England vs Nigeria LIVE: Reaction as Lionesses into Women’s World Cup quarter-final after penalty drama

England advanced to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after surviving a major scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties.

The Lionesses had to hang on with 10 players for extra time after Lauren James was sent off for a petulant stamp on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie, which put the European champions under huge pressure.

Nigeria missed their first two spot-kicks, with Desire Oparanozie and Alozie failing to hit the target. Bethany England and Rachel Daly then gave the Lionesses the advantage, after Georgia Stanway missed England’s first penalty of the shoot-out.

Alex Greenwood held her nerve to convert and put the Lionesses a penalty away, before Chloe Kelly was England’s hero once again to score the winning kick.

The victory keeps England’s hopes of the winning the World Cup alive, but this will go down as narrow escape. Follow all the reaction to England’s win against Nigeria as the Lionesses reached the quarter-finals

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England vs Nigeria

• England beat Nigeria to reach Women’s World Cup quarter-finals thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout win after 0-0 draw

• Lionesses scrape through last 16 as Chloe Kelly scores winning penalty in the shootout

• Lauren James sent off late on in normal time for petulant stamp

• PENALTY SHOOTOUT! Game goes to penalties after 0-0 draw in 120 minutes

• 87’ - RED CARD! Lauren James sent off for petulant stamp (ENG 0-0 NIG)

• 31’ - NO PENALTY! Daly fouled in the box but penalty decision overturned by VAR (ENG 0-0 NIG)

• 17’ - CROSSBAR! Plumptre thunders a shot off the underside of the bar (ENG 0-0 NIG)

• Australia defeat Denmark in Sydney, with Sam Kerr making her first appearance off the bench (AUS 2-0 DEN)

• Defending champions USA out after dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat

• MIGUEL DELANEY: USA were the best in the world - then ‘arrogance’ fed into an alarming decline

Millie Bright on England captaincy: ‘I don’t give the orders - everyone has a platform’

Monday 7 August 2023 16:00 , Mike Jones

For Millie Bright the past few months have been arduous. A knee injury suffered in March threatened her with the possibility facing the same fate as her England teammates who have been forced to remain at home as the Lionesses look for World Cup success in Australia and New Zealand – but she put up with a “brutal” recovery to return in time to captain her country on the biggest stage.

Bright has big shoes to fill. She has not only been tasked with helping to ensure the solidity of England’s defence but she has had to take the armband from Leah Williamson, who was the leader on their European conquest last year but whose ACL injury has kept her out of the squad.

Captaining England at a World Cup sounds like a big ask, but Bright believes the role is far more complex than many may presume it to be. Sarina Wiegman has fostered an openness and desire for debate within the team that has changed the way things operate.

Millie Bright: ‘I don’t give the orders - everyone has a platform’

From Megan Rapinoe’s miss to VAR drama: How the USA and Sweden’s penalty shoot-out unfolded

Monday 7 August 2023 15:50 , Mike Jones

The United States are out of the Women’s World Cup after the defending champions were knocked out on penalties by Sweden at the last-16 stage in a dramatic shoot-out.

After a goalless 120 minutes which were dominated by the USA, Lina Hurtig’s penalty to win the tie required VAR to rule it had crossed the line, after Alyssa Naeher thought she had saved the USA’s World Cup defence.

USA forward Sophia Smith had missed the chance to win the match from the spot earlier in the shoot-out, blazing wide after Naeher saved Rebecka Blomqvist’s effort.

Here is a full breakdown of how the topsy-turvy shoot-out unfolded:

How USA and Sweden’s penalty shoot-out drama unfolded

South Africa exit the Women’s World Cup having left their mark

Monday 7 August 2023 15:40 , Mike Jones

South Africa’s players soaked in the applause at the end; although defeated by the Netherlands, they left the Women’s World Cup with their heads held high.

After reaching the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time, a place in the quarter-finals proved to be a step too far but only after they pushed the 2019 runners-up in a contest that could have played out very differently on another day. That Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was awarded player of the match tells you just how well South Africa played and the chances they created.

Van Domselaar was superb, producing a sensational performance to deny the excellent Thembi Kgatlana as she threatened to tear the Netherlands apart. Kgatlana was electric, with the noise inside the stadium rising as the waves of South Africa counter-attacks rolled forwards. Despite Jill Roord’s early opener, the equaliser felt like it was coming as long as Kgatlana could repeatedly run at the terrified Dutch defence.

A Netherlands system and philosophy that is built on possession and control could do nothing to stop the South Africa captain once she took off.

South Africa exit the Women’s World Cup having left their mark

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

Monday 7 August 2023 15:30 , 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

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England reach quarter-finals

Monday 7 August 2023 15:20 , Mike Jones

Nigeria’s head coach Randy Waldrum spoke about his team’s journey through the tournament and the pride her feels for what they achieved.

“If you look at it, we didn’t lose a game. I’m so proud of them,” he said, “There’s such a bright future for this group.

