China vs England LIVE! Women’s World Cup 2023 result, match stream and latest updates today

China vs England – LIVE!

Lauren James shone again with two fine goals as England put in their best performance of the Women’s World Cup so far to sweep aside China 6-1 and march into the last 16 as Group D winners.

Alessia Russo gave the European champions the perfect start with a goal in the fourth minute and Lauren Hemp and James added two more to give England a comfortable lead at the break at Hindmarsh Stadium. Asian Champions China, who exit in the group stage for the first time in eight editions of the World Cup, came out firing in the second half and got a goal back through a Wang Shuang penalty.

James grabbed her third goal, however, before Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly also found the net to give England an emphatic victory as they head off to Brisbane to play Nigeria on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals.

China vs England latest news

• GOAL! Kelly off the bench to add fifth

• GOAL! James second with stunning volley

• GOAL! Wang pulls one back for China with penalty

• GOAL! James extends advantage before the break

• GOAL! Hemp doubles the lead

• GOAL! Russo gives England perfect start

China PR 1 - 6 England

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14:55 , Matt Verri

To be honest, it doesn’t matter what formation England play when Lauren James is in this kind of form.

The Chelsea forward tore China to pieces, scoring two goals and laying on three assists for her team-mates. Had it not been for VAR, which was more of a thorn in England’s side than China, James would have had a hat-trick.

The 21-year-old deserved one as she was simply unplayable here as the Lionesses well and truly clicked into gear at this World Cup.

This 6-1 victory over China secured them top spot in Group D and setup a last-16 showdown against Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday. On the evidence of this, England will take some stopping as they excelled with a formation that caught everyone off guard.

Click here for Simon Collings’ full report!

Player ratings

14:43 , Matt Verri

Rachel Daly 9

Played a different position for the third game in a row. Looked great at left wing-back, especially going forward. One of England’s best players. Scored a well-taken goal late on.

Lauren James 10 | Star player

Lighting up the tournament with every game she plays. Sparkled here, scoring two goals and setting up three more. Denied a hat-trick by a harsh VAR call.

Read our ratings in full here!

Post-match thoughts from the England boss

14:32 , Matt Verri

Next up...

14:27 , Matt Verri

England will face Nigeria in the last-16 next Monday, with that match taking place in Brisbane. Had they finished second in Group D, it would have been hosts Australia next.

Should the Lionesses get through that, it could potentially be Colombia or Brazil in the quarter-finals. Plenty to happen before you can pencil then in on your wallchart though...

Reaction from Lauren James

14:15 , Matt Verri

“It’s what dreams are made of. Happy for the team, everyone is buzzing and we’re looking forward to going into the next round.

“I felt free. Whether I’m on the wing or in the middle, I’m just happy to be on the pitch and enjoying my football.

“Like last game, I thought just hit it and see what happens. Bit frustrated [about disallowed goal] but these things happen.

“Each game I’m looking to improve and get better. There’s many more years of improvement - I can always get better.”

Some finish!

14:10 , Matt Verri

FT: China 1-6 England

14:05 , Matt Verri

Perfect conclusion to the group stage for England!

Their best display of the tournament by a mile, and it sets up a last-16 clash against Nigeria in Brisbane next week.

China are out of the World Cup - Denmark through as runners-up in Group D.

14:04 , Matt Verri

90+9 mins: China are almost there, this stoppage-time really dragging on for them.

Not helped by England coming forward again, plenty of white shirts in the attack. Coombs once again hammers an effort at goal from distance, flies over the bar this time.

13:59 , Matt Verri

90+5 mins: Cross whipped into the box towards England, she can’t make up the ground though.

Coombs picks up the ball just outside the area, swivels and gets the shot away. Drags it just wide of the post, not far away.

13:57 , Matt Verri

90+3 mins: England have eased off a bit now, happy to just see this through without any incident late on.

So many positives for the Lionesses heading into the last-16, they’ve hit top form at just the right time.

13:55 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Well then.

11 minutes added on. Yes, 11. Just what China wanted to hear I’m sure, at 6-1 down.

