After topping their group with three wins from three, the Lionesses face Nigeria in the Round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup on Monday evening in Australia
England boss Sarina Wiegman flexed her tactical acumen to deliver the European champions’ most vociferous statement Down Under yet when they skelped China 6-1 in their final group stage match of the tournament.
Chelsea starlet Lauren James ‘ artistry was all over the result, but it was Wiegman’s tinkering from a back four to an unprecedented back three in lieu of Keira Walsh’s absence that unlocked a dangerous iteration of England that looks more than capable of bringing home a first-ever Women’s World Cup trophy.
The Lionesses will face heady opposition in their mission to do so, beginning with Nigeria on Monday in the Round of 16.
The Super Falcons finished second in group B, delivering a shock 3-2 defeat to co-hosts Australia while recording goalless draws with Olympic champions Canada and debutantes Republic of Ireland to secure their berth in the knockout rounds.