England Lionesses train ahead of Women’s World Cup clash with Nigeria
England face their biggest test of the Women’s World Cup yet as the Lionesses take on Nigeria in the last-16 in Brisbane.
It’s been a tournament of shocks and surprises so far and Sarina Wiegman’s side will be wary of becoming another, after the defending champions United States joined Germany, Canada and Brazil in exiting the competition on Sunday.
But it means the tournament is opening up, with England among those who are looking like contenders in Australia and New Zealand. The Lionesses produced a brilliant performance to thrash China 6-1 last time out, so confidence is high among the camp.
Nigeria are dangerous opposition: led by star striker Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons stunned Australia and held Canada on their way to qualifying for the knockout stages.
Follow live updates from England vs Nigeria in Brisbane as the Lionesses look to reach the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
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.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:36
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
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.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:34
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
90 mins: The game resumes with Nigeria making another change in personnel as Jennifer Echegini comes on to replace Halimatu Ayinde.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:31
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
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.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:30
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
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.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:28
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
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.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:26
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
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.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:25
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
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.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:24
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
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?
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:20
Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 Nigeria
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.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 10:19