Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest news and updates as England prepare for last-16 clash with Nigeria

Michael Jones

The Women’s World Cup takes a break today after a dramatic end to the group stages saw Germanyeliminated from the tournament. The No. 2 ranked side in the world failed to make it out of the group after a 1-1 draw against South Korea left them on four points in Group H, two behind Colombia and Morocco - the Atlas Lionesses’ defeated Colombia 1-0 on the final matchday.

Germany’s exit is good news for England as they would have been on the Lionesses side of the draw and could have been potential semi-final opponents. There’s a long way to go until that stage however and Sarina Wiegman will be focused only on defeating Nigeria in the last-16.

Elsewhere, co-hosts Australia made it into the knockout stages with an impressive 4-0 demolition of Canada in their final match of Group B. The Matildas needed to win to ensure their spot in the last-16 and, despite captain Sam Kerr still being injured, they swept the Canadians aside and dumped them out of the tournament. Another giant killing saw Jamaica hold Brazil at bay for a 0-0 draw and ensured they edged into the last-16 where they now face Colombia.

Follow along for the latest news and updates from the Women’s World Cup:

Womens’ World Cup 2023 - Latest news

Women’s World Cup 2023: England’s route to the final

16:50 , Mike Jones

What is England’s potential path to the final?

As Group D winners

7 August: Last 16

England vs Nigeria (08:30, Brisbane) - Live on BBC One

12 August: Quarter-final

(England / Nigeria) vs (Jamaica vs Colombia) (11:30, Sydney)

16 August: Semi-final

(England / Nigeria / Jamaica / Colombia) vs (Australia / Denmark / France / Morocco) (11:00, Sydney)

20 August: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (11:00, Sydney) - final

Women’s World Cup 2023: Lionesses group stage results

16:40 , Mike Jones

What were England’s group results?

The Lionesses made it out of Group D with a maximum tally of nine points from nine but they made tough work of the earlier games.

A retaken penalty from Georgia Stanway was the difference between them and Haiti in the opening fixture before Lauren James singlehandedly helped the Lionesses get past Denmark.

Things finally clicked into place for the final match versus China as a change in formation unlocked the potential of England’s blistering attacking talent.

Here are all of the Lionesses’ group stage results:

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)

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

16:30 , 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.

Who are England playing next at the World Cup?

The Lionesses finished top of Group D with three victories from three games against Haiti, Denmark and China.

The Lionesses play Nigeria, the runners-up from Group B, in Brisbane next. The last 16 tie is on Monday 7 August at 8:30am BST.

Women’s World Cup 2023: ‘Resilient’ Jamaica create World Cup history as Brazil and Marta exit

16:20 , Mike Jones

A courageous Jamaica held Brazil to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday to reach the knockout phase for the first time in only their second Women’s World Cup while condemning the South Americans to their earliest exit since 1995.

Needing a point to go through, the Reggae Girlz barely threatened to score but were tight in defence, repelling wave after wave of Brazilian attacks in a frenetic atmosphere at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

At the final whistle, the overwhelmed Jamaicans slumped to their knees and roared in joy before forming a circle to dance and sway to the Bob Marley song “One Love”.

Brazil and Marta exit World Cup as Jamaica makes history

Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco join South Africa and Nigeria in knockout rounds

16:10 , Mike Jones

Morocco are the only one of the eight teams making their Women’s World Cup debut to progress to the Round of 16, joining South Africa and Nigeria in the knockout rounds in an encouraging tournament for women’s football in Africa.

Morocco were narrowly beaten by South Africa on home soil in the final of the women’s AFCON final last year, and will again host the next edition of the continental competition, which will take place at some point in 2024.

The Atlas Lionesses have come a long way in a short space of time - after years of neglect, the team bascially had to be totally rebuilt to prepare to host that expanded AFCON last year. Former Lyon boss Reynald Pedros has done an outstanding job.

Moment Morocco realise they’ve made it through to World Cup knockouts in debut tournament

16:00 , Mike Jones

Watch the moment Women’s World Cup debutants Morocco realised they’d made it through to the knockout stages of the competition.

The nation had just beaten Colombia 1-0 in their final Group H game and were awaiting the result of the other fixture - South Korea vs Germany - to decide their fate.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Lena Oberdorf reacts after Germany exit

15:50 , Mike Jones

Germany midfielder, Lena Oberdorf, couldn’t believe what had happened at the full-time whistle yesterday when her side where dumped out of the Women’s World Cup.

