England vs China LIVE: Women’s World Cup result and reaction as dominant Lionesses run riot

Lauren James shone again with two stunning goals as England put in their best performance of the Women’s World Cup so far to sweep aside China 6-1 and march into the last 16.

Alessia Russo gave the European champions the perfect start with a strike in the fourth minute before Lauren Hemp and James added two more to give England a comfortable lead at the break at Hindmarsh Stadium. Asian Champions China, who exit in the group stage for the first time in eight editions of the World Cup, came out firing in the second half and got a goal back through a Wang Shuang penalty.

James grabbed her third goal, however, before Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly also found the net to give England an emphatic victory as they head off to Brisbane to play Nigeria on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, the United States survived a mighty scare against Portugal to narrowly reach the last-16. The defending champions needed to avoid defeat but were inches away from crashing out when Portugal substitute Ana Capeta struck the post in stoppage time.

Relive all the action as the Lionesses thump China:

England vs China - Women’s World Cup 2023

• England play China in final Group D match, live on ITV 1

• Sarina Wiegman’s brave England switch solves key Women’s World Cup problem

• The Lionesses hammer China 6-1 to top Group D and reach last-16

• 84’ GOAL! - Daly gets her goal in the closing minutes (CHN 1-6 ENG)

• 77’ GOAL! - Kelly comes off the bench to add a fifth (CHN 1-5 ENG)

• 66’ GOAL! - James volleys home from the left side of the box (CHN 1-4 ENG)

• 57’ GOAL! - Shuang Wang converts a penalty after Lucy Bronze handball (CHN 1-3 ENG)

• 41’ GOAL! - James whips a shot to the bottom corner from the edge of the box (CHN 0-3 ENG)

• 26’ GOAL! - Hemp slots home England’s second from inside the box (CHN 0-2 ENG)

• 4’ GOAL! - Russo scores early to give Lionessses the lead (CHN 0-1 ENG)

• USA narrowly reach last-16 after 0-0 draw with Portugal; Netherlands thrash Vietnam 7-0

Today at the Women’s World Cup

16:40 , Mike Jones

Denmark end knockout drought with professional win

Denmark captain Pernille Harder converted a first-half penalty to register her maiden World Cup goal, setting up a 2-0 victory over Haiti and a spot for her side in the last 16.

The result ends a long drought for the Danes, who last advanced to the knockout stage in 1995, and will now meet hosts Australia in a mouth-watering clash in Sydney.

Denmark started with a bang and remained undeterred after a third-minute goal by defender Simone Boye was ruled offside by VAR.

Haiti midfielder Dayana Pierre-Louis conceded a penalty for handball in the 21st minute which gave Harder her moment, coolly slotting the ball in the bottom-left corner from the spot.

The Bayern Munich player could have had two more, with a 45th-minute effort ruled offside and an 83rd-minute header disallowed after forward Signe Bruun was deemed to have fouled goalkeeper Kerly Theus outside the box.

Haiti, ranked 55th in the world, showed great spirit in search of an equaliser, dominating periods after the break, but ultimately the experience of the 18th-ranked Danes shone through and substitute Sanne Troelsgaard sealed the result in stoppage time as Haiti ended their first World Cup campaign winless from three games.

Women’s World Cup: England’s attack goes from tired to inspired

16:39 , Jamie Braidwood

It is far too easy to fall into the trap of viewing this England team through rose-tinted glasses: this is a team who win games and have fun while doing so. After all, the Lionesses are the team who scored 20 against Latvia; the team who danced past Luxembourg and North Macedonia as they found a way to double figures; the team who made a mockery of any suggestion Norway were a top team with their 8-0 victory at the Euros.

In recent months that hasn’t been the case — two wingers would charge up the flanks and cross towards Alessia Russo, if couldn’t can’t find a cross then they’d try and cut inside. Rinse and repeat. It hadn’t taken much of late for teams to sit back and stifle England – the code had been cracked and the attack was neutered.

It’s a good job, then, that Sarina Wiegman has stumbled across a way forward.

England’s attack goes from tired to inspired as new-look front three devastates China

Today at the Women’s World Cup

16:30 , Mike Jones

Netherlands find goalscoring touch

Netherlands coach Andries Jonker was delighted to see his team overcome their scoring woes after they claimed the coveted top spot in Group E and powered into the Women’s World Cup last 16 with a 7-0 hammering of Vietnam.

Jonker had said before the game that he wanted the team to finish top of the group to stay clear of red-hot Sweden in the next round, and the 2019 runners-up duly delivered, hitting four goals in the first 25 minutes to set up an emphatic win.

“In the end, it turned out the way we wanted it to,” Jonker told NOS. “This is what you’re hoping for – one opportunity after another. They were fantastic goals and not lucky goals. A dream scenario came true.”

Esmee Brugts’ two long-range stunners highlighted the rampant win as, despite scoring just once in their first two World Cup game, the Dutch were 4-0 up inside 25 minutes, with Brugts’ curled effort the pick of the bunch.

Her second goal in the 57th minute was a carbon copy of the first and put the Netherlands 6-0 ahead before Jill Roord also bagged her second of the night to wrap up the emphatic win, the biggest of the tournament so far.

Lieke Martens, Katja Snoeijs, Roord and Danielle van de Donk had also scored in the first half and the Netherlands had a staggering 42 attempts at goal overall, including 17 on target.

“I’ll surely be looking back with a happy feeling,” Brugts said. “I scored two but the rest of the team also played well. The confidence level is the same as before the game. We wanted to be ranked first in the group. We managed to do so, and that’s nice.”

