9 months ago
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ENGLAND take on Nigeria in their biggest game of the World Cup so far.
The Lionesses roared into the last 16 with a stunning 6-1 win over China in their final game in Group D.
Lauren James was the star in the Lionesses’ 6-1 win against ChinaGETTY
GettyEngland vs Nigeria: Betting tips, best odds and preview for Women’s World Cup clash
The 6-1 demolition capped off a flawless group stage for England after 1-0 wins over both Haiti and Denmark.
After a cagey start to the group stage, the victory breathed some much needed life into the campaign as Lauren James furthered her credentials for player of the tournament.
After two impressive appearances from the bench, Sarina Wiegman opted to shake up her side in order to fit the Chelsea starlet into the XI.
Playing behind forwards Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo, everything positive that England did against China was filtered through the Chelsea midfielder.
She was able to repay Wiegman’s faith in her by registering two goals and three assists in the rout – including a sublime left footed volley from a Lucy Bronze cross.
The Chelsea star looks certain to retain her place in the XI as manager Wiegman looks set to keep her 3-4-1-2 formation in order to accommodate the budding superstar.
England received an unexpected boost going into the game with current holders The United States crashing out of the tournament against Sweden.
The US have been England’s bete noire having beaten them on penalties in the 2019 World Cup and it has often felt that overcoming them would be the last hurdle for this England side to win a World Cup.
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But the Lionesses must first beat Nigeria at the Brisbane Stadium to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament before they get too far ahead of themselves.
Nigeria have been one of the stories of the tournament so far, having been drawn in a tough group alongside Olympics champions Canada and co-hosts Australia.
Their players very nearly boycotted the tournament owing to a dispute over unpaid wages – but have triumphed against the odds to make it to the tournament’s last 16.
Awaiting the winner of this match will be either Colombia or Jamaica where the sides will battle it out for a place in the semi-finals.
What is their form like?
England enter their last 16 clash with Nigeria in a perfect vein of form.
They started the tournament slowly, with a cagey 1-0 win over minnows Haiti.
The Lionesses then repeated that scoreline against a much more fancied Denmark side.
But the Lionesses’ tournament caught life in their 6-1 win over China, with star-woman Lauren James scoring two and registering three assists in her player of the match performance.
Nigeria meanwhile made it to the last 16 after finishing ahead of Olympic gold medallists Canada to take second in group B.
The Super Falcons are unbeaten in the tournament with a D-W-D record.
Who will be the stars?
It’s impossible to think about who will be the star of this game without talking about James.
Wiegman is reluctant to change her starting XI at the best of times so that meant the Chelsea star had to make-do with starting this tournament on the bench.
James impressed when coming on in England’s first match against Haiti and scored the winner against Denmark
She stole the show after starting against China, scoring two and assisting three times in a 6-1 win.
England meanwhile will need to keep Nigeria’s star player Asisat Oshoala quiet.
The Barcelona forward got the winner last time out against hosts Australia to put Nigeria into the next round.
GettyWhat have the managers said?
Wiegman embraced some welcome injury news ahead of the game.
Asked on Keira Walsh’s fitness she said: “She’s doing well. She started her rehab straight after we knew what was going on.
“She has been on the pitch, training today and now we will wait to see how she recovers and if she does well then, she will be available for tomorrow.”
Nigeria manager Randy Waldrum was full of optimism ahead of Nigeria’s clash against England and said: “I just credit the players so much for the work they’ve put into this World Cup and you can see the talent is there.
“Nigeria could be a world power if we start to do things properly and invest like so many other nations need to do as well.”
When is England vs Nigeria?
- England vs Nigeria will take place on Monday, August 7.
- Kick off will be at 8:30am BST.
- The Brisbane Stadium will play host.
What channel is England vs Nigeria on?
- England vs Nigeria will be broadcast live on BBC One.
- Coverage will begin at 8am BST.
- Gabby Logan will lead the presenting team.
Can I live stream England vs Nigeria for FREE?
- Yes! You can live stream England vs Nigeria for FREE via BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV licence.
- You can download the BBC iPlayer app for FREE onto your mobile or tablet device.
- Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage from the Brisbane Stadium.
Team news
Kiera Walsh could return to the fold after participating in training, according to manager Sarina Wiegman.
Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze will be pushing to be involved after overcoming injuries before the tournament.
Wiegman will be hoping that forward Lauren James can continue her fine form in the knockout stages.
The Lionesses’ boss is likely to have the same squad available as the game against China, providing no injuries occur in training.
SunSport Prediction
England should have enough to bring Nigeria’s fairy tale tournament to an end tomorrow but it won’t be a walk in the park.
The Super Falcons have overcame incredible adversity to even make it to the Round of 16.
Their 3-2 victory over hosts Australia came against the odds and shows the punch they pack on the counter.
But a Lauren James-inspired England should have enough and we’re predicting a 2-0 victory for the Lionesses.
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