England vs Colombia LIVE: Women’s World Cup team news and build-up as Australia face France

England face Colombia in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals as the Lionesses continue their knockout campaign in Sydney.

The European champions survived a major scare against Nigeria in the last-16, and know they will need to improve when they take on a dangerous Colombia side, who shocked heavyweights Germany in the group stages.

Sarina Wiegman’s side are without star forward Lauren James, who will be suspended for the quarter-final after the 21-year-old stamped on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie.

The Lionesses will know who could await them in the semi-finals before facing Colombia, as hosts Australia take on France in Brisbane. There will be a new winner of the Women’s World Cup this year after Sweden knocked out Japan on Friday, setting up a clash with Spain on the other side of the draw.

Follow live updates from the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, and get the latest England vs Colombia odds here

Women’s World Cup: England vs Colombia latest updates

• England play Colombia in Women’s World Cup quarter-finals with kick-off at 11:30am BST

• England survived penalty shootout against Nigeria and will be without star forward Lauren James

• Lionesses forward banned for two games following stamp, with Sarina Wiegman set to make changes

• Australia face France in earlier quarter-final in Brisbane, with winner facing England or Colombia

• Sam Kerr remains on the bench as Australia name an unchanged team

• Sweden defeated Japan on Friday to set up semi-final clash with Spain on other half of the draw

HALF TIME: Women’s World Cup: Australia 0-0 France

08:52 , Jamie Braidwood

Half time! It’s goalless at the break in Brisbane, but how?! Mary Fowler is denied by a brilliant goalline block from France defender Élisa De Almeida, denying an open goal!

France were the better team to start, but Australia grew into it before half-time.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

08:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Another problem for the Lionesses to fix?

As Sarina Wiegman gathered with her staff in Lang Park, the mood was really one of relief rather than raucous celebration; puffed cheeks instead of pumped fists.

The England manager admitted she felt “10 years older” after Nigeria put her team through it for well over two hours. This unprecedented World Cup may be losing most of the biggest names, but nobody will be able to say the path was easy if the European champions do get to the final here. Quite the opposite, and for reasons greater than the fact Nigeria have clearly been underestimated.

Wiegman actually said it was as “intense” a game as she’s ever faced. One other reason for that, however, is exactly why this tournament has been so arduous as a whole.

Every time the manager solves one problem, it feels like an even bigger one presents itself. There’s always something bigger to fix.

Now, after impressively reshaping the team in the wake of Keira Walsh’s absence, she has to do so again for Lauren James’ red-card suspension.

By Miguel Delaney

In World Cup of revolving problems, Sarina Wiegman has another to solve

Women’s World Cup: Australia vs France

08:34 , Sonia Twigg

These teams seem quite evenly matched and neither has come particularly close to finding an opener since France’s 12th minute chance.

But in the 32nd minute, Lakrar had another chance from an angle, but Mackenzie Arnold was able to make a parried save at the near post and it remains goalless.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

08:26 , Jamie Braidwood

The lowdown on Colombia

Pedigree: At 25th, the South Americans are the lowest placed of the quarter-finalists in FIFA’s rankings, but, having already helped see off one of the pre-tournament favourites Germany in the group stage, they cannot be under-estimated. Runners-up to Brazil in last year’s Copa America Femenina, they travelled to Australia and New Zealand not only determined to better their previous best of reaching the last 16 in Canada in 2015, but of making a significant impression. Victory over an England side who, barring their thumping 6-1 Group D victory over China, have not been at their best, would certainly do that.

Style of play: Colombia have been described as “raw” in their approach to the game, an expression which says as much about their physicality - a behind-closed-doors warm-up game against the Republic of Ireland was abandoned at Ireland’s request after a bruising 20 minutes - as it does their freedom of expression. Abadia is not afraid to tinker with a system in which it is pace out wide which provides the threat, although his team is based on the solid foundation of a back four which have conceded only two goals so far in the tournament.

Women’s World Cup: Australia vs France

08:15 , Sonia Twigg

Chance! France came close to finding the opener.

Maelle Lakrar was picked out at the far post but her first-time effort from close range just bounced over the bar.

It is a sign of intent from the French women’s team, who have had the majority of the possession so far.

Women’s World Cup: Australia vs France

08:13 , Sonia Twigg

There were few clear-cut chances in the opneing 10 minutes as both sides tested each other out.

The crowd did their best to put their support behind the home side, with cheers every time they cleared the ball or managed to get towards the French goal.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

08:06 , Jamie Braidwood

The lowdown on Colombia

Coach: Renowned for developing talent, 67-year-old Nelson Abadia initially learned his trade in youth and lower-division football and has worked across South America. After a spell in charge of the America de Cali women’s team, he was appointed Colombia boss in 2017 and guided them to World Cup qualification via an impressive Copa America Femenina campaign.