It’s what dreams are made of – Lauren James ‘buzzing’ as England reach last 16

16:20 , Mike Jones

England star Lauren James said her performance in the 6-1 World Cup romp over China was “what dreams are made of” as they advanced to the knockout stage.

Playing in the number 10 role, the Chelsea player scored twice and produced three assists, while also having a goal disallowed, as the Lionesses finished top of Group D in style to set up a last-16 tie with Nigeria.

James, who also scored against Denmark, has been the standout player for Sarina Wiegman’s side and enjoyed her evening in Adelaide.

It’s what dreams are made of – Lauren James ‘buzzing’ as England reach last 16

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England thrash China 6-1 to reach last-16

16:10 , Mike Jones

The celebrations begin for England as they move into the knockout rounds at the Women’s World Cup. They’ll face Nigeria next.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England thrash China 6-1 to reach last-16

16:00 , Mike Jones

Millie Bright: England’s captain leading Lionesses into last-16 of Women’s World Cup

15:54 , Mike Jones

With the Lionesses’ Euro 2022-winning captain Leah Williamson forced to miss out on the World Cup through injury, coach Sarina Wiegman has entrusted the responsibility for leading the team to experienced Chelsea centre back Millie Bright.

Bright has been passed fit for England’s match against Haiti after recovering from knee surgery and the defender will lead the Lionesses in their Group D opener.

Now 29, Bright grew up in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, overcoming infant pneumonia and asthma to enjoy a career as a top level athlete, although her first love was equestrianism, not football.

Millie Bright: England’s captain leading Lionesses into last-16 of Women’s World Cup

Carli Lloyd slams former teammates as USA almost crash out of Women’s World Cup

15:48 , Mike Jones

Former United States women’s national team player Carli Lloyd labelled USA’s performance against Portugal “lacklustre” and “uninspiring” as they almost crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages.

The defending champions needed to avoid defeat but were inches away from elimination when Portugal substitute Ana Capeta struck the post in stoppage time.

The USA held on to scrape a 0-0 draw, enough to secure progress to the last-16 while knocking Portugal out, but the four-time winners missed out on top spot in Group E with Lloyd highly critical of the display from her former side.

Carli Lloyd slams former teammates as USA almost crash out of Women’s World Cup

When can I watch England?

15:42 , Mike Jones

England’s round of 16 fixture against Nigeria will be shown live on the BBC. The match takes place on Monday 7 August with kick off at 8.30am BST.

Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?

15:30 , Mike Jones

Women’s World Cup golden boot standings

Four goals

Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) - one assist

Three goals

Lauren James (England) - three assists

Ary Borges (Brazil) - one assist

Alexandra Popp (Germany)

Sophie Román Haug (Norway)

Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden)

Jill Roord (Netherlands)

Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?

15:24 , Mike Jones

The race for the Women’s World Cup golden boot is taking shape as the group stages continue in Australia and New Zealand.

Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa bagged a brace in the 4-0 victory over Spain to move top of the top-scorer standings, with Lauren James among those on three goals after her stunning double in England’s 6-1 win over China.

If two or more players finish on the same number of goals, the golden boot will be determined by assists and then on minutes played.

The USA’s Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe and England’s Ellen White were joint top scorers four years ago after all finishing on six goals. Rapinoe and Morgan also had three assists, but Rapinoe took the golden boot having scored her goals in less minutes.

Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?

Why was Lauren James goal against China controversially disallowed?

15:18 , Mike Jones

England cruised through to the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup having gone 3-0 up at half-time against China before ropming to a 6-1 win.

Having taken the lead through Alessia Russo’s well-taken finish, the Lionesses doubled their advantage through Lauren Hemp before Lauren James added a third after a wonderful-worked set-piece routine.

James, who scored in England’s 1-0 victory against Denmark, thought she had added her second of the game and England’s fourth in first-half added time when the Chelsea winger curled home a superb finish from outside the box with her left foot.

Having celebrated with her team-mates, however, James had the misfortune of seeing her goal chalked off after a VAR check due to a controversial offside in the build-up from Lucy Bronze.

What was the controversy?

Why was Lauren James goal disallowed at Women’s World Cup?

Rachel Daly pays tribute to late father after scoring first World Cup goal

15:12 , Mike Jones

Rachel Daly paid tribute to her late father after scoring her first World Cup goal in England’s win against China.

The Lionesses won 6-1 to emphatically secure the top spot in Group D and book their place in the knockout rounds, with Daly rounding off the scoring in the 84th minute.

Rachel Daly pays tribute to late father after scoring first World Cup goal

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

15:07 , Mike Jones

Despite not starting England’s first game, Lauren James has the most goals+assists of any player at this year’s Women’s World Cup (3 goals, 3 assists).

Today she became the first England player to be directly involved in 5+ goals in a game at the Men’s or Women’s World Cup.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

15:02 , Mike Jones

21-year-old Lauren James has two goals and two assists against China, making her the youngest player on record (2011 onwards) to be directly involved in 4+ goals in a single Women’s World Cup match.

USA’s narrow escape spells the end of Women’s World Cup dominance

14:56 , Mike Jones

The USA are still clinging on to their defence of the World Cup, but only just. Portugal’s Ana Capeta, brought on in stoppage time, came within the width of a post from sending the two-time defending champions crashing out of the tournament. If that’s how close the USA came to a first World Cup defeat since 2015, it’s a clear indication of how fragile their dominance appears to be.