“I take away that can be and should be one of the top teams in the world. I hope the Fifa ranking reflects that.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England reach quarter-finals

Monday 7 August 2023 15:10 , Mike Jones

How many games is Lauren James’ ban?

She will definitely miss the quarter-final as a red card is an immediate one-match ban.

Anything more that is at the discretion of Fifa’s technical committee but due to the nature of the incident, James stamped on Michelle Alozie, the ban will be at least a two-matches and probably three.

Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Mušović bemused by reporter’s ‘disrespectful’ question after USA win

Monday 7 August 2023 15:00 , Mike Jones

Swedish goalkeeper Zećira Mušović was named player of the match following her team’s thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout win against the United States on Sunday, but the star was somewhat taken aback when asked a ‘disrespectful’ question at a press conference afterwards.

One journalist asked the goalkeeper if she knew former Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimović. Mušović seemed rather taken aback. She replied: “In Sweden, everyone knows Zlatan.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: All quarter-final fixtures

Monday 7 August 2023 14:50 , Mike Jones

Here’s how the quarter-finals are taking shape:

August 11

- Spain vs Netherlands (QF1)

- Japan vs Sweden (QF2)

August 12

- England vs Colombia/Jamaica (QF3)

- Australia vs France/Morocco (QF4)

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England reach quarter-finals

Monday 7 August 2023 14:40 , Mike Jones

When the group stages were done and dusted it looked on paper as though England would have one of the easier routes to the semi-finals. They drew Nigeria in the last 16 and one of either Colombia or Jamaica in the quarter-finals.

The Lionesses can still get to the final four but they’ve made it trickier.

England were outplayed by a brilliant Nigeria side, who created the best chances despite Lauren James being sent off for stamping on Michelle Adozie.

Sarina Wiegman showcased why she’s one of the best coaches around and made a tactical adjustment to switch from a 3-3-2-2 to 4-4-1 as the Lionesses defended for their lives in extra-time.

They’re now without Lauren James for the next knockout game and Wiegman will have to readjust her line-up once more.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Quarter-finals taking shape

Monday 7 August 2023 14:30 , Mike Jones

The quarter-finals are taking shape with England and Australia making it through to the last eight today. They are now waiting to find out who they will next face.

The final two last 16 ties take place tomorrow. Here’s what’s coming up:

Colombia vs Jamaica (09:00 BST)

France vs Morocco (12:00 BST).

The winners of Colombia vs Jamaica will go on to face England while which ever team wins in the clash between France and Morocco takes on Australia.

England fans react as Lionesses win dramatic Women’s World Cup penalty shootout

Monday 7 August 2023 14:20 , Mike Jones

There was a tense atmosphere at Boxpark Wembley as England fans watched the Lionesses’ penalty shootout against Nigeria unfold.

Sarina Wiegman’s side squeezed past their opposition with a 4-2 win on spot-kicks, after a goalless 120 minutes.

Given the nation’s record on penalties, it’s no surprise that atmosphere was tense in Boxpark as the latest shootout unfolded - especially after Georgia Stanway missed England’s first.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England reach quarter-finals

Monday 7 August 2023 14:10 , Mike Jones

Here’s the immediate from England’s winning penalty taker, Chloe Kelly, who said:

“It’s amazing, anything this team has thrown at us, we’ve shown what we’re capable of. We dig deep, we believe in our ability.

“We’ve been practicing a lot actually and it’s working. It’s the team, this team is special, we did it at the Euros, we did it at the Finalissima, there’s more to come from this team.”

How ‘arrogance’ and ‘complacency’ led to United States’ decline

Monday 7 August 2023 14:02 , Mike Jones

For the teams left in this World Cup, there were mixed feelings when the USA went out, and not just because of the emotions that remarkable penalty shoot-out produced. There is obviously a general excitement that the champions are out, theoretically opening up the whole tournament. A few players watching on, however, have confided that the US were “underwhelming”. Many would have liked the chance to take the champions on and beat them, asserting their standards.

Such sentiments would no doubt have aggravated the Americans, if they were in any mood to look back on this worst ever performance by a team that were defending champions. One frustrated argument within the US camp has been that it has largely been about a ludicrous amount of missed chances, and a bit of bad luck. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher pointing to the line as she disputed Lina Hurtig’s ludicrously tight penalty seemed the most apt symbolism of this.

It really did come down to the narrowest of gaps. But, in truth, only on the night.

How ‘arrogance’ and ‘complacency’ led to United States’ decline

William and Kate praise England for reaching Women’s World Cup quarter-finals

Monday 7 August 2023 13:55 , Mike Jones

The Prince and Princess of Wales have congratulated the Lionesses after they secured a place in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals.

William and Kate praised the team’s “hard-fought” victory after England beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties on Monday, while Downing Street said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished them the “best of luck” for the next round.

Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker dubbed the side “Kelly’s heroines” after substitute Chloe Kelly’s spot-kick secured 10-woman England a place in the next round after the shoot-out in Brisbane.

