When is England's next Women's World Cup match and route to final

07 August 2023 , 11:39

784     0

When is England's next Women's World Cup match and route to final

The Lionesses rode their luck but it's the Women's World Cup quarter-finals that await the European champions after they scraped past Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

Outplayed and eventually outnumbered following Lauren James's sending-off in the 85th minute for a stamp on Michelle Alozie, England made hard work of their last-16 tie on Monday evening, and Randy Waldrum's side - ranked 40th in the world, 36 places below England - looked to be the latest nation destined to relish knocking out one of women's football historic giants.

The Super Falcons thrust the Lionesses under early and relentless pressure and were twice denied by the woodwork as they sought to send England on a premature plane home. England struggled to tease out any rhythm or cohesion, and their frustration was best epitomised by starlet Lauren James ' dismissal five minutes from regular time.

Nevertheless, despite the myriad chances Nigeria had to capitalise on England's poor form and red card, the Super Falcons failed to capitalise and England's defence dug deep to force the game to penalties.

And once again it was Manchester City star Chloe Kelly who came to England's rescue as the forward coolly fired in England's fifth penalty to send them through to the quarter-finals.

Earps reacts to FIFA Best nomination and on season so far with Man Utd

It was relief and jubilation for Sarina Wiegman's side, whose first-ever successful penalty shootout at a major tournament will see them face the winner of Jamaica vs Colombia.

The quarter-final is set for Saturday, 12 August at 11:30am UK time. The Lionesses will have to wait to find out who they will face, with Colombia and Jamaica not kicking off until 9am (UK time) on Tuesday, August 8.

Chelsea forward Lauren James will not feature in England's quarter-final clash and could see her World Cup journey come to a stark end if she is handed a three-match suspension for her actions against Alozie.

Megan Feringa