After only scraping through Group E as runners-up and with Sweden, who thrashed the USA at the Olympics two years ago, likely to be next in the last-16, there is little confidence that this is the same side who entered the tournament as favourites.

Had Captea’s shot caught the inside of the post then the World Cup would have staged its biggest shock yet, with the dethroning of the four-time winners. Yet, even though Capeta’s strike agonisingly rebounded out, the nerves at the end as the USA survived only confirmed what many thought ahead of the World Cup.

After draws against the Netherlands and Portugal, the first time the USA have ever failed to win two games in the World Cup group stage, it is clear that the gap between the defending champions and the rest of the world has closed.

USA’s narrow escape spells the end of Women’s World Cup dominance

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:53 , Mike Jones

Three wins from three group games sees England progress with a 100% win rate. At times they’ve been made to work for their points but they’re growing into the tournament nicely.

England’s results so far:

22 July - England 1-0 Haiti (10:30, Brisbane)

28 July - England 1-0 Denmark (09:30, Sydney)

1 August - China 1-6 England (12:00, Adelaide)

Genius Lauren James takes over Women’s World Cup — but England must learn from rivals

14:50 , Mike Jones

Much like Lauren James’ divine second goal, this might be dropping beautifully for England. Certainly, Sarina Wiegman suddenly has clarity in a World Cup characterised by uncertainty and unpredictability. James’ very role illustrates that. The young winger’s influence from that wide role was a driving force in this crushing 6-1 win over China, that confirmed an expected first place.

It is a first place, however, that suddenly looks very different. The sight of the semi-finals, at least, is something else that’s so much clearer.

It now won’t feature Australia or Canada, and may not have any of France, Brazil or Germany. A thrilling Colombia and dangerous last-16 opponents Nigeria are huge threats, but there is the prospect that such developing teams have had their main highs. Just as importantly, the World Cup’s stand-out performers so far, in Japan, are on the other side of the draw.

Lauren James takes over World Cup — but England must learn from rivals

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:47 , Mike Jones

Here’s what the England manager Sarina Wiegman had to say to ITV1: “I said before the game we had to do things a little different than we did before. We did really well it shows how adaptive we are on the pitch.

“Today it went really well. We want to use the qualities we have now and today it worked really well.

“She {Lauren James] feels good, you can tell. She did special things today. Unfortunately that one goal was cancelled. She flows over the pitch.

“We expected China to press high because they had to win to go through. But they just stayed in shape. They didn’t expect us to play this way and they didn’t find a solution.

“It also helps when Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly can press up in and out of possession. They worked well today.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:44 , Mike Jones

ITV 1 pundit Eni Aluko called Lauren James a ‘generational talent’ when summing up England’s performance.

“I’m running out of superlatives, descriptions to describe what is a generational talent [in] Lauren James, she said, “Three goals and three assists already in this World Cup and she is just 21 years of age.

“Her [second] finish is absolutely ridiculous. The way she controls the pace of the ball. Do not underestimate how difficult that is. She controls it like a pass, first touch, she knows exactly what she’s doing.

“Her weaker foot as well. She’s already scored one with her right. Absolutely unbelievable. Amazing.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:41 , Mike Jones

England’s Chloe Kelly speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: “Unbelievable from the girls, each and every one of us really put in a shift tonight and scoring goals for fun.

“I think everyone wants to start a game as a footballer. Getting on the pitch tonight was great and getting on the scoresheet was even better.

“For the whole team’s confidence, scoring goals is brilliant. Once one goes into the net, they all start flowing so I think it’s brilliant to get that goal scoring up and the confidence is flowing in the team.”

Kelly was also asked to sum up how good Lauren James is for England as she added: “She’s special, a very special player for us and women’s football in general. She’s a special talent and the future is bright.

“I think it just shows the depth in our squad [how the change in formation worked]. We’ve always spoken about the 23 players within the group and the staff as well and it was brilliant tonight that we got that result and scoring so many goals is amazing. To be on the pitch with such a great group.

“We’re looking forward to it [the match against Nigeria]. A different test again and in world football playing against different opposition is amazing so we’re all looking forward to it.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:38 , Mike Jones

Post-match thoughts from England midfielder Katie Zelem who spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live:

“You could see by the smiles on our faces how we felt. It looked like a lot of things had come together that we had been working on on the training pitch came off.

“We announce the line-ups the night before so I was very excited, my first start for England in any game.

“China were really organised, there wasn’t too much space for me and Georgia [Stanway] in the first half but it allowed players like LJ [Lauren James] to get on the ball and who better to get on the ball in an England shirt than Lauren James?

“I’ve know LJ for a long time, played with her at Manchester United so I’ve known the talent she had so there is no surprise she is playing this well at the tournament and hopefully it will continue.

“[Nigeria are] a really tough team. Every team that gets into the knockout stages deserves to be there so we know it will be a difficult test and we’re ready for it.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:35 , Mike Jones

England’s victory over China was almost a complete performance. There were moments when the energy dropped and the tempo slowed down - which is understandable in such a high scoring game.

The forwards all got their goals, Mary Earps made some good saves and Katie Zelem looked comfortable in midfield.

When do England play next? Women’s World Cup fixtures and route to the final

14:32 , Mike Jones

Lauren James inspired England to a thrilling Women’s World Cup victory over China and now the Lionesses are into the knock-out stages of the tournament.

The Chelsea forward has produced some spectacular strikes already down under, with England rebounding from the injury loss of Keira Walsh.