13:51 , Matt Verri

87 mins: There was a long VAR check for offside, but the goal stands.

So, it will be Nigeria in the last-16 next Monday for England. That is unless China are about to score six goals in three minutes to mix things up.

GOAL! China 1-6 England | Rachel Daly 84'

13:48 , Matt Verri

Daly gets her goal!

Ball bouncing around in the box, shots blocked but it falls for Daly at the back post and she lashes home.

This has been a sensational performance from England.

13:44 , Matt Verri

80 mins: England as hungry as they have been all match, flying into the challenges and sensing more goals.

There will be no hat-trick for James. Toone coming on to replace the Chelsea star, who strolls off with two goals and three assists. Not too shabby.

GOAL! China 1-5 England | Chloe Kelly 77'

13:40 , Matt Verri

Kelly gets her goal!

James clips the ball over the top, goalkeeper Zhu rushes off her line and completely misses it, with Kelly there to roll the ball into an empty net.

13:37 , Matt Verri

73 mins: The subs almost combine!

England bursts into space in the box, tries to square it but Kelly is unable to get a clean shot away. Corner.

Daly wins the header in the middle, can’t keep it down though.

13:35 , Matt Verri

71 mins: Here are the changes.

Bronze, Russo and Hemp all coming off, Charles, Kelly and and England the three to replace them.

James still has a chance of a World Cup hat-trick.

13:33 , Matt Verri

69 mins: We’re back to the first-half pattern now, England dominating and causing China real problems with their intensity.

Will Wiegman turn to her bench now, potentially taking James off and saving her for the knockout stages?

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

13:31 , Matt Verri

Lauren James has just volleyed one home with her left foot as if she’s having a kick-about in the park. Crazy.

GOAL! China 1-4 England | Lauren James 66'

13:29 , Matt Verri

This one will count!

And it’s another incredible finish. Carter whips a deep cross into the box, James free at the back post and she volleys it left-footed into the top corner.

Two goals and two assists in the match. Some talent.

13:27 , Matt Verri

63 mins: China still sitting off when England have it at the back, not going all-out. It’s sloppy passes from the Lionesses that are giving China their best moments.

England, wisely, just keeping the ball for now. Calming things down as they look to regain complete control of the match.

13:24 , Matt Verri

60 mins: England just need a solid ten minutes or so now, don’t want to let this turn into anything nervy.

Russo now penalised for handball, fair few frustrated players out there in England shirts right now.

Launched long into the box, Bright is up well to head it away, but here come China again. Low to the near post this time, again Bright is on hand to clear.

GOAL! China 1-3 England | Wang Shuang 57'

13:21 , Matt Verri

One back!

One down, three to go for China!

Confident penalty, rolled straight down the middle as Earps dives to her left. England concede for the first time in the tournament.

PENALTY!

13:20 , Matt Verri

It is given!

“Your arm was away from you” says the referee to a very confused Bronze. Not sure that’s true.

Anyway, it’s a penalty.

13:18 , Matt Verri

55 mins: We have about a minute of standing around, before the referee is told to go and look at the monitor.

It was Bronze on the line, standing in front of Earps. Arm is by her side but it did make contact with the ball. Think this will be given.

13:17 , Matt Verri

53 mins: Wu tries her luck from 25 yards out after James loses the ball, decent strike and Earps turns it behind for a corner.

Wow - somehow England survive! Great ball in, ball bobbles around and just trickles wide of the post for another corner.

Although there is a VAR check for handball...

13:15 , Matt Verri

51 mins: Coombs about to let fly with a shot from distance as the whistle goes... for an England free-kick. Referee clearly decided it was in the Lionesses’ best interests for Coombs not to go for goal.

Greenwood and James standing over the free-kick. It’s Greenwood to whip it into the box, Bronze can’t quite get on the end of it.

13:12 , Matt Verri

48 mins: Bit more competitive at the start of this half, though a lot of that is due to England being pretty loose on the ball.

Bronze lost it and China were away on the counter, but the Lionesses have enough bodies back with this formation to cover.