“I can’t explain what happened today,” she said, “We didn’t defend the 0-1 well, but that can happen against this South Korean team.

“But we simply have to create more chances, the gaps were too big, we didn’t get into counter-pressing. We also have to be more precise in our passing - just show what we are actually capable of.

“We didn’t get that on the pitch in this tournament. The disappointment is huge, I can’t put it into words.”

Women’s World Cup 2023: Alexandra Popp “can’t comprehend” tournament exit

15:40 , Mike Jones

Germany’s captain and talisman, Alexandra Popp, was left dumbstruck when the final whistle went in the 1=1 draw South Korea signalling the end of her team’s World Cup campaign.

“To be honest I can’t comprehend it,” said Popp immediately after the match, “I don’t know what I should really say. I can’t really understand what has happened to be honest. Yeah, no idea.”

Popp also said that she wasn’t aware of the situation in Group H, which saw Morocco lead against Colombia, until the second half had started.

She added: “We didn’t know that during half time. During the second half, we were informed that we needed to urgently score. After that, I think we showed a strong desire and grit to go for a goal but somehow it just didn’t want to go in.

“I can say that Martina [Voss-Tecklenburg] did have to face a lot of emotions. I think we will have to find our composure again.

“We will need to analyse what has happened. There was not much said [in the dressing room]. We need a little bit of time now to process what has happened and to be able to find some confidence again.”

Women’s World Cup 2023: Germany suffer Women’s World Cup elimination after South Korea draw

15:30 , Mike Jones

Two-time champions Germany have crashed out of the Women’s World Cup after drawing 1-1 with South Korea in their final Group H match in Brisbane.

Cho So-hyun had put South Korea in front in the sixth minute before Germany captain Alexandra Popp equalised with a 42nd-minute header.

But Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s world number two side were unable to add to that, with Popp going closest with a header against the crossbar on the hour mark.

Germany suffer Women’s World Cup elimination after South Korea draw

Can England break cycle of World Cup shocks or will underdogs continue to thrive?

15:26 , Mike Jones

After 16 days and a group stage that was full of twists and turns, the state of play at the Women’s World Cup remains largely as it was before the start of the tournament: there is no standout favourite. Despite the shock exits of Germany, Brazil, and Canada, the tournament remains open to a number of teams and the list of contenders grew as the group stage progressed. No one is ruling out anyone, though as ever when it comes to teams punching above their weight, the question at this point in the World Cup is how long they can sustain their momentum.

One of the differences between this year’s last-16 to four years ago and previous tournaments is there are more games than usual at this stage where there is a clear underdog. That, of course, is a result of a group phase like no other in Australia and New Zealand and its string of high-profile shocks. South Africa-Netherlands, Nigeria-England, Morocco-France, and even Jamaica-Colombia, all carry the edge of potential surprises.

England will be the side that either succumbs to it or who put their foot down and break the spell of the upsets deeper into the World Cup. Sarina Wiegman’s team can benefit from the draw landing in their favour, even though the lesson from the group stage is that no side in their section can be taken lightly. With Nigeria to play and one of Colombia and Jamaica to potentially follow, it couldn’t have worked out any better when the alternative in the knockouts was facing Australia and then one of France or Germany.

Can England break cycle of World Cup shocks or will underdogs continue to thrive?

Women’s World Cup 2023: Stats from the group stages

15:20 , Mike Jones

There were five red cards shown during the group stages of this World Cup which equals the previous tournament record from 1999. Three have been straight sending offs.

While red cards are on the up, the number of yellow cards is at 1.85 per game. The lowest since the inaugural World Cup in 1991.

There’s been seven 0-0 draws so far - there were just eight in total between 1991 and 2019 - and the average length of a game has increased from 97 minutes 48 seconds in 2019 to 103 minutes in 2023.

Women’s World Cup 2023: Keira Walsh continuing rehabilitation

15:10 , Mike Jones

England midfielder Keira Walsh is continuing to recover from a knee injury.

Walsh has been undergoing an individual training programme to help with her recovery and was seen at the training camp for the first time since the Denmark game when she got injured.

The midfielder is unlikely to feature against Nigeria but may potentially be fit to play a part from the quarter-final onwards should England make it that far.

How the Women’s World Cup delivered its greatest ever group stage — against all the odds

15:00 , Mike Jones

The upsets at the Women’s World Cup group stage started on the opening day and ended with the biggest of all.

Germany, the two-time champions and among the tournament favourites, are out before the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, a result that ranks as both the most stunning shock the tournament has ever seen, while also simply continuing the theme of the greatest group stage ever played at the Women’s World Cup.