Sarina Wiegman has reshuffled the pack spectacularly and England have regained their confidence, particularly in front of goal.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Lionesses’ next challenge in Australia:

When do England play next? Women’s World Cup fixtures and route to the final

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:29 , Mike Jones

Next up for the Lionesses:

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:26 , Mike Jones

Lauren James gave her reaction to ITV after the game saying: “It’s what dreams are made of. Happy for the team; everyone is buzzing. We are looking forward to the next round

“I felt free. Whether I’m on the wing or in the middle, I’m happy to be playing and contributing to goals.

“Like last game, I just thought ‘hit it and see what happens’. It was frustrating [to have a goal disallowed] but those things happen. I’m just looking forward to the next one.

“Each game, I’m looking to get better and there are many more years of improvement. I just have to stay focused.

“It’ll be very tough [against Nigeria]. Teams are catching up with each other. It’ll be a difficult game.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:23 , Mike Jones

Lauren James was, of course, named as the player of the match. She’s started two of England’s three group stage games and has won the player of the match award in both games.

James is still only 21-years-old and is setting this World Cup alight.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:20 , Mike Jones

There are still a few more teams that need to confirm their spots in the last-16. Here’s a look at which teams are through already and which fixtures are confirmed.

Already through to the knockout rounds are:

Switzerland (Group A winners), Norwary (Group A runners-up)

Australia (Group B winners), Nigeria (Group B runners-up)

Japan (Group C winners), Spain (Group C runners-up)

England (Group D winners), Denmark (Group D runners-up)

The Netherlands (Group E winners), USA (Group E runners-up).

These are the confirmed fixtures so far:

Saturday, 5 August

• Switzerland vs Spain - 06:00 BST, Auckland

• Japan vs Norway - 09:00 BST, Wellington

Monday, 7 August

• England vs Nigeria - 08:30 BST, Brisbane

• Australia vs Denmark - 11:30 BST, Sydney

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:17 , Mike Jones

With three wins from three, England finish Group D as winners ahead of Denmark in second place.

As a result the Lionesses will face Nigeria in the last-16 on Monday with a start time of 8:30am BST. That match will be live on BBC One.

Afterwards, Denmark will take on Group B winners, an co-hosts for this tournament, Australia.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:14 , Mike Jones

Lauren James has three goals and three assists already in this World Cup for England - as well as having a goal ruled out today.

James has been the star performer for the Lionesses over the last two matches and has now guaranteed herself a place in the starting line-up.

Sarina Wiegman’s brave England switch solves key Women’s World Cup problem

14:11 , Mike Jones

Rip it up and start again: if Keira Walsh’s injury spelled the end of something at the Women’s World Cup, it only did for England’s starting formation. Against China, Sarina Wiegman made her most dramatic change as Lionesses manager yet, switching to a 3-5-2 system to counter the blow of losing their key midfielder. In doing so, Wiegman unlocked England’s best performance of not just this World Cup, but in months.

The Lionesses looked like themselves again, and while England’s 6-1 win against China made sure of their progress to the last-16 as Group D winners, as much focus will be on how Wiegman has recalibrated and recharged her side ahead of the knockout stages. After two 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark there was an element of danger coming into the decider, but from the opening moments the tempo and fluidity of England’s performance erased doubts.

England have done so while veering drastically from the course they set at the Euros, where Wiegman named the same starting line-up in all six matches. But this is a new tournament and England are facing a very different challenge, which Wiegman has reacted to decisively. Wiegman could have chosen the easy option, to bring in Laura Coombs for Walsh and stick with England’s 4-3-3. Instead, Wiegman’s tweak has sparked England into life.

Sarina Wiegman’s brave England switch solves key Women’s World Cup problem

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:08 , Mike Jones

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:07 , Mike Jones

Full-time!

90+11 mins: The final whistle goes and England complete a mightily impressive victory over China. They finish top of Group D and head into the knockout rounds.

They’ve finally turned up at the World Cup with their characteristic attacking verve. Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James (x2), Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly all got on the scoresheet.

They’ll now but confident of scoring more and the Lionesses will be fancying a deep run through the tournament.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

14:02 , Mike Jones

90+7 mins: Rachel Daly is taken out deep in her own half. England will be annoyed about this amount of added time, they won’t want to pick up any injuries now that this game is over.

Denmark have scored twice against Haiti. They’re winning the other Group D match 2-0 and will be going through to the last-16 too.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

13:57 , Mike Jones

90+3 mins: Three minutes of added time have already come and gone. England are looking comfortable, they’re knocking the ball around with ease and look very comfortable in this shape.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

13:55 , Mike Jones

90 mins: 11 minutes of added time to play before this game is done. There’s been quite a few VAR checks for all these goals.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-6 England

13:50 , Mike Jones

86 mins: The goal does stand! The VAR was looking for potential offsides and may an obstruction in the build-up but nothing comes from the review and Rachel Daly has her goal.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: GOAL! China 1-6 England (Daly, 84’)⚽️

13:48 , Mike Jones

84 mins: Another one!

Chloe Kelly does brilliantly over on the right side of the pitch to keep the ball in play. She flicks it into the middle of the box and finds Laura Coombs who turns the ball to back post.

Rachel Daly is there and pokes it home.

There’s a VAR check going on though, this one may not stand.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-5 England

13:46 , Mike Jones

83 mins: Lauren James’ fabulous night is over for England. She was brilliant this evening and takes in the applause as Sarina Wiegman brings on Ella Toone for the final minutes of the game.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-5 England

13:44 , Mike Jones

80 mins: This performance from England will reverberate through the tournament.

