England are into the last-16 of the Women’s World Cup after breathing life into their tournament challenge with a huge 6-1 win over China. The Lionesses had hardly lit proceedings alight during their first two games but were back amongst the goals last time out as they look to follow up their Euro 2022 success by going deep here.
The manner of their last win has raised hopes once more. Sarina Wiegman is hugely experienced in this environment and there’s little reason England at their best cannot make a major play to win the tournament outright, particularly with the draw appearing to open up after some shock. The Lionesses have Keira Walsh back in the starting lineup after she avoided serious injury, in what is a major boost.
Nigeria cannot be written off, of course, but they face an almighty task to overcome an England side hitting form. Follow England vs Nigeria LIVE with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog and Simon Collings will be providing expert analysis from the ground!
Live updates
117 mins: Bronze tries to win a throw-in, but plays it straight out of play. Nigeria throw-in, deep in England territory.
Oshoala very nearly makes something out of nothing, pouncing on the loose ball and swiveling to get the shot away. Straight at Earps.
114 mins: Nigeria looking tired themselves now – they haven’t really been able to make the most of having an extra player. England not hugely troubled at the back.
Apologies in advance for an jinxing effects…
111 mins: Walsh still out there on her return to the side, been a real test of her fitness. She charges up the pitch to press, England’s furthest player forward.
Just under ten minutes to go before we head to a penalty shootout, unless someone steps up and delivers before then.
108 mins: Oshoala deciding she will only deal in bicycle kicks today.
Cross comes in from the right, Oshoala forced to halt her run and once again she goes for the acrobatic effort. Bronze does enough to put her off, Nigeria star can’t make contact.
107 mins: No surprise that the Lionesses are going long now whenever they can, Earps not in the mood for passing it around at the back.
Already England is having an impact up front, far more suited to playing that role of trying to hold the ball up.
Up and running again!
England is indeed coming on for… England.
It’s Hemp who has made way, so Kelly will move out wide to a more natural position.
HT: England 0-0 Nigeria
Goalless after 105 minutes. Just 15 to go.
Penalties looming in Brisbane!
105 mins: Kelly cannot make the ball stick up front – not really her game to be fair. Wonder if we’ll see Wiegman turn to England at some point soon, with Kelly moving out wide.
Just the one minute added on.
102 mins: Ball into the England, Oshoala throws herself at it as she winds up for the overhead kick attempt… clatters into Stanway. Free-kick England.
Oshoala is in out wide seconds late though, too quick for Greenwood. Tries to stand up a cross to the back post, flicks off the top of the bar.
Whistle goes, ball went out of play before it hit the woodwork.
100 mins: Kelly down, wanting a free-kick. Nothing given, England have everyone back pretty much on the edge of their own area.
Still only one change from Wiegman, Kelly on for Russo. Plenty of options still available to her.