After all, hadn’t we learned to expect the unexpected?

A 1-1 draw against South Korea sealed Germany’s fate, following their dramatic 2-1 defeat to Colombia earlier in Group H. It meant Morocco, making their Women’s World Cup debut, progressed ahead of the side who thrashed them 6-0 in the opening round.

The first-ever 32-team Women’s World Cup and the decision to expand from 24 teams has been a resounding triumph: rather than creating a more predictable group stage, it has done the opposite and led to wonderfully chaotic, thrilling tournament football.

How the Women’s World Cup produced its greatest ever group stage

Mary Earps insists fearless England ready to avoid World Cup banana skin

14:50 , Mike Jones

If there is one thing that the Women’s World Cup has shown, it is that being an established side offers little in the way of protection. Germany, Canada and Brazil all have storied pasts and were tipped to go far but faltered at the first hurdle and exited at the group stages. The game has developed, other nations are catching up, and the traditional heavyweights can’t take dominance for granted.

Canada, Olympic champions, were sent packing by Nigeria, who have now booked a last-16 tie with England. They are among a host of teams to have already upset the odds in this tournament, but Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps remains insistent that her side play without fear.

An impressive unbeaten record has guided Nigeria to this stage. Draws with Canada and the Republic of Ireland sat either side a shock victory over co-hosts Australia and confirmed their runner-up spot.

Mary Earps insists fearless England ready to avoid World Cup banana skin

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

14:40 , 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

How ‘magic’ Lauren James can lead the new Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup

14:30 , Mike Jones

Sometimes there are moments in football that appear to render everything else obsolete. A split second is all it takes, time freezes, and it is as if everything else is wiped from reality. The magnitude of the rest of the highs and lows matters little; one event reduces them to minutiae.

For England that event was Keira Walsh’s injury. A stadium – and a nation back home – were sickened by what they’d seen. Her foot was awkwardly planted, her knee extended and a stretcher was brought on as her teammates embarked on futile attempts to console her.

Walsh’s injury became the talking point and the incident that overshadowed the rest. Somehow, it was as if Lauren James’ brilliance hadn’t occurred. The star of the show had lost her shine.

How ‘magic’ Lauren James can lead the new Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup

Young England fans react to World Cup win over China: ‘We’ve got our mojo back’

14:20 , Mike Jones

Young England fans have been reacting to the team’s World Cup win against China on Tuesday, 1 August.

In the video, young fans are asked how they feel about the team’s 6-1 victory in their latest World Cup match.

“I’m very happy for them. I think it’s good we scored lots of goals,” said one young fan.

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

14:10 , 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.

Women’s World Cup 2023: South Africa make history against Italy

14:00 , Mike Jones

Thembi Kgatlana scored a last-gasp winner to give South Africa their first ever Women’s World Cup win with a 3-2 victory over Italy that sent them through to the last 16 of the tournament at the expense of their opponents.

Striker Kgatlana struck two minutes into stoppage time to set up a clash with the Netherlands in Sydney on Sunday and broke the hearts of the Italians, who had only needed a draw to progress.

Italy had appeared to salvage the draw they needed when Arianna Caruso scored from a corner in the 74th minute but were left to rue what could have been after a series of late missed chances.

South Africa make history with stoppage time winner against Italy

Women’s World Cup 2023: You Ask The Questions

13:50 , Mike Jones

The Independent’s Sonia Twigg answers all of the burning questions about this edition of the Women’s World Cup, like can England actually win the tournament?

Women’s World Cup 2023: Race for the Golden Boot

13:43 , 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. Alexandra Popp, one of the pre-tournament favourites for the golden boot, joined her on four goals but the Germany captain will be unable to add any more after the two-time champions crashed out in the group stages.

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.

Women’s World Cup golden boot standings

Four goals

Hinata Miyazawa (Japan) - one assist

Alexandra Popp (Germany)

Three goals

Lauren James (England) - three assists

Ary Borges (Brazil) - one assist

Kadidiatou Diani (France) - one assist

Sophie Román Haug (Norway)

Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden)

Jill Roord (Netherlands)

Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?

13:37 , Mike Jones

The Women’s World Cup knockout rounds are set after the group stages featured a number of shocks and stunning upsets in Australia and New Zealand.

Germany, Brazil and Canada were all knocked out in the groups, with Jamaica, South Africa and Morocco among those through to the last-16 for the first time.

England are looking strong after Sarina Wiegman’s tactical tweak released Lauren James, with the Lionesses forward scoring twice in the 6-1 win against China.

