World Cup 2023: England thrash China 6-1 in final group stage match

England looked dominating as they finished the top of their group at the World Cup, ITV News' Sports Editor Steve Scott reports

England thrashed China 6-1 in their final group stage match of the World Cup, setting up a tantalising round-of-16 clash with Nigeria.

The Lionesses were 3-0 to the good at half time and were in control for the majority of the contest.

England boss Sarina Wiegman made three changes to her team, including a first World Cup start for Katie Zelem, while Jess Carter and Lauren Hemp returned to the starting XI.

Arsenal forward Alessia Russo opened the scoring, in the fourth minute, tucking a low effort past the left post from Lauren James' header.

Hemp doubled England's advantage in the 26th minute, when she was put clean through on China's goal.

Before the end of the first half, Chelsea forward James added a third, finishing off a well worked free-kick routine.

The Lionesses' half time lead could have been even greater had James not seen a stunning effort from outside the 18-yard box disallowed by VAR for offside.

China were further saved from conceding again after defender Lucy Bronze's headed effort clattered off the post to safety.

But at the start of the second half, England's opponents were given a lifeline, when Bronze was penalised for a handball following a VAR review.

Forward Wang Shuang stepped up and slotted her spot kick past Mary Earps, scoring the first goal against England of the tournament.

However, just as China were looking to reduce the scoreline further, James added a fourth, and her third of the tournament, for England, hitting a sweet volley into the top right corner of the net, in the 65th minute.

England's goalscoring hero from last summer's European Championship final win, Chloe Kelly, also got in on the action, slotting into an empty net when Chinese goalkeeper Zhu Yu misjudged a bouncing ball.

Aston Villa's Rachel Daly rounded off the scoring in the 86th minute, sweeping home a volley at the far post.

Speaking post-match, James told ITV1 her haul of five goal contributions is "what dreams are made of".

She said: "Happy for the team and everyone is buzzing and looking forward to going into the next round.

"I felt free, whether I am on the wing or in the middle, I am just happy to be on the pitch playing and enjoying my football. I am happy I can contribute to goals as well."

Wiegman hailed England's team performance, but singled out praise for James, saying she did "special things" against China.

"I am very delighted, I said before the game we were going to do things a little bit different than we did before and we did really well, it shows how adaptive this team is and I think they are enjoying themselves," she said.

The result means the Lionesses have topped Group D, with Denmark finishing as runners-up after their 2-0 win against Haiti.

England will next face Group B runners-up Nigeria, in Brisbane, on Monday August 7, with a place in the World Cup quarter finals up for grabs.

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