William and Kate praise England for reaching Women’s World Cup quarter-finals

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

Monday 7 August 2023 13:49 , Mike Jones

England are through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup – but they will be without Lauren James when they play either Colombia or Jamaica in the last eight.

James was sent off for stamping on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie during the Lionesses’ last-16 tie.

The 21-year-old, who has been England’s player of the tournament, was initially shown a yellow card by the referee, but VAR recommended a review and the yellow card was upgraded to red after the act of petulance.

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

Lauren James sent off for stamping on opponent during England’s World Cup clash

Monday 7 August 2023 13:42 , Mike Jones

England star Lauren James was sent off for stamping on the back of an opponent during the Lionesses’ Women’s World Cup last-16 tie against Nigeria.

England held on to beat Nigeria on penalties after surviving extra time with 10 players to reach the quarter-finals, but James’ red card put their World Cup chances under serious threat.

The 21-year-old was shown a straight red card for violent conduct in the 86th minute, with the match 0-0, after stamping on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie.

Lauren James sent off for stamping on opponent during England’s World Cup clash

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Australia beat Denmark 2-0 to reach quarter-finals

Monday 7 August 2023 13:37 , Mike Jones

England stars vow to rally round Lauren James after World Cup sending off

Monday 7 August 2023 13:30 , Mike Jones

England’s players will rally round Lauren James after her “Beckhamesque moment of madness” in the team’s penalty shoot-out victory over Nigeria in the World Cup last 16.

Former men’s national team striker Gary Lineker likened the 21-year-old Chelsea forward’s red card for petulantly standing on Michelle Alozie as she lay on the floor to Beckham’s kick-out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone at the 1998 World Cup.

“The @Lionesses down to 10 as Lauren James has a Beckhamesque moment of madness,” Lineker wrote on Twitter.

England stars vow to rally round Lauren James after World Cup sending off

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Australia beat Denmark 2-0 to reach quarter-finals

Monday 7 August 2023 13:24 , Mike Jones

Full-time!

After the nervous and drama of England’s last 16b tie against Nigeria this morning things were more simple for Australia.

A goal for Caitlin Foord in the first half and one for Hayley Raso in the second were enough for the World Cup co-hosts to earn a spot in the last eight as they defeated Denmark in Sydney.

Even better news for the Matildas was the return of Sam Kerr who made her first appearance in this year’s tournament after recovering from a calf injury.

Kerr will no doubt play a big role for Australia as they look to progress even further. It was a convinicing performance from Australia who are growing into the competition nicely.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England reach World Cup quarter-finals

Monday 7 August 2023 13:23 , Mike Jones

The Prince and Princess of Wales have congratulated the Lionesses on making it into the last eight at the Women’s World Cup. Prince William is the President of the FA and will be keeping a close eye on how far the Lionesses go in this tournament.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Plumptre reacts to Nigeria’s defeat

Monday 7 August 2023 13:18 , Mike Jones

Nigerian left-back Ashleigh Plumptre says that her team won’t be forgetton after dominating their last 16 clash with England before ultimately losing on penalties.

“I think everybody counted us out against England,” said Plumptre, who grew up just outside of Leicester and played for England’s U17 team before switching over to Nigeria.

“And I’m telling you, after this game, I’m tired of people just saying that African teams are just strong, and they’re just fast, and count us out as being technical or tactical. Like we just pushed England to the very end. And I actually think that we had better chances than them.

“We made a statement here. We won’t be forgotten for what we’ve done and this will just be the foundation moving forward. Now we have expectations to get out of this group all the time. To push these teams all the time.

“We just need to keep believing in ourselves and get the backing we deserve and I think we can go a long way.”

England survive penalty drama to reveal vital quality in Women’s World Cup dream

Monday 7 August 2023 13:15 , Mike Jones

If England are to win this World Cup, they will scarcely endure a game as testing or as tense as this. A positive spin on this penalty shoot-out victory over Nigeria is that it could again be the making of them, adding to their resolve, with Chloe Kelly once more offering a decisive kick.

A negative is that this should bring a reconsideration about what is possible, especially with the likelihood that Lauren James will miss two games if not all three potential ties left. Her teammates did her a huge favour here.

This World Cup still remains as hard to work out as James’ decision to stand on Michelle Alozie in the second half, receiving a red card. England came very close to another surprise elimination, although these two hours of football illustrated Nigeria were their equals. They should have been their superiors, really.

England survive penalty drama to reveal vital quality in World Cup dream

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England reacts to James’ red card

Monday 7 August 2023 13:11 , Mike Jones

The Lionesses’ Beth England spoke about Lauren James’ red card and how much of a miss the Chelsea forward will be for the rest of the tournament. England said:

“We all know Lauren is magic, she is our weapon and it’s a big loss for us but we can’t change that now. We have an unbelievable squad and players who can fill in in that position and hopefully we can see her again in the tournament.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Australia 2-0 Denmark

Monday 7 August 2023 13:09 , Mike Jones

This is a big moment in the World Cup.