It means England will play Nigeria in the last-16, with the knockout stages getting underway on Saturday with Switzerland vs Spain and Japan vs Norway.

Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?

Women’s World Cup 2023: Lionesses prepare for Nigeria

13:30 , Mike Jones

Ever since their barnstorming victory over China in the final Group D match, England’s focus has been on their last 16 clash with Nigeria.

Sarina Wiegman’s charges have been undergoing drills, trying out different formations and trying to hone their skills ahead of the pressure filled knockout rounds.

Will all the hard work pay off on Monday?

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Sarina Wiegman: The Lionesses’s all-conquering coach in profile

13:23 , Mike Jones

When Chloe Kelly scrambled home England’s winner against Germany in the Euro 2022 final last July, Sarina Wiegman achieved a feat only dreamed of since Sir Geoff Hurst’s stunning hat-trick against the same opponents at the same venue in 1966: she brought football home.

Since succeeding Phil Neville as the Lionesses’s coach in September 2021, the Dutchwoman, 53, has barely put a foot wrong, winning 28 of her 35 games in charge, drawing just six and losing only once: a chastening 2-0 friendly defeat to Australia in Brentford in April that may actually have served as a timely reality check ahead of this summer’s Women’s World Cup in the Matildas’ backyard.

It’s three out of three for her team in Australia and New Zealand so far, with the Lionesses’s putting two nervy 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark behind them with the 6-1 trouncing of China, which saw them top Group D in style and head into a round of 16 clash against Nigeria brimming with confidence.

Sarina Wiegman: The Lionesses’s all-conquering coach in profile

Lauren James reacts to stunning World Cup performance: ‘What dreams are made of’

13:15 , Mike Jones

Lauren James lit up the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday, scoring two sensational goals and bagging three assists as England ran out 6-1 winners against China.

The Lionesses emphatically secured the top spot in Group D and progression into the knockout rounds, where they will face Nigeria next Monday (7 August).

‘I felt free’: Lauren James explains starring role to inspire England at World Cup

13:08 , Mike Jones

Lauren James was in dreamland after her two superb finishes helped a resurgent England reach the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup with a dominant 6-1 victory against China.

Appearing at her first major tournament for England, James netted last match against Denmark and found England’s third goal of the match with a wonderful curling effort from a set-piece just before half-time.

The Chelsea forward was denied another shortly after when her edge-of-the-box finish was controversially ruled out for offside but found the back of the net once again after the break when her perfectly-timed volley saw England take a four-goal lead.

‘I felt free’: Lauren James explains starring role to inspire England

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

13:00 , 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

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

12:50 , 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 2023: USA’s route to the final

12:43 , Mike Jones

What is the USA’s potential path to the final? (All times ET)

Last-16 - 6 August: Sweden vs USA (5am, Melbourne)

Quarter-final - 11 August: Japan or Norway (4:30am Auckland)

Semi-final - 15 August: Switzerland/Spain or Netherlands/South Africa (6:00, Auckland)

Final - 20 August: Australia/Denmark or France/Morocco or England/Nigeria or Jamaica/Colombia (6:00, Sydney)

When does USWNT play next?

12:36 , Mike Jones

The United States survived an almighty scare to advance from the Women’s World Cup group stage - keeping alive hopes of a third successive title.

Portugal hit the post late to ensure the United States avoided an early exit at the group stages.

The defending champions opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory against Vietnam but were held to a 1-1 draw by the Netherlands, in what was a rematch of their 2019 World Cup final.

And the goalless draw against Portugal has prompted widespread criticism back home but the USA progress as runners-up from Group E, behind the Netherlands, who thrashed Vietnam 7-0.

Who are the United States playing at the World Cup?

The United States take on Sweden in the last 16 and the match will take place in Melbourne at the Rectangular Stadium on 6 August, kick-off is scheduled for 5am ET (10am BST).

The winner will play the winner of Japan vs Norway in Auckland on 11 August.

Women’s World Cup 2023: A group stage of shocks

12:29 , Mike Jones

New Zealand’s opening victory against Norway set the tone, with Colombia’s last-second win against Germany standing out as the highlight of a tournament that has so far had it all.

To add to that, Jamaica reaching the last-16 with their draw against Brazil, Nigeria’s stunning victory against Australia, and South Africa’s dramatic comeback against Italy were all brilliant moments from a group stage that delivered the unpredictability and drama of knockout football.