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

13:10 , Matt Verri

Georgia Stanway off and in the proverbial cotton wool, due to being one yellow card away from suspension.

Sensible from Wiegman.

Back underway!

13:09 , Matt Verri

Up and running again in Adelaide!

Coombs is on for England at the break to replace Stanway, who picked up a yellow card earlier in the tournament and so was a suspension risk.

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

13:05 , Matt Verri

Excellent first-half from the Lionesses, who are in complete control. New formation, 3-4-1-2, has worked well.

Lauren James the star again, two assists and a goal. What a talent.

Harsh on James...

13:02 , Matt Verri

Here is that VAR decision, as the referee went over to look at the monitor.

Not really sure how they’ve decided that was offside. Bronze was the only one offside when the ball first came in, but you can’t argue she was interfering with play.

Can’t be ruling out goals as good as that...

How England took the lead...

12:58 , Matt Verri

HT: China 0-3 England

12:55 , Matt Verri

And that is half-time.

Should be 4-0, but England will be more than satisfied with their efforts.

Russo, Hemp and James with the goals to put the Lionesses in complete control, that last-16 clash against Nigeria is pretty much guaranteed now.

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

12:54 , Matt Verri

Well that’s a shame. Boos from the crowd. Wiegman shrugs her shoulders, don’t blame her.

NO GOAL!

12:53 , Matt Verri

Hmmm.

Not sure about that. Bronze is offside when the cross is swung into the box initially, but she had no involvement at that point.

Very strange decision. It’s 3-0.

12:52 , Matt Verri

VAR getting involved. Looking at offside, referee is over to have a look at the monitor.

Would be very cruel to rule this out...

GOAL! China 0-4 England | Lauren James 45+5'

12:51 , Matt Verri

Ridiculous!

A dream 45 minutes for England is capped in stunning fashion.

Ball into the box is headed out, Bronze lays it off to James. Cutting inside off the right wing, left-footed strike from James is whipped into the far corner. Stunning finish.

12:49 , Matt Verri

45+3 mins: Daly back up and fine to continue.

England should really be 4-0 up, almost too easy for them in the box. Russo charges down the right, fires the cross into the six-yard box.

Hemp has an effort blocked, Bronze, James and Stanway then take too long to get another shot away.

Goal and two assists for James!

12:47 , Matt Verri

12:45 , Matt Verri

45 mins: Well then, China have woken up. Finally they offer some threat, firing a ball across the face of goal... Bronze gets her body in the way and ensures there is no tap-in at the back post.

Daly is down for England, took an elbow to the face. Definitely accidental.

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

12:43 , Matt Verri

Leah Williamson was right, Lauren James is a cheat code.

GOAL! China 0-3 England | Lauren James 41'

12:41 , Matt Verri

There is the third!

Too easy for England. Hemp rolls the free-kick out to the edge of the box, China with the bold strategy of leaving James completely unmarked.

She strolls onto the ball and whips a first-time finish into the far corner. Superb.

12:40 , Matt Verri

40 mins: Russo combines well with Bronze, who chops inside and gets brought down. Free-kick England in a great position out wide.

One more goal and this match is over... although it feels pretty much done already.

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

12:37 , Matt Verri

VAR has been good for much of this tournament, but not sure what has happened there.

Russo just had her hair pulled by a China defender in the box. Play waved on.

12:37 , Matt Verri

37 mins: China are being run ragged, Daly does so well to keep the ball in play and the attack going. Comes back to Daly, deep cross finds Stanway and her header is tipped over the bar for a corner. Russo wasn’t far away from getting on the end of that.

Corner falls for Russo, shot is charged down. Relentless from England.

12:34 , Matt Verri

33 mins: Off the post!

Inches away from 3-0. Ball pinged into the box, Bronze at the back post wins the header and watches it bounce off the woodwork.

She reacts well to get to the rebound, but can only scuff the effort wide as the Chinese players throw themselves at her.

12:31 , Matt Verri

31 mins: Nearly brilliant!