With Australia two goals to the good and breezing into the quarter-finals their captain, talisman and best goalscorer, Sam Kerr, is introduced to replace Hayley Raso.

Kerr picked up a calf injury before the start of the tournament and hasn’t yet featured for the Matildas. She’ll get a 10 minute run out here though.

Mary Earps: The England goalkeeper and world’s best in profile

Monday 7 August 2023 13:08 , Mike Jones

Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps, affectionately known as “Mearps”, may now be firmly ensconced as England’s number one after her heroic displays at the Euros – and impassioned leadership of the table-dancing celebrations that followed – but her chances of even being part of the squad once looked remote.

Prior to the arrival of Sarina Wiegman as England manager in September 2021, Earps believed her form was so poor she might never return to the national team, having made her debut against Switzerland in 2017 but received only a handful of caps thereafter before falling out of favour.

While Earps went on to win the Fifa ‘Best’ award following the Euros, it was not long after she had considered quitting the game altogether.

Mary Earps: The England goalkeeper and world’s best in profile

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Mary Earps named player of the match

Monday 7 August 2023 13:04 , Mike Jones

It’s never a good sign when your goalkeeper is given the player of the match award. That usually means you’ve been second best through a game and the last line of defence has bailed you out.

This was the case with England against Nigeria. Earps made four of five decent stops, saw two shots hit the crossbar and got England through a penalty shootout in order for them to reach the quarter-finals.

What an inspiration she is to young kids watching on at home.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: GOAL! Australia 2-0 Denmark (Raso, 71’)⚽️

Monday 7 August 2023 13:00 , Mike Jones

71 mins: Hayley Raso scores again!

She’s been one of the brightest stars for Australia in this tournament. Mary Fowler starts the move and sends it out wide to Kyra Cooney-Cross who carries the ball to alongside the box.

She gives it back to Fowler who flicks the ball into the six-yard area where Emily van Egmond brings it down and lays a pass off to Hayley Raso who belts it home.

Australia have one foot in the quarter-finals now.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England’s results so far

Monday 7 August 2023 13:00 , Mike Jones

Group D 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)

Last 16 result

7 August - England 0-0 Nigeria - England win 4-2 on penalties (08:30, Brisbane)

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Who do England play next at the World Cup?

Monday 7 August 2023 12:57 , Mike Jones

After beating Nigeria on penalties, the Lionesses will play the winner of Colombia vs Jamaica in the quarter-finals. The quarter-final will be played on Saturday 12 August at 11:30am BST, at Sydney’s Olympic Stadium.

Colombia will face Jamaica in Melbourne on Tuesday in the last-16. Colombia stunned Germany in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history to top Group H ahead of the two-time champions.

Jamaica, meanwhile, reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history after drawing with France and Brazil and beating Panama to finish runners-up in Group F.

The Lionesses will therefore need to be at their best, with both teams proving they are capable of upsetting the odds.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: How England reached the quarter-finals

Monday 7 August 2023 12:53 , Mike Jones

England women advanced to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after surviving a major scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties.

The Lionesses had to hang on with 10 players for extra time after Lauren James was sent off for a petulant stamp on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie, which put the European champions under huge pressure.

Nigeria missed their first two spot-kicks, with Desire Oparanozie and Alozie failing to hit the target. Bethany England and Rachel Daly then gave the Lionesses the advantage, after Georgia Stanway missed England’s first penalty of the shoot-out.

Alex Greenwood held her nerve to convert and put the Lionesses a penalty away, before Chloe Kelly was England’s hero once again to score the winning kick.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:50 , Mike Jones

This was just the second time England have played out a goalless draw in the competition (also vs Germany in 2007) in what was their 30th match overall.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:47 , Mike Jones

Here’s the moment that may yet come back to haunt England.

Lauren James has been the Lionesses best player in this tournament so far but a moment of madness resulted in a red card for the forward.

There’s a strong chance she’ll end up missing the rest of the World Cup now.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:43 , Mike Jones

England are now the favourites to go on and win the World Cup according to Betfair. The Lionesses apparantly have a 27% chance of winning the tournament after beating Nigeria on penalties.

Women’s World Cup 2023 winner latest odds:

England 2/1 (were 9/4 before beating Nigeria)

Spain 10/3

Japan 4/1

France 6/1

Australia 7/1

Sweden 17/2

Netherlands 10/1

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:39 , Mike Jones

Nigeria also became the first side to draw as many as three games nil-nil at a single Fifa Women’s World Cup tournament. They didn’t lose in 90 minutes throughout the tournament but are heading home.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:36 , Mike Jones

Nigeria have won just one of their 15 Fifa Women’s World Cup matches against European sides (D4 L10), failing to score in seven of their last eight games against such opposition in the competition.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:33 , Mike Jones

Here are the post match thoughts from England manager Sarina Wiegman who said: “Lots of things come to mind, the first thing is that we stuck together as a team.