The number of shocks and upsets throughout illustrated that the progress and development of women’s football since the last World Cup has been felt just as much throughout the world than its traditional powers.

The gap to the top has closed: the professionalisation of top European leagues and beyond has improved standards at the biggest clubs, and is providing more opportunities to players from across the globe.

Lauren James delighted to ‘carve out’ her name with superb displays at World Cup

12:22 , Mike Jones

Lauren James headed into this summer’s Women’s World Cup having emphasised her desire to make a name for herself – and she has certainly done so with the performances that have followed.

There was already a considerable buzz around the 21-year-old forward – the younger sister of fellow England and Chelsea player Reece James – in the build-up to her first major tournament as a senior international.

And during the Lionesses pre-tournament preparations she spoke about wanting to carve out her own name, saying: “I do feel like that, a lot.”

Lauren James delighted to ‘carve out’ her name with superb displays at World Cup

My premonition about England team-mate Lauren James came true says Rachel Daly

12:15 , Mike Jones

Rachel Daly revealed her pre-match premonition about England team-mate Lauren James came true on Tuesday night after the Chelsea prodigy scored twice and picked up three assists in the 6-1 victory over China at the World Cup.

James, 21, became the first England player of either gender to be directly involved in five or more goals in a World Cup match as the Lionesses clinched top of group D to set up a last-16 meeting with Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday.

Daly was one of five Lionesses who got their names on the scoresheet at Adelaide’s Hindmarsh Stadium, where boss Sarina Wiegman switched to an inspired 3-5-2 system in the wake of an undisclosed knee injury to midfield maestro Keira Walsh.

My premonition about England team-mate Lauren James came true – Rachel Daly

Women’s World Cup 2023: Lionesses train ahead of Nigeria clash

12:07 , Mike Jones

With the group stages now over, the focuse moves to the knockout rounds. England’s last-16 match is on Monday and they take on Nigeria.

The Lionesses have been preparing for the match at their training camp and will be hoping to back up their victory over China with another impressive performance.

Lauren James: England’s new superstar taking World Cup by storm

12:00 , Mike Jones

Technically gifted England forward Lauren James has already become one of the breakout stars of the 2023 Women’s World Cup for her thrilling performance against China.

While at times ‘LJ’ has faced criticism for being inconsistent, on the biggest stage she has hit her best form with two goals and three assists in the final group match as England sailed through to the knockout round.

England manager Sarina Wiegman hailed James for doing “special things” during the 6-1 win over China, while the player herself told the TV cameras after the game that the performance was what “dreams are made of”.

Lauren James: England’s forward having dream World Cup

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

11:52 , Mike Jones

Much like Lauren James’s 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’s 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 in Group D.

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

It now won’t feature Canada, 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

Darts, colouring in and 1,000 bags of Yorkshire tea: Inside the Lionesses’ World Cup den

11:45 , Mike Jones

The central coast beaches of Terrigal are a far cry from the metropolitan hustle and bustle of nearby Sydney, but they provide a fitting “home away from home” for the Lionesses as they embark on their Women’s World Cup campaign.

This quiet town, about 51km (32 miles) north of Australia’s largest city, is an environment in which the team can free themselves from the stresses of a major tournament.

It’s the first time the FA have ever allowed the media access to an England base camp and Kay Cossington, the FA’s women’s technical director, and Anja van Ginhoven, England’s women’s general manager, are excited to reveal what they’ve delivered for the squad.

Lionesses’ den: Inside England’s 2023 World Cup base in Terrigal

Zambia Women’s coach accused of rubbing player’s chest at World Cup

11:38 , Mike Jones

Fifa has confirmed it has received an offical complaint after a report alleged that the Zambia coach had rubbed his hands over the chest of one of his players at the Women’s World Cup.

The Guardian reports that Bruce Mwape, who has coached the African nation since 2018, has been accused of sexual misconduct after an incident after training last Friday.

Mwape, The Guardian has previously reported, had already been under investigation in relation to past allegations of sexual misconduct.

Debutants Zambia secured their first win at a World Cup on Monday, beating Costa Rica 3-1, but failed to progress from their group after defeats to Spain and Japan.

Zambia Women’s coach accused of rubbing player’s chest at World Cup

Women’s World Cup 2023: A guide to the stadiums hosting knockout stage clashes in Australia and New Zealand

11:30 , Mike Jones

Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand

Affectionately known as “The Cake Tin”, the home of rugby sides the Hurricanes and Wellington Lions and A-League outfit Wellington Phoenix was built in 1999 and has a capacity of 31,089.