Hemp with a great turn, drives inside and past the challenges. Worked onto her left foot and the shot is blocked, corner for England.

Or not... offside flag goes up. Hemp after all that picked the ball up in an offside position.

12:30 , Matt Verri

30 mins: China win their first corner of the match, Bright is there though as ever to head it out.

Zelem then tries to let the ball run out for a goal-kick, gets caught but James is there to win it back. Chelsea star was too strong there, physicality of England is a problem for China.

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

12:29 , Matt Verri

Excellent from Hemp there. She looked a shadow of herself in the opener, so much so she was dropped for the Denmark, but the City forward finished that so well.

England in control.

GOAL! China 0-2 England | Lauren Hemp 26'

12:27 , Matt Verri

IT’S TWO!

This is as good as England have looked this tournament. Bright rushes out of defence to win the ball and flicks it through to James.

She has space to look up, slide the pass into Hemp’s path. One touch takes it away from the defenders, a second sends a finish low into the bottom corner.

12:25 , Matt Verri

25 mins: James loses the ball, China are away on the counter... Greenwood reads it.

That back three is helping England in transition, they look much more secure now when they do get caught on the ball.

12:22 , Matt Verri

22 mins: China starting to have a better spell, James does really well on the edge of the area to stop a shot coming in.

Elsewhere in Group D, Denmark have taken the lead against Haiti. Pernille Harder with the goal from the penalty spot - China now need two goals. At least.

12:20 , Matt Verri

20 mins: England try something a bit clever, doesn’t come off. Think the plan was to lay it off for Stanway to have a shot on the edge of the area, but the ball did not make it that far.

China with a rare bit of possession, Daly swiftly out though to charge the ball down. Lionesses full of intensity.

12:18 , Matt Verri

18 mins: China do need something from this match if they are to get out of the group - pretty dramatic turnaround needed.

Big switch of play out to Daly, who is absolutely clattered as she gets to the ball first. Mengwen was not slowing down there. Free-kick.

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

12:15 , Matt Verri

Alessia Russo looked excellent so far, sharp build-up play.

Hemp running in behind has helped her and the goal has done her confidence the world of good, too.

12:13 , Matt Verri

13 mins: China cannot get near the ball at the moment.

Here come England again, Russo the free player once more. She slides the ball low into the box, Hemp running onto it but it’s a superb challenge to close her down.

Can’t get a clean shot away.

12:10 , Matt Verri

10 mins: Russo is causing so many problems when she drifts out wide to the left.

Darts down the wing, fires a wonderful cross into the six-yard box. Goalkeeper lets it run, Bronze unable to make up the ground at the back post.

12:08 , Matt Verri

8 mins: All England, who like they did against Denmark are looking really dangerous in the opening stages.

Bronze and Daly both offering real width, flying forward with that added protection behind them. System is certainly working so far.

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

12:07 , Matt Verri

Brilliant start for England. Excellent play from Russo to make that. She brings down a long ball and finds Hemp, who showed great movement.

That’ll settle any nerves.

GOAL! China 0-1 England | Alessia Russo 4'

12:05 , Matt Verri

ENGLAND TAKE THE LEAD!

Perfect start! Bright wins the ball back and England bring it forward, Russo doing brilliantly out wide.

She knocks it down the line for Hemp, cross comes in and falls to Russo after James nods the ball down. Russo squeezes a finish in at the near post.

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

12:03 , Matt Verri

Looks like 3-5-2, which is very interesting. Lauren Hemp up top alongside Russo one of the more intriguing elements to it.

12:03 , Matt Verri

3 mins: Low-key start, ball has either been in the air or out of play for much of it.

Carter has started in midfield, with Daly and Bronze as wing-backs for England. Interesting...

KICK-OFF!

12:00 , Matt Verri

Underway in Adelaide!

Relaxed in the tunnel!

11:58 , Matt Verri

Here we go..

11:55 , Matt Verri

Teams are out onto the pitch, accompanied by some very dramatic music. Thought an episode of The Apprentice was about to start.

