This was an uncharacteristic experiment in the middle of the game's biggest tournament. It was rogue, unpredictable and risky by a manager who had named the same team throughout Euro 2022 and has rarely switched from a favoured 4-2-1-3 formation. Tension was hardly reduced when Wiegman named her starting XI for Tuesday's match in Adelaide and few could state confidently what the formation was. Lauren James (left) and Rachel Daly (right) both scored against China To add to the concern, instrumental midfielder Keira Walsh picked up a knee injury - so by the time the Lionesses were lining up to face China in their final group match, English pessimism had started to creep in. Struggling for fluidity, their goalscoring touch also seemed to have deserted them, with just one goal from open play in their past four matches - while none of England's strikers had got off the mark. Sarina Wiegman's side then opened Group D with an unconvincing 1-0 win against Haiti, ranked 49 places lower than them, before they had to rely on a James stunner to help them over the line in a 1-0 victory against Denmark.Įngland had six points in the bag and sat top of the group, but the performances had created more questions than provided answers. Go here for all the latest from the Women's World CupĮngland were one of the pre-tournament favourites but injuries to key players Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby had dominated the build-up to the World Cup.How to watch England v Nigeria on the BBC.

' She did special things' - Wiegman praises James.

When half-time arrived, England were in cruise control at 3-0 up - a goal and two assists already in the bag for Chelsea sensation Lauren James.

The European champions mean business and have finally shown their quality. It was a display that sent a statement to England's rivals in Australia. The Lionesses swept aside China with slick, unpredictable and entertaining football in one of the best performances in the tournament so far.

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