England beat China in the 2023 Women's World Cup
*Score: Russo 4', Hemp 26', James 41' 65', Kelly 77', Daly 84' – Wang Shuang 57' (pen)
The match at Hindmarsh is the confrontation between the reigning European champions - England and the defending Asian champions - China. But the situation of the two teams is opposite. England only needs to draw to be sure of progressing, while China is forced to win.
Things were more difficult for the Asian representative when England opened the scoring in the 4th minute thanks to Alessia Russo's long shot. When they could not find a way to approach the opponent's goal, China conceded another goal in the 26th minute. Lauren Hemp broke the offside trap and put his left foot in the face of goalkeeper Zhu Yu.
Not only live ball situations, he also has many lessons in fixed phases. In the 41st minute, the European team enjoyed a direct free kick on the right and instead of directing the shot, Alex Greenwood passed back to the second line for Lauren James to kick one touch to raise the score to 3-0. In the fifth minute of injury, James again scored a beautiful long shot with his left foot, but the goal was denied after VAR determined an English player to be offside.
In the second half, China tried to overflow and also found results. 57 minutes, Lucy Bronze fouled in the penalty area to help China receive a penalty, and Wang Shuang did not miss the opportunity to shorten the score to 1-3. However, Lauren James once again shined to extinguish the hopes of the red shirt players.
65 minutes, James volleyed his left foot beautifully from a teammate's right wing cross to complete the double. In the 77th minute, James made a long pass, causing goalkeeper Zhu Yu to make a mistake in the ice, helping Chloe Kelly easily shoot into an empty net. The striker born in 2001 then left the field in the 81st minute, closing the brilliant match with a double goal and a hat-trick of assists. Notably, she is the younger sister of defender Reece James who plays for Chelsea and the England men's team.
Before the match ended, Anh also scored another goal in the 84th minute thanks to Rachel Daly, thereby winning the match 6-1. At the same time, Denmark defeated Haiti 2-0. This result helps England to lead Group D with nine perfect points, while Denmark is second.
In the round of 16, England will face the runner-up of Group B Nigeria, while Denmark will meet the winner of Group B, host Australia on the same day of August 7.
English: Mary Earps, Alex Greenwood, Millie Bright, Jessica Carter, Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway, Rachel Daly, Katie Zelem, Lauren James, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo
China: Zhu Yu, Li Mengwen, Yao Wei, Wang Shanshan, Chen Qiaozhu, Yang Lina, Yao Lingwei, Wu Chengshu, Zhang Linyan, Wang Shuang, Lou Jiahui.