Upcoming fixtures

  • Round of 16: Japan vs Norway (9am 5 August 2023)

  • First quarter-final: TBD vs TBD (2am 11 August 2023)

Women’s World Cup 2023: A guide to the stadiums hosting knockout stage clashes in Australia and New Zealand

11:25 , Mike Jones

Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Also known as the Allianz Stadium, the Sydney Football Stadium was built in 1988, played a key role in the 2000 Olympics and has been completely revamped in time for this World Cup, reopening last summer and now boasting a capacity of 38,841

Upcoming fixtures

  • Round of 16: Netherlands vs South Africa (3am 6 August 2023)

Women’s World Cup 2023: A guide to the stadiums hosting knockout stage clashes in Australia and New Zealand

11:20 , Mike Jones

Stadium Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

One of the most impressive venues at this tournament is Stadium Australia, built in 1999 to host the 2000 Olympic Games, with an original capacity of 115,000 that has since been reduced to around 80,000.

Stadium Australia in Sydney hosted the Group B opener between Australia and Ireland on 20 July

It is also one of the tournament’s busiest, hosting Australia’s next game as well as quarter-final and semi-final matches before the World Cup final itself on Sunday 20 August.

Stadium Australia otherwise ordinarily plays host to everything from Aussie rules football and cricket to rugby league and rugby union matches.

Upcoming fixtures

  • Round of 16: Australia vs Denmark (11.30am 7 August 2023)

  • Fourth quarter-final: TBD vs TBD (11.30am 12 August 2023)

  • Second semi-final: TBD vs TBD (11am 16 August 2023)

  • Final: TBD vs TBD (11am 20 August 2023)

Women’s World Cup 2023: A guide to the stadiums hosting knockout stage clashes in Australia and New Zealand

11:15 , Mike Jones

Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Victoria, Australia

The spectacular home of rugby league side Melbourne Storm, Super Rugby team Melbourne Rebels and the A-League rivals Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne City FC was opened in 2010.

It has a comparatively low capacity of just 28,870, however, which has proven a source of contention given that it will be hosting what is, potentially, one of the games of the tournament: the round of 16 clash between free-scoring Sweden and the current world champions USA.

Upcoming fixtures

  • Round of 16: Sweden vs USA (10am 6 August 2023)

  • Round of 16: Colombia vs Jamaica (9am 8 August 2023)

Women’s World Cup 2023: A guide to the stadiums hosting knockout stage clashes in Australia and New Zealand

11:10 , Mike Jones

Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide, Australia

Also known as Coopers Stadium, the home of A-League side Adelaide United was first opened in 1960 and is one of the smaller venues hosting games at the the World Cup with a crowd capacity of just 13,327.

Upcoming fixtures

  • Round of 16: France vs Morocco (12pm 8 August 2023)

Women’s World Cup 2023: A guide to the stadiums hosting knockout stage clashes in Australia and New Zealand

11:05 , Mike Jones

Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand’s national stadium was opened in 1900 and has a capacity of 40,536. It is primarily used for rugby union fixtures in winter and cricketing Tests in summer.

Eden Park in Auckland hosting the crucial Group E tie between USA and Portugal on 1 August 2023

The Blues, Auckland Rugby and Auckland Cricket all call it home while the all-conquering All Blacks have made it a feared arena for touring sides to visit, having not been beaten at Eden Park since 1994.

It is also notable for having hosted the 1987 and 2011 Rugby World Cup finals.

Upcoming fixtures

  • Round of 16: Switzerland vs Spain (6am 5 August 2023)

  • Second quarter-final: TBD vs TBD (8.30am 11 August 2023)

  • First semi-final: TBD vs TBD (9am 15 August 2023)

Women’s World Cup 2023: A guide to the stadiums hosting knockout stage clashes in Australia and New Zealand

11:00 , Mike Jones

Brisbane Stadium, Queensland, Australia

Also known as Lang Park or the Suncorp Stadium and nicknamed “The Cauldron”, this multipurpose arena in the Brisbane suburb of Milton was opened in 1914 and has a capacity of 56,851.

Often used for rugby league and union, it is home to the Brisbane Broncos, the Dolphins, the Queensland Reds and the Queensland Maroons, as well as the A-League football side Brisbane Roar.

