clean set of Nike Air Max Pulses to finish up.
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Onto the Knockouts
Next up for the Lionesses, Nigeria in the Last 16 on Monday.
The game will be played at the Suncorp Stadium in Milton, Australia. Can the Lionesses maintain their 100% record and reach the quarterfinals?
Make sure you’re backing the girls all the way in the latest England kits, with our full range of WWC23 kits here!
Stay locked in on the socials for all the action from Australia and New Zealand by following @JDFootball!