They were one of the pre-tournament favourites to go deep in the competition but injuries and a couple of average performances had many people scratching their heads over how far they could go.

These five - maybe more? - goals will feed into the squad and give them a lot of confidence going forward. 10 minutes to play in Adelaide.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: GOAL! China 1-5 England (Kelly, 77’)⚽️

13:41 , Mike Jones

77 mins: Five for England!

A simple long ball in behind from Lauren James comes over the top as Chloe Kelly makes her run through the lines. Yu Zhu comes flying out of her penalty area but makes a hash of the clearance.

She tries to control it with her chest but knocks the ball too far away. Kelly takes over, gets to the ball and slots it into the open net.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-4 England

13:39 , Mike Jones

75 mins: Millie Bright fires a diagonal pass over to the right wing where Niamh Charles brings the ball under control. She’s got big shoes to fill in replacing Lucy Bronze but is a useful wingback and offers plenty going forward for England.

Charles slots the ball into the box for Laura Coombs but she can’t control the ball and knocks it over the byline.

Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match

15:21 , Mike Jones

For UK viewers, every game will be available to watch on the BBC and ITV.

For the BBC, there will be live coverage on television as well as the BBC Sport website with live audio commentary available on BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sounds app.

For ITV, live coverage will be available on television as well as online via ITVX.

At present, the BBC and ITV have only announced the schedule for the group stages, although the BBC have said they will broadcast both semi-finals with the final available on both channels.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-4 England

13:35 , Mike Jones

72 mins: Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp are all taken off by Sarina Wiegman as she makes a triple England substitution.

In their place come Beth England, Chloe Kelly and Niamh Charles.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-4 England

13:33 , Mike Jones

69 mins: Rachel Daly is bounced off the ball just outside the Chinese box and loses possession to Chengshu Wu. Wu looks to get forward as Daly takes her out trying to recover the loose ball.

Free kick to China.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: GOAL! China 1-4 England (James, 66’)⚽️

13:31 , Mike Jones

66 mins: Lauren James only scores bangers!

She whips a cross in from the left wing but can’t find a teammate. England collect the loose ball though as Jess Carter steps up the pitch.

She plays a one-two with Lucy Bronze then hangs the ball over to the back post. James has drifted into the area and volleys a shot back across goal, she nestles it into the far side netting and restores England’s three goal lead.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-3 England

13:25 , Mike Jones

Why was Lauren James goal against China controversially disallowed?

England look on course to cruise through to the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup having gone 3-0 up at half-time against China.

Having taken the lead through Alessia Russo’s well-taken finish, the Lionesses doubled their advantage through Lauren Hemp before Lauren James added a third after a wonderful-worked set-piece routine.

James, who scored in England’s 1-0 victory against Denmark, thought she had added her second of the game and England’s fourth in first-half added time when the Chelsea winger curled home a superb finish from outside the box with her left foot.

Having celebrated with her team-mates, however, James had the misfortune of seeing her goal chalked off after a VAR check due to an offside in the build-up from Lucy Bronze.

Why was Lauren James goal disallowed at Women’s World Cup?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 1-3 England

13:24 , Mike Jones

60 mins: The handball decision was quite harsh. She was pushed in the back by Mary Earps at the time the ball arrived. The referee judges that Bronze’s arms were away from her body, the ITV commentators disagree with that assessment.

The ball definitely struck her on the arm so a penalty is, probably, the correct decision. A yellow card for Bronze is pretty harsh though.

China are growing in confidence now though. England need to stay switched on.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: GOAL! China 1-3 England (Shuang Wang, 57’)⚽️

13:21 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Wang Shuang steps up for China. She knocks her effort low and down the middle as Mary Earps dives to the left. China pull one back and England concede for the first time in the tournament.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

13:20 , Mike Jones

Penalty to China!

55 mins: The corner ball is hooked into the front of the six-yard box and is flicked on by Lina Yang. Lucy Bronze is covering the near post and the ball hits her on the left arm just around the elbow.

VAR call the referee over to the monitor, she watches the replays and decides that China have a penalty. Bronze is also booked for the offence.

That’s harsh.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

13:17 , Mike Jones

53 mins: Save! Chengshu Wu lets fly with a shot from outside the box and curls a fine effort to the far bottom corner. Mary Earps leaps to her right and manages to push the ball wide of the post.

China win a corner.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

13:15 , Mike Jones

51 mins: Laura Coombs tries to get herself into the game with a couple of nice touches. England win a free kick after a handball and Alex Greenwood will put this one itno the box.

She whips it in looking for Lucy Bronze but the pass just goes over the right-back’s head.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

13:12 , Mike Jones

48 mins: Qiaozhu Chen lifts a cross into the England box but it’s snatched up by Mary Earps who hasn’t had much to do in all honesty.

China need to score next if they want to remain in this game.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

13:09 , Mike Jones

Second half!

Laura Coombs replaces Georgia Stanway for England at the break. Stanway was on a yellow card and Sarina Wiegman is deciding not to risk her missing the last-16 match.

Carli Lloyd slams former teammates as USA almost crash out of Women’s World Cup

13:06 , Mike Jones

Former United States women’s national team player Carli Lloyd labelled USA’s performance against Portugal “lacklustre” and “uninspiring” as they almost crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages.

The defending champions needed to avoid defeat but were inches away from elimination when Portugal substitute Ana Capeta struck the post in stoppage time.

The USA held on to scrape a 0-0 draw, enough to secure progress to the last-16 while knocking Portugal out, but the four-time winners missed out on top spot in Group E with Lloyd highly critical of the display from her former side.