Upcoming fixtures (all kick-off times given in GMT)

  • Round of 16: England vs Nigeria (8.30am 7 August 2023)

  • Third quarter-final: TBD vs TBD (8am 12 August 2023)

  • Third-place play-off: TBD vs TBD (9am 19 August 2023)

Women’s World Cup 2023: Full Round of 16 schedule (all times BST)

10:54 , Mike Jones

Saturday 5 August

Match 49: Switzerland vs Spain (06:00, Auckland)

Match 50: Japan vs Norway (09:00, Wellington)

Sunday 6 August

Match 51: Netherlands vs South Africa (03:00, Sydney)

Match 52: Sweden vs United States (10:00, Melbourne)

Monday 7 August

Match 54: England vs Nigeria (08:30, Brisbane)

Match 53: Australia vs Denmark (11:30, Sydney)

Tuesday 8 August

Match 56: Colombia vs Jamaica (09:00, Melbourne)

Match 55: France vs Morocco (12:00, Adelaide)

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

10:48 , Mike Jones

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. Keira Walsh’s injury forced her to change things up and she took the chance to be radical – if you’re having to find a way to reinvent your entire midfield then why not give everything a rethink?

Playing a winger as a striker will fly under the radar if you leave everybody else wracking their brains over how to adapt to an entirely different formation.

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

Sarina Wiegman’s brave switch solves England’s Keira Walsh problem at Women’s World Cup

10:41 , 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 created something new, unlocking England’s best performance 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 any doubts.

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

Women’s World Cup 2023: Sarina Wiegman hails England’s adaptability after win over China

10:34 , Mike Jones

England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, is treading new ground.

She led the Lionesses to victory at the European Championships through a well-drilled and finely honed formation that never changed. England names the same starting XI in every game of that tournament and went on to win.

Things have been starkly different in this campaign. Three games in and Wiegman has changed the starting line-up three times. The most recent switches also came with a change in formation.

The Lionesses moved away from the 4-2-3-1 of the opening two matches and employed and fluid 3-5-2 against China which allowed them to dominate and notch up six goals.

After the match, Wiegman praised her players for being so adaptable. Here’s what she said:

Women’s World Cup 2023: England’s route to the final

10:27 , Mike Jones

What is England’s potential path to the final?

As Group D winners

7 August: Last 16

England vs Nigeria (08:30, Brisbane) - Live on BBC One

12 August: Quarter-final

(England / Nigeria) vs (Jamaica vs Colombia) (11:30, Sydney)

16 August: Semi-final

(England / Nigeria / Jamaica / Colombia) vs (Australia / Denmark / France / Morocco) (11:00, Sydney)

20 August: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (11:00, Sydney) - final

Women’s World Cup 2023: Lionesses group stage results

10:20 , Mike Jones

What were England’s group results?

The Lionesses made it out of Group D with a maximum tally of nine points from nine but they made tough work of the earlier games.

A retaken penalty from Georgia Stanway was the difference between them and Haiti in the opening fixture before Lauren James singlehandedly helped the Lionesses get past Denmark.

Things finally clicked into place for the final match versus China as a change in formation unlocked the potential of England’s blistering attacking talent.

Here are all of the Lionesses’ group stage results:

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)

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

10:14 , 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.

Who are England playing next at the World Cup?

The Lionesses finished top of Group D with three victories from three games against Haiti, Denmark and China.

The Lionesses play Nigeria, the runners-up from Group B, in Brisbane next. The last 16 tie is on Monday 7 August at 8:30am BST.

‘Resilient’ Jamaica create World Cup history as Brazil and Marta exit

10:07 , Mike Jones

A courageous Jamaica held Brazil to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday to reach the knockout phase for the first time in only their second Women’s World Cup while condemning the South Americans to their earliest exit since 1995.

Needing a point to go through, the Reggae Girlz barely threatened to score but were tight in defence, repelling wave after wave of Brazilian attacks in a frenetic atmosphere at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

At the final whistle, the overwhelmed Jamaicans slumped to their knees and roared in joy before forming a circle to dance and sway to the Bob Marley song “One Love”.

Brazil and Marta exit World Cup as Jamaica makes history

How the Women’s World Cup delivered its greatest ever group stage — against all the odds

10:00 , Mike Jones

The upsets at the Women’s World Cup group stage started on the opening day and ended with the biggest of all. Germany, the two-time champions and among the tournament favourites, are out before the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, a result that ranks as both the most stunning shock the tournament has ever seen, while also simply continuing the theme of the greatest group stage ever played at the Women’s World Cup.

After all, hadn’t we learned to expect the unexpected?

A 1-1 draw against South Korea sealed Germany’s fate, following their dramatic 2-1 defeat to Colombia earlier in Group H. It meant Morocco, making their Women’s World Cup debut, progressed ahead of the side who thrashed them 6-0 in the opening round.