Anyway, time for the anthems!

Ten minutes to go!

11:50 , Matt Verri

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

11:48 , Matt Verri

Just had to double-take here because the announcer is an absolute dead ringer for Erik ten Hag.

Doing a fine job of whipping up the crowd, though, which is an even split of England and China fans.

Rachel Yankey column

11:43 , Matt Verri

Ordinarily I would worry about young players coping with the spotlight of being a star at a Women’s World Cup, but not Lauren James.

Lauren is so down to earth and would have seen all this attention before with her brother, Reece.

She announced herself on the biggest stage with her stunning goal against Denmark on Friday but she will already have had a taste of the pressure she is now under, having had to deal with the tag of: ‘Your brother is Reece James, he plays for Chelsea and England’.

That meant automatically people were watching Lauren, so I am not worried about her handling that.

Lauren does not crave the limelight and all England need to worry about is getting the best out of her. She did well against Denmark playing out wide and drifting in, but I would like to see her used as a No10.

Read the full column here!

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

11:40 , Matt Verri

If it is back-three, the last time England played that formation they won 20-0.

Good signs....

All to play for!

11:33 , Matt Verri

Reminder that Denmark are taking on Haiti elsewhere in Group D, with that match kicking off in just under half an hour too.

Haiti must win and hope England beat China to have any chance of snatching second place.

For Denmark, matching China’s result will be enough for them to go through to the knockout stages, while England need just a point to wrap up top spot.

Pre-match thoughts from Wiegman

11:27 , Matt Verri

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

11:21 , Matt Verri

It will be interesting to see England warm up here.

Much debate in the press box as to what formation England will play, ranging from 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or even 3-4-3...

Interesting from Wiegman

11:17 , Matt Verri

Russo and Daly in the side again for England, but it looks like they will both get a chance in forward areas.

Hemp has also returned and James has kept her place, so we could see Daly out wide with Russo once again leading the line. One to keep an eye on.

Zelem comes into the midfield to partner Stanway, while it’s Greenwood at left-back and Carter in the centre of defence alongside Bright.

The wait continues...

11:09 , Matt Verri

As those who have had the misfortune of turning the TV on early will know, we currently have Ainsley Harriott cooking up some ‘World Cup food’.

He’s said about five times already that this will be perfect for a penalty shootout - nobody bothered to tell him we’re still in the group-stage.

Sam Allardyce is one of the guests tucking in. What is going on.

China team news

11:03 , Matt Verri

China XI: Zhu, Li, Shuang Wang, Wei Yao, Shanshan Wang, Yang, Lou, Chen, Lingwei Yao, Wu, Linyan Zhang.

Subs: Xu, Pan, Dou, Linlin Wang, Wu, Xin Zhang, Shen, Tang, Xiao, Gu, Gao.

Lionesses in the building!

11:00 , Matt Verri

Simon Collings at Hindmarsh Stadium

10:53 , Matt Verri

Sarina Wiegman has made three changes to her team.

That is the most she has ever made at a match in the Euros or World Cup during her managerial career.

England team news

10:51 , Matt Verri

England XI: Earps, Bronze, Greenwood, Bright, Carter, Stanway, Zelem, James, Hemp, Russo, Daly.

Subs: Charles, Toone, Nobbs, Hampton, Wubben-Moy, Morgan, Coombs, Kelly, England, Roebuck, Robinson

Wiegman: We want to keep control

10:42 , Matt Verri

Sarina Wiegman has called on her England side to “keep control of the game” against China.

The Lionesses had bright periods in both of their opening two games, but they were unable to score a crucial second goal on either occassion and left themselves vulnerable to some nervy moments.

“We expect a different game to the ones against Haiti and Denmark,” Wiegman said in her pre-match press conference.

“I think we had moments in both games where we played really well and moments where we lost the ball a little bit to much and allowed the opponent to counter attack.

“We want to keep the patience, keep the ball moving and keep the passing game in a good place and then try to create chances to score goals which is what we always want to do. The main thing is to keep control of the game as much as possible because sometimes that’s really hard.”