“It was a very, very hard game. We had a red card, stuck together and made it through to extra-time and we won the penalties. How we did that as a team, I’m so proud of them.

“[On the red card] It was such a quick moment and I don’t know what really happened. It’s a game where the emotions and intensity are so high that it’s a split second where things happen and she gets a red card. I haven’t seen it back yet but those things also come down to experience.

“[The win] says so much about this team. I’m so proud of them. Not one game has been easy and we said before this one ‘it will not be an easy game’. They’re very organised and traditional and physical but we made it through and I’m very happy.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:30 , Mike Jones

England got lucky in a penalty shootout after a poor performance.

They have reached at least the quarter final stage at all six Women’s World Cup tournaments they have appeared in.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:24 , Mike Jones

Social media reactions to England’s win over Nigeria:

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:21 , Mike Jones

Nigeria’s head coach Randy Waldrum spoke about his team’s journey through the tournament and the pride her feels for what they achieved.

“If you look at it, we didn’t lose a game. I’m so proud of them,” he said, “There’s such a bright future for this group.

“I take away that can be and should be one of the top teams in the world. I hope the Fifa ranking reflects that.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Australia 1-0 Denmark

Monday 7 August 2023 12:18 , Mike Jones

Half-time!

So far so good for Australia who continue to plough their way through this tournament without captain and main striker Sam Kerr. Caitlin Foord’s lovely goal is the difference between the teams as they head into the break in Sydney.

Denmark have work to do in the second half.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:16 , Mike Jones

Former England goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley, praises Nigeria on BBC Radio 5 Live saying:

“Nigeria are a fantastic side.

“They played with so much freedom, allowing their front three to attack and those interchanges of the wide players, you could see England struggled to cope with the fluidity of it.

“I’m relieved that we managed to get through that because I was wondering where the goals were going to come from to be honest.”

England survive penalty drama to reveal vital quality in Women’s World Cup dream

Monday 7 August 2023 12:13 , Mike Jones

If England are to win this World Cup, they will scarcely endure a game as testing or as tense as this. A positive spin on this penalty shoot-out victory over Nigeria is that it could again be the making of them, adding to their resolve, with Chloe Kelly once more offering a decisive kick.

A negative is that this should bring a reconsideration about what is possible, especially with the likelihood that Lauren James will miss two games if not all three potential ties left. Her teammates did her a huge favour here.

This World Cup still remains as hard to work out as James’ decision to stand on Michelle Alozie in the second half, receiving a red card. England came very close to another surprise elimination, although these two hours of football illustrated Nigeria were their equals. They should have been their superiors, really.

England survive penalty drama to reveal vital quality in World Cup dream

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:09 , Mike Jones

The pundits in the BBC studio have had their say on England’s victory and there was a lot of relief from the former Lionesses. Alex Scott said: “When you win tournaments you need luck, magic. England have found a way.”

Ellen White added: “Nigeria are a credit to their nation, their performance was incredible. I’m devastated for them but this tournament will really bring them together.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 12:05 , Mike Jones

How many games is Lauren James’ ban?

She will definitely miss the quarter-final as a red card is an immediate one-match ban.

Anything more that is at the discretion of Fifa’s technical committee but due to the nature of the incident, James stamped on Michelle Alozie, the ban will be at least a two-matches and probably three.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Australia 1-0 Denmark (Foord, 29’)⚽️

Monday 7 August 2023 12:01 , Mike Jones

29 mins: Over in Sydney, Australia take the lead with a wonderful counter-attacking goal.

Mary Fowler drops to the halfway line to receive the ball and spins towards goal. She spies Caitlin Foord’s run down the left and plays through a perfectly weighted pass.

Foord takes over possession, touches the ball into the box then guides it wonderfully past Lene Christensen to send the Matildas ahead.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:57 , Mike Jones

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

England are through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup – but they will be without Lauren James when they play either Colombia or Jamaica in the last eight.

James was sent off for stamping on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie during the Lionesses’ last-16 tie.

The 21-year-old, who has been England’s player of the tournament, was initially shown a yellow card by the referee, but VAR recommended a review and the yellow card was upgraded to red after the act of petulance.

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

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:54 , Mike Jones

When the group stages were done and dusted it looked on paper as though England would have one of the easier routes to the semi-finals. They drew Nigeria in the last 16 and one of either Colombia or Jamaica in the quarter-finals.

The Lionesses can still get to the final four but they’ve made it trickier.

England were outplayed by a brilliant Nigeria side, who created the best chances despite Lauren James being sent off for stamping on Michelle Adozie.

Sarina Wiegman showcased why she’s one of the best coaches around and made a tactical adjustment to switch from a 3-3-2-2 to 4-4-1 as the Lionesses defended for their lives in extra-time.

They’re now without Lauren James for the next knockout game and Wiegman will have to readjust her line-up once more.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:51 , Mike Jones

Chloe Kelly on scoring the winning penalty for England:

“We’ve been practising penalties a lot and, yeah, it’s working! When I walk up to take a penalty, I think, “I’m gonna score”. That’s how I look at it. Once I win that mental battle, we’re good.