Carli Lloyd slams former teammates as USA almost crash out of Women’s World Cup

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

13:02 , Mike Jones

Following Alessia Russo’s opener, England are now the first side in Women’s World Cup history to score at least once in 16 consecutive matches.

The Lionesses added two more thanks to Lauren Hemp and Lauren James before James had a second goal chalked off right at the end of the first half.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

12:58 , Mike Jones

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

12:54 , Mike Jones

Half-time!

45+8 mins: What a performance from England. They’ve blown China away in this first half and goals from Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp and Lauren James have given them a commanding lead in this final group game.

England will be going through as the group winners but they’ll want to add more goals before this match is done.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

12:53 , Mike Jones

45+7 mins: Hold up. There’s a VAR check going on for a possible offside maybe?

When the ball is played into the box initially, Lucy Bronze is clearly in an offside position. When the ball is played down, Bronze is onside and it looks as though the ball came off a defender.

The referee makes her decision though and England’s fourth goal is ruled out!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: GOAL! China 0-4 England (James, 45+4’)⚽️

12:51 , Mike Jones

45+4 mins: Lauren James just scores bangers!

She puts a cross in from the right side but can’t find a teammate. The ball drops to Lucy Bronze who rolls it back to James. James skirts along the edge of the box and lifts her shot into the far top corner.

What a strike. England have four!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-3 England

12:44 , Mike Jones

44 mins: England only needed a point from this game to finish top of Group D. They’re going to pick up all three, this has been their best performance for the tournament so far.

China haven’t been at the races. They’ve failed to react to England’s formation and are being broken apart so easily at times.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: GOAL! China 0-3 England (James, 41)⚽️

12:42 , Mike Jones

41 mins: Lauren James only scores bangers.

England win a free kick over to the right side of the penalty area. Alex Greenwood knocks it to the edge of the box where James runs onto a first time shot and whips it across the goal and into the bottom corner!

Lovely finish, great goal.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-2 England

12:38 , Mike Jones

38 mins: Lucy Bronze links up with Georgia Stanway on the right wing to set up a cross. The ball flies over everyone’s head but Rachel Daly recycles it and picks out Alex Greenwood.

Stanway drifts back into the box on the right side and waits for the cross to come back in. It does.

She leaps for the header and floats a shot towards goal but Yu Zhu manages to tip the effort over the crossbar. That was a close one too!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-2 England

12:34 , Mike Jones

35 mins: POST!

Rachel Daly receives the ball on the left side of the pitch and floats a wonderful cross into the box. Lucy Bronze arrives from the opposite wing, leaps at the ball and powers a headed effort towards the far post. Her effort is a great one and she rattles the upright!

The rebound comes back to Bronze who guides it to the opposite corner but she’s under pressure and knocks it wide of the target. England are closing in on a third goal here.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-2 England

12:31 , Mike Jones

32 mins: Chance! A switch of play comes over to Rachel Daly who nods the ball down to Lauren Hemp on the edge of the box. Hemp spins around one defender then unleashes a shot only for Wei Yao to get across and block the effort.

The offside flag then goes up against the England forward.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-2 England

12:29 , Mike Jones

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-2 England

12:29 , Mike Jones

29 mins: China win a corner that Shuang Wang comes across to take. They need to score three goals now to keep themselves in the World Cup.

The corner comes curling into the box but Millie Bright leaps high and nods it away.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: GOAL! China 0-2 England (Hemp, 26’)⚽️

12:28 , Mike Jones

26 mins: Millie Bright steps into midfield and recovers the ball after giving it away. She carries it past the halfway line before flicking it over to Lauren James.

James spins and threads a fine pass in behind the back line where Lauren Hemp collects the ball. She touches it into the box then fizzes home a side-footed effort with her left foot to open up a two-goal cushion for the Lionesses!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-1 England

12:26 , Mike Jones

25 mins: Lauren James loses possession under pressure from a cluster on Chinese shirts. China attempt to kick a counter-attack into gear and work it over to Shaung Wang on the right side.

Alex Greenwood commits up the pitch to tackle and wins the ball, knocking it out of play for a throw in.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-1 England

12:23 , Mike Jones

22 mins: China get clear of Lucy Bronze on the left side and send the ball into the box. Jess Carter gets her head to the first ball and knocks it at Linyan Zhang who seemingly handles the ball.

The referee lets play go on and England need Lauren James to put in a last ditch tackle on the edge of the box to stop a shot from range.

The ball deflects out for a throw in.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-1 England

12:20 , Mike Jones

19 mins: Mengwen Li clatters into Rachel Daly and gives away a free kick in a dangerous area. It’s inside the final third on the left side.

Alex Greenwood and Katie Zelem stand over the ball before Lauren Hemp jogs over to provide a third option. It’s a training ground move that sees Zelem knock it short to the edge of the box.

A loose pass then come back to Georgia Stanway who flicks it out to Lucy Bronze. Bronze’s cross come into the box but gets easily cleared away.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-1 England

12:17 , Mike Jones

16 mins: China have always made it out of their group whenever they’ve played in the Women’s World Cup. If they lose here, they’re eliminated from the tournament.

It’s been all England so far too. The Lionesses are controlling this match.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-1 England

12:14 , Mike Jones

13 mins: With England in possession, Georgia Stanway and Lauren James move up the pitch with Katie Zelem sitting in a holding possession.