Simon Collings in Adelaide

10:34 , Matt Verri

Permutations!

10:26 , Matt Verri

Right then - England need only a point to secure top spot in Group D.

Denmark and China both sit on three points with the same goal difference, but the Danes have the advantage due to their narrow 1-0 win when the sides met. It means they just need to better China’s result to go through.

If both China and Denmark win this afternoon, they will join England on six points. It will then come down to goal difference, head-to-head records... maybe even drawing of lots!

Haiti must beat Denmark and hope England defeat China, which would give them a chance of going through as runners-up.

“The ACL issue is the talk of the game"

10:16 , Matt Verri

Earlier today...

10:09 , Matt Verri

We’ve already had some World Cup drama this morning!

The Netherlands have finished top of Group E after hammering Vietnam, but it was far less comfortable for defending champions USA.

They battled to a goalless draw with Portugal, who hit the post in stoppage time. Had that gone in, the USA would be out!

England enter unchartered territory as Sarina Wiegman forced to improvise in Keira Walsh’s absence

09:53 , Jonathan Gorrie

Sarina Wiegman is entering uncharted territory. The Lionesses face China tomorrow needing a point from their final Group D game to guarantee progress to the knockout stage of the World Cup, but they must find a way to do so without Keira Walsh.

The midfielder injured her knee during Friday’s 1-0 win over Denmark and is out of tomorrow’s game here in Adelaide.

The chances of Walsh playing again at this tournament appear slim and her absence leaves Wiegman with a huge problem to solve.

Read Simon Collings’ full preview here!

Georgia Stanway ready for dual England role against China after Keira Walsh injury

09:47 , Jonathan Gorrie

England midfielder Georgia Stanway is ready to do “two jobs” in the absence of Keira Walsh for Tuesday’s crunch clash with China.

Walsh is out of the Lionesses’ final World Cup group game in Adelaide after injuring her knee during Friday’s win over Denmark. England need just a point against China to guarantee top spot in Group D and qualify for the last 16.

England midfielder Georgia Stanway is ready to do “two jobs” in the absence of Keira Walsh for Tuesday’s crunch clash with China.

Walsh is out of the Lionesses’ final World Cup group game in Adelaide after injuring her knee during Friday’s win over Denmark. England need just a point against China to guarantee top spot in Group D and qualify for the last 16.

Read the full story here!

Nigeria set for England showdown as Canada make surprise early exit from Women’s World Cup

09:40 , Jonathan Gorrie

Nigeria advanced to the Women’s World Cup knockout stages for the third time in their history after a 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland in their final Group B match on Monday.

Having started the game top of the standings they only needed to avoid defeat to reach the last-16, and did so as runners-up after Australia dismantled Canada 4-0.

Nigeria will have to wait until Tuesday to discover who their last-16 opponents will be next week in Brisbane, but they are likely to play European champions England who are favourites to top Group D.

Prediction: England to progress after draw

09:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

The Lionesses are yet to concede a goal at this tournament while not yet clicking into top gear up front. A sensible draw will see them through as group winners.

England team news: Coombs and James to start; Walsh injured

09:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

England should bring Laura Coombs into their midfield in Walsh’s absence, with Georgia Stanway to perform the Barcelona star’s role in their 4-2-3-1 set-up.

Lauren James’ winner against Denmark will keep her in the line-up ahead of Lauren Hemp while Rachel Daly is set to be on the bench behind first-choice striker Alessia Russo.

China team news: Rui Zhang suspended

09:31 , Jonathan Gorrie

China are without attacking midfielder Rui Zhang after her red card in the win over Haiti.

Where to watch China vs England today

09:30 , Jonathan Gorrie

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 11.15am.

Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the ITVX app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Simon Collings at the ground.

Welcome

07:44 , Jonathan Gorrie

Good morning and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of England’s final Women’s World Cup group stage game against China today.

The Lionesses need only a point to progress after a solid if unspectacular start to the tournament thus far.

Kick-off from the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide is at 12pm BST.