“[On scoring another winning goal] Nah, [it’s] definitely not [about me]. It’s the team. We did in the Euros, we did it in the Finalissima and we did it again here.

“We keep pushing forward. There’s more to come from this special team.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:48 , Mike Jones

Here’s the moment England reached the final eight. Chloe Kelly stepped up for her country once again and rocketed her penalty into the back of the net:

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Australia 0-0 Denmark

Monday 7 August 2023 11:45 , Mike Jones

Over 15 minutes played in this last 16 tie from Sydney. The best chance of the match has fallen to Denmark with Pernille Harder getting clear on the right side and squaring a dangerous ball into the box.

Rikke Madsen made a cutting run through the middle but missed the pass with a lunging poke that would have turned the ball towards goal.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:42 , Mike Jones

A sight that is always welcome in any sport is seeing the winning team console the beaten players facing personal and professional heartbreak.

England lived up to those standards by consoling Nigeria’s captain and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:39 , Mike Jones

Here are the post match thoughts of Karen Bardsley.

The former England and Manchester City goalkeeper was speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live and says she is ‘relieved’ that England snuck through.

“I’m so relieved that they have managed to get this over the line,” she said, “It is now about re-grouping and going again.

“They’re now without their best attacking player in Lauren James so it is a case of thinking where do we go from here?”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:36 , Mike Jones

Arsenal women’s head coach and BBC pundit Jonas Eidevall says: “England’s going to be really happy to be through. There’s lots of things to improve but now they’ve got a couple of days.”

Sarina Wiegman has done nothing but problem solve through this entire tournament and she’ll need to go back to the drawing board again for the quarter-final.

Lauren James won’t play a part so there’ll be changes in personnel, and maybe formation, to come for that one.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: Australia 0-0 Denmark

Monday 7 August 2023 11:33 , Mike Jones

Elsewhere, the Women’s World Cup last 16 continues with co-hosts Australia taking on Denmark who came second behind England in Group D.

The Matildas are without Sam Kerr again who starts on the bench. She hasn’t played any part in the World Cup so far but may be needed today.

We’ll have goal and big news updates from this one as the reaction to England’s win continues to filter through.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:30 , Mike Jones

Here’s the reaction from England’s winning penalty taker, Chloe Kelly:

“It's amazing, anything this team has thrown at us, we've shown what we're capable of. We dig deep, we believe in our ability.

“We've been practicing a lot actually and it's working. It's the team, this team is special, we did it at the Euros, we did it at the Finalissima, there's more to come from this team.”

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:29 , Mike Jones

Lauren James’ stamp on Michelle Alozie could still have massive consequences for England. She will definitely miss the quarter-final and could be out of the rest of the tournament if her red card gets updated for violent conduct.

That could result in a three game ban and if England are to reach the final, they’ll play three more matches.

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:26 , Mike Jones

Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria

Monday 7 August 2023 11:24 , Mike Jones

Somehow England get it done. The fans are singing away as Sweet Caroline plays inside the stadium.

The Lionesses have pulled off a remarkable win here. They didn’t deserve it based on their performance but a wonderful rearguard effort following Lauren James’ red card saw them earn a shot at a penalty shootout.

Nigeria missed twice and England go through.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:21 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 4-2 Nigeria

Who else but Chloe Kelly to step up for this fifth penalty?

Kelly steps up and smashes it home! England are through, they’ve edge past Nigeria in a penalty shootout and reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

It’s heartbreaking for Nigeria.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:20 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 3-2 Nigeria

Christy Ucheibe finds the back of the net. She needed to score and did.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:20 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 3-1 Nigeria

Alex Greenwood is up for England. She goes to the goalkeeper’s left and finds the corner as Chiamaka Nnadozie dives the wrong way.

England are on the brink of winning this.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:19 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 2-1 Nigeria

Rasheedat Ajibade is up for Nigeria. She’s had a great game and finishes it off with a calm penalty that just beats Mary Earps.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:18 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 2-0 Nigeria

Rachel Daly is up next. She blasts the ball into the top left corner!

England are two goals up in this shootout.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:17 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 1-0 Nigeria

Michelle Alozie misses! She boots her effort over the top of the crossbar and England have the advantage now. They need to score the rest of their spot kicks.

Has the pressure got to Alozie there?

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:16 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 1-0 Nigeria

Beth England, what do you have?

She controls her nerves and lifts the ball above Chiamaka Nnadozie to put the Lionesses ahead!

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:15 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 0-0 Nigeria

That’s not the start England wanted. Desire Oparanozie is up for Nigeria.

She misses! Mary Earps dives to the right and Oparanozie smokes her effort wide just like Stanway.

Game on.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:14 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 0-0 Nigeria

Chiamaka Nnadozie is Nigeria’s goalkeeper and captain. She’s tasked with denying Georgia Stanway. Stanway takes penalties for England all the time can she score?

