Sarina Wiegman’s side could face the Matildas if they avoid defeat to China on Tuesday and finish top of Group D
England’s Lionesses are on course for a mouth-watering last-16 knockout-stage showdown with old foes  Australia. Coach Sarina Wiegman ‘s battling side could face the tournament’s joint hosts if they avoid defeat to China on Tuesday and finish top of Group D.
By then they will know if the Matildas, boosted by the return of superstar striker Sam Kerr, have beaten Olympic champions Canada in Âtomorrow’s Group B decider. Sarina will be keen to swerve Group B favourites Nigeria.
And victory against Australia could be followed with ties against Germany and Brazil on England’s side of the draw, then hot favourites the USA in the tournament final on August 20. Those games would attract huge breakfast-time TV audiences back home for a World Cup on course to draw one billion viewers worldwide.
The Lionesses’ injury woes deepened in Friday’s 1-0 victory against Denmark when midfielder Keira Walsh, 26, the world’s most expensive female player, stumbled and damaged her knee. It is feared Keira, who was bought by  Barcelona for £350,000 last year, may now be returning home.