Zelem collects the ball and threads a fine pass through to Alessia Russo who bombs in behind on the inside left. Russo curls a lovely pass into the opposite side of the box where Lauren Hemp arrives and lifts a prodded effort over the crossbar!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-1 England

12:11 , Mike Jones

10 mins: England are driving down the right side through Lucy Bronze and Lauren James. When they switch the play, Alessia Russo moves out of the central area to collect the ball wide.

She darts past the right-back and whips a cross into the middle. Yu Zhu tries to come for the ball but misses it and fortunately for China is doesn’t find a Lioness.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-1 England

12:09 , Mike Jones

7 mins: England are controlling possession and are passing it slickly. The new formation of 3-5-2 seems to be letting them flow better.

Lauren James rides a tackle on the edge of the box and looks to slip in Lauren Hemp. The pass is blocked but rolls out for an England throw in.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: GOAL! China 0-1 England (Russo, 4’)⚽️

12:06 , Mike Jones

4 mins: Millie Bright puts in a strong tackle to cut short a China attack and England transition rapidly. They send the ball out to Alessia Russo on the left side.

She threads the ball into the box for Lauren Hemp who chips it across to Lucy Bronze. Bronze is under pressure but manages to cut the ball back to Lauren James on the edge of the area.

James nods it down to Russo who’s arrived from the wing. Russo takes and touch then nestles a lovely finish past Yu Zhu to put England ahead!

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-0 England

12:04 , Mike Jones

3 mins: China are no pushovers. They’ll make England work today and have the quality up top to pile pressure on the back three of Millie Bright, Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood.

If England can score first, that should settle any nerves.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China 0-0 England

12:01 , Mike Jones

Kick off!

England get the game underway. They send the ball to the defence and look to be set up with a back three. Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly have jogged out wide.

It looks like the 3-5-2 formation.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China vs England

11:56 , Mike Jones

Here come the teams.

The players head out onto the pitch at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide. The Lionesses know that if they avoid defeat they will be through to the last-16.

The national anthems are sung, the crowd is loud.

Kick off is up next...

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China vs England

11:53 , Mike Jones

Post-match thoughts from England boss, Sarina Wiegman who told ITV:

“We start with our style of play, then we have a plan, then we put the players in place and come up with a starting line up. Every partnership in the team is important, but we all know Katie [Zelem] can connect defence to attack.

“You’ll see when we start [what roles Lauren James and Rachel Daly will play], but we made a couple of changes. We look at ourselves, then the opponent, then we look at the plan tactically.

“They have an organised team and have done well. They can go direct but want a possession game high up the pitch. We are wary, but they should be for us too.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China vs England

11:50 , Mike Jones

The Lionesses have won each of their last seven group-stage matches, keeping a clean sheet in their last four such games.

In both the games in 2023, goalkeeper Mary Earps has been called upon to make some big saves.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China vs England

11:46 , Mike Jones

England have scored in each of their last 15 matches at the Women’s World Cup. They’ve netted 25 goals across those matches in a run that stretches back to 2015.

Should they score against China today, they would become the first team to score in 16 consecutive matches in this competition.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China vs England

11:42 , Mike Jones

England have won their last group game in each of the previous five editions of the Women’s World Cup. A victory today would see them top the group and progress with a 100% win rate.

Meanwhile, China have never lost their final group stage game at the Women’s World Cup (five wins, two draws). However, those two draws both came in their last two appearances in the competition.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China vs England

11:38 , Mike Jones

China have failed to score in each of their last four Women’s World Cup matches against European sides since beating the Netherlands in the 2015 edition of the tournament.

Will the net one against the Lionesses today?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China vs England

11:34 , Mike Jones

This will be the sixth meeting between China and England across all competitions and the first since October 2015 in the Dewellbon Cup which China won 2-1.

The Asian side have lost just one of their five games against the Lionesses to date (three wins, one draw), a 2-1 defeat in April 2015.

England can cope without Keira Walsh – here is how Sarina Wiegman can adjust

11:30 , Mike Jones

“When Keira Walsh got injured, there was a collective groan of sympathy for a world-class player missing the rest of the tournament, but also for the rest of England’s squad. They must now deal with the loss of Walsh, the deep-lying playmaker who knits the team’s approach play together and so brilliantly patrols the space in front of the back four.

“Walsh is probably Sarina Wiegman’s most important player, certainly in the absence of Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, and England have now lost all three of the players who led them to European Championship glory.”

Here’s Kelly Smith’s latest column on how the Lionesses can win without Keira Walsh:

Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust

England provide Keira Walsh injury update in Women’s World Cup boost

11:26 , Mike Jones

England’s Keira Walsh did not suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Denmark at the Women’s World Cup and could feature later in the tournament after the Lionesses confirmed the midfielder will remain with the squad.

Walsh was stretchered off in the Lionesses’ 1-0 win against Denmark on Friday and there were fears that the 26-year-old had become the latest star in women’s football to suffer an ACL tear – with England captain Leah Williamson and forward Beth Mead among several star names to be ruled out of the World Cup due to the injury.

The Barcelona midfielder was left on crutches after stretching for the ball and catching her studs on the turf, but a scan yesterday afternoon revealed that the injury was not as bad as it first looked and there was no serious ligament damage.

England provide Keira Walsh injury update in Women’s World Cup boost

Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?

11:22 , Mike Jones

The race for the Women’s World Cup golden boot is taking shape as the group stages continue in Australia and New Zealand.

Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa bagged a brace in the 4-0 victory over Spain to move top of the top-scorer standings, with Brazil’s Ary Borges among those on three goals after hitting the first hat-trick of the tournament in her nation’s thrashing of Panama.