No! She blasts her effort wide of the target, advantage Nigeria.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:11 , Mike Jones

Penalties: England 0-0 Nigeria

Millie Bright wins the toss and decides that England will be taking the first penalties. Mary Earps looks composed, their are a few nervous faces on the outfield players though.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:08 , Mike Jones

England have been second best throughout the night. They managed to limit the damage of Lauren James’ red card and get through to a penalty shootout.

‘I’m so nervous,’ says Ellen White on BBC One. I think she speaks for all England fans.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:06 , Mike Jones

Extra time full-time!

120+3 mins: We go to penalties. England manages to get through extra time with 10-women and their World Cup fate will be decided from the penalty spot.

The United States were knocked out in a shootout against Sweden yesterday, will the Lionesses manage to get through this one or are Nigeria on the brink of a huge upset?

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:03 , Mike Jones

120 mins: England win a free kick and send Millie Bright up the pitch. Alex Greenwood floats the ball into the box where Beth England flicks it on.

Bright is free at the back post and lunges at the ball but she just can’t reach it. Katie Zelem is on to replace Keira Walsh who is walked off the pitch by the physios.

Three minutes of stoppage time to play.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 11:01 , Mike Jones

117 mins: Chance!

Nigeria win a throw in and launch the ball into the box. It drops kindly for Asisat Oshoala who shoots on the turn and drills her effort straight into the arms of Mary Earps who keeps the ball out.

Another close shave for England there.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:58 , Mike Jones

114 mins: Nigeria make another switch as Toni Payne is taken off with Desire Oparanozie brought on for her first minutes in this edition of the World Cup.

Is that a change with penalties in mind?

Rachel Daly and Rasheedat Ajibade clash heads challenging for the same ball and there’s a slight break in play.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:56 , Mike Jones

111 mins: Toni Payne fizzes the ball out wide to Francisca Ordega who looks to dribble around Jess Carter. Carter leans into her and smothers the ball before belting it out for a throw in.

No nonsense stuff from the England defender.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:54 , Mike Jones

108 mins: After repelling another Nigerian attack the Lionesses manage to get the ball up the pitch and pick out Beth England. She turns and looks to slip Chloe Kelly inside but the pass is too heavy and comes through to Chiamaka Nnadozie.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:50 , Mike Jones

105 mins: The second half of extra time kicks off with Sarina Wiegman making another change. Beth England is on to replace Lauren Hemp.

England should provide a better target to hold up play as the Lionesses clear their lines.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:46 , Mike Jones

Extra time half-time!

105+1 mins: England get through the opening 15 minutes of extra time with just the one clear chance falling to Nigeria. The Lionesses are purely clinging on to their spot in the World Cup.

They’re defending in numbers and offering hardly anything in attack.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:42 , Mike Jones

102 mins: There are tired players all over the pitch. Nigeria have more energy and more desire to win this game. They’ve got a huge opportunity for a World Cup upset here.

Their fans are making a lot of noise inside the stadium. The England fans look very nervous.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:39 , Mike Jones

99 mins: Oh my word!

Nigeria should score. They whip the ball into the front edge of the box where Jennifer Echegini slips it quickly across to Michelle Alozie.

Alozie breezes into space and smokes her shot into the side netting as Lucy Bronze dives across to make a last ditch block. Alozie needs to hit the target there.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:36 , Mike Jones

96 mins: England are going to struggle to get up the pitch. Their only outlet is Chloe Kelly and they’re going to have to defend with everything they’ve got.

Keira Walsh releases Rachel Daly down the left side and she drives forward. Daly only has Kelly up top with her but there are eight Nigerian players in between the two women.

Daly does brilliantly to win a throw in.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:34 , Mike Jones

93 mins: Rasheedat Ajibade puts a cross into the box but Rachel Daly blocks it and boots the ball clear. Chloe Kelly is the only player up high for the Lionesses as they look to defend.

Nigeria send the ball back into the penalty area where Lucy Bronze clatters into Michelle Alozie. Alozie goes to ground but there’s no move to award Nigeria a penalty.

It was similar, though slightly more forceful, to the England penalty that was overturned earlier.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:31 , Mike Jones

Extra-time!

90 mins: The game resumes with Nigeria making another change in personnel as Jennifer Echegini comes on to replace Halimatu Ayinde.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:30 , Mike Jones

Lauren James sent off for stamping on opponent during England’s World Cup clash

England star Lauren James was sent off for stamping on the back of an opponent during the Lionesses’ Women’s World Cup last-16 tie against Nigeria.

The 21-year-old was shown a straight red card for violent conduct in the 86th minute, with the match 0-0, after stamping on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie.

James was initially shown a yellow card by the referee, but VAR recommended a review and the yellow card was upgraded to red after the act of petulance.

Lauren James sent off for stamping on opponent during England’s World Cup clash

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:28 , Mike Jones

In truth England are lucky not to have lost the game already. They’ve been the second best side and if Nigeria were more clinical in front of goal they would be through already.