The first-ever 32-team Women’s World Cup and the decision to expand from 24 teams has been a resounding triumph: rather than creating a more predictable group stage, it has done the opposite and led to wonderfully chaotic, thrilling tournament football.

How the Women’s World Cup produced its greatest ever group stage

Women’s World Cup 2023: Alexandra Popp “can’t comprehend” tournament exit

09:53 , Mike Jones

Germany’s captain and talisman, Alexandra Popp, was left dumbstruck when the final whistle went in the 1=1 draw South Korea signalling the end of her team’s World Cup campaign.

“To be honest I can’t comprehend it,” said Popp immediately after the match, “I don’t know what I should really say. I can’t really understand what has happened to be honest. Yeah, no idea.”

Popp also said that she wasn’t aware of the situation in Group H, which saw Morocco lead against Colombia, until the second half had started.

She added: “We didn’t know that during half time. During the second half, we were informed that we needed to urgently score. After that, I think we showed a strong desire and grit to go for a goal but somehow it just didn’t want to go in.

“I can say that Martina [Voss-Tecklenburg] did have to face a lot of emotions. I think we will have to find our composure again.

“We will need to analyse what has happened. There was not much said [in the dressing room]. We need a little bit of time now to process what has happened and to be able to find some confidence again.”

Women’s World Cup 2023: Lena Oberdorf reacts after Germany exit

09:48 , Mike Jones

Germany midfielder, Lena Oberdorf, couldn’t believe what had happened at the full-time whistle yesterday when her side where dumped out of the Women’s World Cup.

“I can’t explain what happened today,” she said, “We didn’t defend the 0-1 well, but that can happen against this South Korean team.

“But we simply have to create more chances, the gaps were too big, we didn’t get into counter-pressing. We also have to be more precise in our passing - just show what we are actually capable of.

“We didn’t get that on the pitch in this tournament. The disappointment is huge, I can’t put it into words.”

Women’s World Cup 2023: Morocco join South Africa and Nigeria in knockout rounds

09:43 , Mike Jones

Morocco are the only one of the eight teams making their Women’s World Cup debut to progress to the Round of 16, joining South Africa and Nigeria in the knockout rounds in an encouraging tournament for women’s football in Africa.

Morocco were narrowly beaten by South Africa on home soil in the final of the women’s AFCON final last year, and will again host the next edition of the continental competition, which will take place at some point in 2024.

The Atlas Lionesses have come a long way in a short space of time - after years of neglect, the team bascially had to be totally rebuilt to prepare to host that expanded AFCON last year. Former Lyon boss Reynald Pedros has done an outstanding job.

Moment Morocco realise they’ve made it through to World Cup knockouts in debut tournament

09:38 , Mike Jones

Watch the moment Women’s World Cup debutants Morocco realised they’d made it through to the knockout stages of the competition.

The nation had just beaten Colombia 1-0 in their final Group H game and were awaiting the result of the other fixture - South Korea vs Germany - to decide their fate.

Germany suffer Women’s World Cup elimination after South Korea draw

09:33 , Mike Jones

Two-time champions Germany have crashed out of the Women’s World Cup after drawing 1-1 with South Korea in their final Group H match in Brisbane.

Cho So-hyun had put South Korea in front in the sixth minute before Germany captain Alexandra Popp equalised with a 42nd-minute header.

But Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s world number two side were unable to add to that, with Popp going closest with a header against the crossbar on the hour mark.

Germany suffer Women’s World Cup elimination after South Korea draw

Women’s World Cup 2023

09:29 , Mike Jones

Good morning.

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup 2023. There are no matches taking place today (boo!) but we’ll bring you all the latest news and updates from Australia as the preparations for the last-16 begin.

The final day of group stage action was a cracker. In Group H, Morocco defeated Colombia 1-0 to move ahead of Germany meaning the European giants had to defeat South Korea to get through. The Koreans took an early lead but Alexandra Popp equalised just bfore half-time. A nervous second half played out with Germany pressing the attack but they couldn’t secure a second goal and were eliminated from the tournament.

Earlier in the week, the Lionesses stepped up to the plate and hammered China 6-1 thanks in part to a new formation from Sarina Wiegman which seemed to get the best out of her formidible forward line. Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly all got on the scoresheet to build their confidence but it was Lauren James who excelled for the Lionesses once more with two goals and two assists.

We’ll have all the latest news and updates throughout the day so stick around to stay in touch with all that’s happening from the World Cup.

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