If two or more players finish on the same number of goals, the golden boot will be determined by assists and then on minutes played.

The USA’s Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe and England’s Ellen White were joint top scorers four years ago after all finishing on six goals. Rapinoe and Morgan also had three assists, but Rapinoe took the golden boot having scored her goals in less minutes.

Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Group D finale

11:17 , Mike Jones

How does each team qualify?

Haiti

- Haiti must beat Denmark and hope China lose to England. It would then come down to goal difference, with three teams (Haiti, Denmark and China) all level on three points.

Therefore, if Haiti win by more than one goal and China lose, they are guaranteed to go through.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Group D finale

11:14 , Mike Jones

How does each team qualify?

China

- China will go through if they win and Denmark draw or lose.

- If China match Denmark’s result of a win and a draw then it comes down to goal difference.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Group D finale

11:11 , Mike Jones

How does each team qualify?

Denmark

- Denmark will go through if they win and China draw or lose.

- If Denmark and China finish with the same result, it will go down to goal difference and then goals scored in their final group match. They currently have identical goal records after losing a match 1-0 and winning a match 1-0. Denmark will also go through ahead of England if the Lionesses lose to China by more than one goal.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Group D finale

11:08 , Mike Jones

How does each team qualify?

England

- Will qualify with a win or draw against China, which would also confirm top spot in Group D and a last-16 tie against Nigeria.

- England can still qualify with a defeat against China, but they require Denmark to lose or draw. If England lose and Denmark fail to win, the Lionesses will finish second if China overtake them on goal difference.

- If England lose and Denmark win, the Lionesses would need to finish with a better goal difference than one of China or Denmark. England therefore cannot lose by more than one goal.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs China

11:05 , Mike Jones

Group D results and upcoming fixtures

There hasn’t been many goals so far in Group D with all four on the fixtures ending in 1-0 wins. England have won both of their matches (against Haiti and Denmark) while Denmark have one win (versus China) and China have one win (versus Haiti).

England 1-0 Haiti

Denmark 1-0 China

England 1-0 Denmark

Haiti 0-1 China

England vs China (12pm BST)

Denmark vs Haiti (12pm BST)

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China vs England

11:04 , Mike Jones

Sarina Wiegman has made a few adjustments to her starting line-up for this match against China which could also point to a change in formation.

Jess Carter is back in defence and will slot in alongside Millie Bright. Should England maintain a 4-2-3-1 that would push Alex Greewood to left-back.

Katie Zelem gets her first start as she replaces the injured Keira Walsh and will partner Georgia Stanway in midfield, while Lauren Hemp returns to the the XI.

There are rumours that the Lionesses could try out a 3-5-2. In this case Bright, Carter and Greenwood would play the centre-back roles.

In midfield Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly will slot in as the wingbacks with Stanway, Zelem and Lauren James as the midfield trio. Hemp and Alessia Russo will be in the forward line.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: China vs England line-ups

10:59 , Mike Jones

China XI: Zhu; Li, Shuang Wang, Wei Yao, Shanshan Wang; Yang, Lou, Chen, Lingwei Yao; Wu, Linyan Zhang.

England XI: Earps; Bronze, Bright, Carter, Greenwood; Zelem, Stanway; Daly, James, Hemp; Russo

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs China

10:57 , Mike Jones

What is the team news?

England midfielder Keira Walsh has been ruled out of the match against China, but could play later in the World Cup after the Lionesses confirmed she had not suffered an ACL injury.

England have a fully fit squad elsewhere. Sarina Wiegman made two changes for the win against Haiti, with Lauren James and Rachel Daly set to keep their places.

Laura Coombs replaced Walsh when she was stretchered off against Denmark and could start, with Georgia Stanway moving back to the holding role.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:54 , Mike Jones

Former Spain midfielder, Vicky Losada, is worried about how the USA will fare against Sweden in the next round. Speaking on ITV 1 she said:

“I think Portugal’s style was one of the worst to play against for USA. Sweden is a bit similar to them. They need to analyse, bring their confidence up.

“It’s great to see how the tournament is changing, how the small teams are getting better and I think it’s amazing for women’s football in general.”

Meanwhile, former Scotland midfielder, Kim Little, spoke about the USA’s struggles against Portugal adding: “It is unusual for the USA to be in this position and credit to Portugal for their performance.

“They tired a little in the second half and they got the chance at the end. I really enjoyed watching them.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:50 , Mike Jones

Portugal end their first World Cup campaign with a clean sheet from two of their three games.

Only Switzerland and Japan (both with three) have more in this summer’s competition. It’s a heartbreaking way to go out of the tournament but the US pipped them right at the end.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:47 , Mike Jones

Alex Morgan came out for the post-match interview and gave her thoughts on the US’s campaign so far.

“It’s tough to be second, we wanted to go through first,” she told ITV. “This team gave everything, we just didn’t put the ball in the back of the net.

“In the last few minutes, we had to hold it down and get the result to move on. It’s not the result we wanted but we move forward. It’s just not going in the back of the net.

“We have so many corners and we have so many opportunities, we get the crosses. It’s just unlucky. It’s about following through with shots and making the right decisions in front of goal.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Portugal 0-0 USA

10:44 , Mike Jones

Group E standings.

After a 7-0 mauling of Vietnam, the Netherlands finish top of Group E and make it into the last-16 as group winners with seven points.

The USA come second on five. Their draw against Portugal was enough to keep them ahead of the European side with end their campaign on four points.

Vietnam round out the group with three defeats from three and a -8 goal difference.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website