England need to dig deep now. They’ve got 30 minutes to hold out, maybe nick a goal, but more likely try to force the game to a penalty shootout.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:26 , Mike Jones

England vs Nigeria heads to extra time and the Lionesses will play this next 30 minutes with 10 women. This is why:

A moment of madness from Lauren James.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:25 , Mike Jones

Full-time!

90+6 mins: England, with just 10 players left on the pitch, get through to the end of the 90 and force the match into extra-time. This is going to be a huge ask for the Lionesses now.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:24 , Mike Jones

90+4 mins: Halimatu Ayinde pokes the ball up to Asisat Oshoala but Millie Bright gets across the forward and boots the ball into the middle of the stands for a throw in.

Two minutes to go.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:20 , Mike Jones

90+1 mins: There’s six minutes of added time to go until this last 16 match goes to extra-time. Will there be a winning goal?

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:19 , Mike Jones

90 mins: Sarina Wiegman makes a change for England and brings Chloe Kelly on to replace Alessia Russo.

England, who were under pressure before, have a mountain to climb now. They’re still searching for the goal though as Lauren Hemp flies down the right side.

She puts a cross into the box but it’s just too far away from Rachel Daly who was arriving at the back post.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:16 , Mike Jones

Red card! Lauren James, England’s star performer is sent off!

87 mins: Disaster. That was an unavoidable decision, James didn’t need to tread on Alozie and now they’re down to 10-women for the final few minutes.

The Lionesses are up against it now.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:14 , Mike Jones

85 mins: England just can’t get hold of possession. They look the more nervous of the two teams as the minutes tick down to full-time.

A long ball from Mary Earps is well controlled by Alessia Russo but Nigeria get players behind the ball and there’s nowhere to go for England.

A frustrated Lauren James goes in the book for a tumbling into Michelle Alozie. James stands on Alozie’s back as she moves away from the challenge.

VAR is looking a upgrading this stamp to a red card.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:11 , Mike Jones

82 mins: Nigeria make a second change with Uchenna Kanu being replaced with Francisca Ordega. A Nigerian free kick is floated into the England box but the ball is nodded behind for a goal kick.

Still no changes for England.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:08 , Mike Jones

79 mins: That was the moment England should have taken the lead but Chiamaka Nnadozie has denied them with two incredible stops.

The Nigerian goalkeeper has been fantastic throughout the tournament and may have just keep her side in the World Cup. At the other end of the pitch Asisat Oshoala takes a snapshot from the edge of the box and boots the ball high and wide.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:06 , Mike Jones

76 mins: Save! Oh my word.

England win a corner that Alex Greenwood swings into the box. No-one marks Rachel Daly who bursts into space and wins the header. She powers it towards goal where Chiamaka Nnadozie drops to her right and palms the ball out.

It gets scooped over to the back post where Alessia Russo leaps up and nods it back at goal but Nnadozie is on her feet in a flash and clings onto the second effort too!

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:03 , Mike Jones

73 mins: Mary Earps stayed down after that set piece so Sarina Wiegman takes the opportunity to speak to her outfield players while Earps receives treatment.

When the messages are all received, Earps gets up, she’s fine and will play on.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 10:01 , Mike Jones

70 mins: Oshoala bursts down the right and wins Nigeria a corner when her cross is turned behind by Alex Greenwood.

Toni Payne curls the corner ball into the middle and picks out Uchenna Kanu. Kanu bombs her headed effort towards the nearest post but nods it wide of the target.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 09:57 , Mike Jones

66 mins: The play is being stretched as neither team wants to overcommit players up the pitch and leave themselves vulnerable to the counter-attack.

A fizzing pass from Keira Walsh is too powerful for Alessia Russo to control and the ball comes to Oluwatosin Demehin. She goes long but turns her pass out of play.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 09:53 , Mike Jones

63 mins: Lauren James finally shakes off her marker, Halimatu Ayinde, and pokes the ball to Alessia Russo on the edge of the penalty area.

Russo sends the ball back to James but she loses possession before she can penetrate the Nigerian defence anay further. England have really lacked a clinical edge in the final third today.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 09:49 , Mike Jones

60 mins: Here’s a moment that could decide the result of this match. Nigeria go to the bench and bring on Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala to replace Ifeoma Onumonu.

If Oshoala is on form, things could quickly turn bad for England. They need to switch on again.

Georgia Stanway delivers a cross into the Nigerian box and finds Rachel Daly. Daly looks for the volley but a nice block from Kanu takes the ball wide.

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

Monday 7 August 2023 09:46 , Mike Jones

57 mins: Lauren Hemp eases the pressure on England by winning a free kick high up the pitch. Alex Greenwood whips a lovely ball into the middle from the set piece and finds Alessia Russo.

Russo arrives slightly too soon and the pace of the cross means the ball strikes her forehand and flies wide of the target before she has the chance to control the direction of the header.

Better from England though.

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