Key players: Two women at opposite ends of their careers have carried the nation’s hopes in some style Down Under. Inspirational skipper Catalina Usme, 33, and Real Madrid’s 18-year-old Linda Caicedo, widely regarded as a superstar in the making, have each scored two of the five goals they have managed in the competition to date. As well as Usme and Caicedo, who finished top scorer in the Colombian league as a 14-year-old, Abadia has Atletico Madrid midfielder Leicy Santos, Levante forward Mayra Ramirez and Real Sociedad defender Manuela Venegas at his disposal.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

07:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Lauren James has been handed a two-game ban by Fifa after being sent off during England’s last-16 win over Nigeria, meaning she will miss both today’s quarter-final with Colombia and the subsequent World Cup semi-final should her teammates progress.

James was shown a red card after standing on Nigeria defender Michelle Alozie during the knockout game, which England won via a penalty shootout.

The Chelsea forward was given an automatic one-match suspension and feared being ruled out of the tournament altogether, with Fifa typically increasing cases of “violent conduct” to a three-game ban. However, the governing body’s disciplinary committee showed some leniency and James could now return for the World Cup final, should England make it to the showpiece on Sunday 20 August in Sydney.

James had apologised for the incident, posting in response to a tweet from Alozie: “All my love and respect to you. I am sorry for what happened. Also, for our England fans and my team-mates, playing with and for you is my greatest honour and I promise to learn from my experience.”

How many games will Lauren James miss at Women’s World Cup after red card?

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

07:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Yesterday at the Women’s World Cup

Sweden outplayed Japan to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the fifth time. Amanda Ilestedt’s close-range finish and Filippa Angeldahl’s penalty put them in full control six minutes into the second half.

Japan did mount a late revival with Riko Ueki sending a penalty against the crossbar and fellow substitute Honoka Hayashi firing home three minutes from time.

But a Japan equaliser would have been an injustice and Sweden rightfully took their place in the last four once again.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

07:01 , Jamie Braidwood

Yesterday at the Women’s World Cup

A controversial game in Wellington saw Spain reach the last four for the first time. VAR was a main talking point with Esther Gonzalez’s effort for Spain disallowed for offside on review.

Referee Stephanie Frappart then overturned her decision to give Netherlands a penalty before VAR intervened again to give Spain a spot-kick for Stefanie van der Gragt’s handball.

After all the controversy, teenage winger Salma Paralluelo came off the bench to score Spain’s 111th-minute winner.

Women’s World Cup: Australia vs France

06:56 , Jamie Braidwood

Sam Kerr remains on the bench for Australia for their quarter-final against France.

The striker returned to action in the 2-0 win over Denmark but is still not fit enough to play 90 minutes.

The hosts name an unchanged team from their last-16 win.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

06:41 , Jamie Braidwood

Sarina Wiegman ahead of England’s quarter-final against Colombia:

“I hope we don’t have that much stress [as against Nigeria]. We’ve seen in this tournament not one game is easy for anyone. It’s so competitive. It’s the beauty of the game and the growth of the women’s game. I hope it’s decided before that but let’s hope it goes our way.

“Football is competitive. We have a plan and we play as smart and as aggressive as we can. We’re not making a plan to surprise Colombia. We have our style of play and we have analysed Colombia.

“This is another different game. We expect also a different performance and hopefully a good result for us. We know how we want to play but also what Colombia wants to do so we have our plan. We will try our best to win the game.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

06:21 , Jamie Braidwood

The semi-final line-up at the Women’s World Cup is almost complete, and there will be a new winner of the competition after Sweden knocked out 2011 champions Japan yesterday. Here are the results and knockout schedule.

Friday 11 August

QF1: Spain 2-1 Netherlands (after extra time)

QF2: Japan 1-2 Sweden

Saturday 12 August

QF3: Australia vs France (08:00, Brisbane) - ITV 1

QF4: England vs Colombia (11:30, Sydney) - ITV 1

Tuesday 15 August

SF1: Spain vs Sweden (09:00, Auckland)

Wednesday 16 August

SF2: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 (11:00, Sydney)

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

06:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Mary Earps on England’s defence at the World Cup, which has yet to concede a goal from open play:

“We can take a lot of pride in the work we’ve done so far in the tournament. Some of our defensive work has been fantastic as a whole team. We have more gears we can go, I really do feel that. Every game it can be over in any moment. Nigeria was a fierce contest and I’m glad we could see that out. We showed great resilience. I think it’s always a reminder but we know that. We love the game, we love playing in World Cups and we want to be here as long as possible.

