China 1-6 England: Player ratings as Lionesses coast into last 16 with big win
England thrashed China 6-1 in a statement win at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to secure their spot in the last 16 as Group D winners.
The Lionesses got off to a fantastic start in Adelaide, opening the scoring after Millie Bright stepped in to make a perfectly-timed tackle. The ball fell to Alessia Russo, who drilled a low shot into the bottom corner after combining with Manchester City winger Lauren Hemp.
Sarina Wiegman’s side doubled their advantaged just before the half-hour mark, when Lauren James‚ perfectly weighted pass found Hemp, and it was three before the interval when James got on the scoresheet herself – the in-form Chelsea star bending a superb arcing shot into the far corner.
James thought she had another goal to her name before half time, but VAR deemed to Lucy Bronze to be an offside position despite the ball appearing to ricochet off a Chinese defender.
China came out with more intent after the break, with Wu Chengshu forcing Mary Earps into a low save, and they were awarded a penalty after the ball struck Bronze’s arm in the six-yard box. Wang Shuang slotted her effort past Earps, marking the first time the England had conceded in the tournament.
James put England 4-1 ahead with another superb goal, this time a left-footed volley at the back post after good work from Jess Carter, before Chloe Kelly poked home into an empty net after catastrophic defending from China.
Rachel Daly put the icing on top of England’s cake, smashing home a late sixth, with the victory setting up a last 16 clash against Group B’s surprise runners-up, Nigeria.
GK: Mary Earps – 7/10 – Made some crucial saves for England but did concede her first goal of the tournament, having inadvertently shoved Bronze into a position for the handball.
CB: Jess Carter – 8/10 – A real asset to this side given her positional flexibility. Grabbed an assist and was solid defensively.
CB: Millie Bright – 7/10 – Best performance of the tournament yet. Suits a back three as it allows her to come out with ball but still have the protection on either side of her.
CB: Alex Greenwood – 7/10 – An all-around strong performance from a playe who has slotted in as a leader in the absence of Leah Williamson. Also managed an assist.
RM: Lucy Bronze – 6/10 – A strong showing offensively, but still struggling defensively at this tournament. At fault for the penalty, though it was somewhat unlucky.
CM: Georgia Stanway – 7/10 – Thrives in the box-to-box role and good at facilitating play.
CM: Katie Zelem – 7/10 – Came in with a lot of pressure to replace Keira Walsh and delivered a solid defensive performance.
LM: Rachel Daly – 7/10 – Didn’t have much to do defensively on her side of the pitch. Contributed offensively with two key passes and a late goal.
AM: Lauren James – 10/10 – Two shots on target, two goals, three assists, three key passes, two big chances created. Proved that she is no longer just a star in the making but an actual star.
CF: Lauren Hemp – 8/10 – A much-improved performance. Scored a goal and was more involved in attacking play.
CF: Alessia Russo – 7/10 – Finally got her goal, and again, didn’t look as isolated as usual.
Substitutes
SUB: Lauren Coombs (46′ for Stanway) – 6/10 – Did well in central midfield as England continued to boss proceedings.
SUB: Bethany England (71′ for Russo) – 6/10 – Valuable minutes for England up front, and a vital rest for Russo.
SUB: Chloe Kelly (72′ for Hemp) – 7/10 – Benefitted from a huge error in China’s defence to net a first goal of the tournament.
SUB: Ella Toone (81′ for James) – 6/10 – Difficult to make an impression on the game little time left, and even more difficult to step out of James‘ shadow.
Subs not used: Roebuck (GK), Hampton (GK), Charles, Wubben-Moy, Morgan, Nobbs, Robinson
Manager
Sarina Wiegman – 10/10 – Realised that England needed to shake things up tactically and offer more flexibility. The change in system allowed the more-forward thinking players to shine, with the overall result bringing back memories of the 8-0 demolition of Norway at Euro 2022.