Lionesses Roar into Knockouts with Stunning 6-1 Hammering of China
England’s Lionesses stormed into the Women’s World Cup last 16 with a colossal 6-1 victory over China in Adelaide. Needing just a point to top Group D, the European champions smashed the Asian Cup winners in a ruthless display.
Russia, Hemp & James Blitz Early Goals
Alessia Russo wasted no time, netting a sharp opener just 4 minutes in. Lauren Hemp doubled the lead before the half-hour mark. Then Lauren James wowed the crowd with a jaw-dropping curling strike to put England 3-0 up at halftime.
VAR Drama & China’s Brief Comeback
James looked set to grab a brace with another long-range rocket, but VAR ruled it out. Later, VAR gifted China a penalty after Lucy Bronze handballed. Wang Shuang converted to make it 3-1, briefly stirring hope for the underdogs.
Lionesses Smash Their Way to Victory
But Lauren James quashed any comeback hopes with a stunning volley from distance. Chloe Kelly pounced on a keeper’s blunder to make it 5-1, before Rachel Daly put the final nail in China’s coffin with a sixth goal.
Walsh Injury & Strong Squad Depth
Despite missing midfield star Keira Walsh with a knee issue, England’s performance was their best yet. Manager Sarina Wiegman mixed things up with three changes, handing Katie Zelem a World Cup debut and bringing back Jess Carter and Hemp.
Wiegman stayed tight-lipped about Walsh’s tournament status but confirmed the injury isn’t ACL. The team showed grit and adaptability, ready to keep pushing deep into the knockout rounds.
Lionesses Send a Warning to World Cup Rivals
With this dominant win, England have sent a clear message to the rest of the competition. Fans will be licking their lips for more thrilling football as the Lionesses aim to make World Cup history on the global stage.