“I really believe the best is yet to come. There’s so much talent in the group and so many more levels we can go. That said, I think there’s an incredible wealth of talent and experience that we’ve had together as an international team but also with the teams we play for at club-level. I think it’s an exciting time to be an England player but we have to earn that right every day. We’re constantly looking to improve, drive our performances and our standards. We’re not sitting here happy to be here - we’re not satisfied, we’re not done, there’s more levels to go.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

05:44 , Jamie Braidwood

Sarina Wiegman on Lauren James and how England will adjust to her absence:

“We will just play a football game. Of course there is pressure. There are two teams that are very good. It’s obvious that they want to do that too so that’s how we approach it.

“Colombia has done very well, they are a strong team and are very together. They have some powerful players and want to get the ball to their attacking players because they are unpredictable.

“Of course we have a squad of 23 and now we miss another player and we know how we want to fill in that position. It’s a team effort. We support each other.

“We prepare of course for every team and we look at the strengths and weaknesses of the team and how they show them. We also see there is a big crowd from Colombia so we have prepared for that.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

05:36 , Jamie Braidwood

England have been installed as the new favourites in the Women’s World Cup odds after the USA and Germany crashed out of the competition.

The Lionesses were also on the brink of an early exit, but they held their nerve to beat Nigeria on penalties in the Round of 16.

UK bookmakers are now offering 3/1 on England to lift the trophy, which leaves them ahead of Spain, Japan and France in the outright betting.

They must now navigate a tricky quarter-final clash with Colombia at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday (11.30am, ITV1).

Get the latest England vs Colombia odds here

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

05:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Sarina Wiegman is one of the best coaches in the world at figuring out a tactical problem, but even she has now wondered whether she got it right against Nigeria. After hours of analysis following the last-16 tie, the thinking has been England should have gone to a back four.

It has influenced some of the approach ahead of the quarter-final against Colombia. Wiegman and her staff are expecting a similar game, and another battle. The latter, like with Nigeria, is not to just reductively describe Colombia as a “physical” team - although that is precisely how England have been preparing. Wiegman has also been planning for the fine side the South Americans are, with special attention paid to star forward Linda Caicedo.

It is more how England are now into classic tournament football, even if it is far from the historic surge through Euro 2022. While that almost became free-wheeling at times, this has been a slog.

Preview by Miguel Delaney

England reach World Cup dividing line as Sarina Wiegman faces crunch decision

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

05:32 , Jamie Braidwood

What is the England team news?

After her red card against Nigeria, Lauren James will serve a two-match suspension and will miss England’s quarter-final against Colombia.

With England’s player of the tournament unavailable, Sarina Wiegman has a selection headache as she looks to replace the creative heartbeat of the team. James shone in the No 10 position of England’s new 3-5-2 system, with Manchester United’s Ella Toone an option.

If Wiegman continues with a back three, another option she could have is replacing James with Chloe Kelly and playing the winger and Lauren Hemp either side of striker Alessia Russo in a 3-4-3.

Keira Walsh made her return from injury in the win over Nigeria, but did not look completely comfortable in England’s new system and came off with cramp at the end of extra time. Walsh is one of England’s most important players but Katie Zelem impressed in the 6-1 win against China and could be called upon again. Another player pushing for a start is Bethany England, with Russo often left isolated against Nigeria.

England’s defence is looking settled and is unlikely to change, but three players are a booking away from being suspended from the semi-finals if England make it through. Georgia Stanway, Bronze and Hemp all come into the match on a yellow card.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Colombia

05:31 , Jamie Braidwood

When is England vs Colombia?

The quarter-final will be played on Saturday 12 August at Stadium Australia in Sydney, with kick-off at 11:30am UK time (BST).

How can I watch it?

It will be shown live on ITV 1 and ITV X, with coverage starting from 10:45am.

England vs Colombia: Kick-off time and how to watch on TV

Good morning

05:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Hello and welcome to today’s Women’s World Cup coverage as England face Colombia in the quarter-finals in Sydney.

The European champions survived a major scare against Nigeria in the last-16, winning a tense penalty shoot-out after playing extra time with 10 players as star forward Lauren James was sent off.

James, who has been England’s player of the tournament, will be suspended for the quarter-final after the 21-year-old stamped on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie.

The Lionesses know they will need to improve when they take on a dangerous Colombia side, who shocked heavyweights Germany in the group stages and progressed to their first ever World Cup quarter-final thanks to a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the last-16.

England defender Lucy Bronze admitted the Lionesses are “not happy” with their level of performances so far, but victory against Colombia would move Sarina Wiegman’s side a step away from a place in their first ever Women’s World Cup final.

You can follow all the build-up to the World Cup quarter-final in today’s live blog.