SportFootballEngland 0-0 Nigeria (England win 4-2 on penalties): Lauren James was sent off for a petulant stamp late on in normal time but the Lionesses scraped through in a penalty shootout
England Lionesses train ahead of Women’s World Cup clash with Nigeria
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England advanced to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup after surviving a major scare to defeat Nigeria on penalties.
The Lionesses had to hang on with 10 players for extra time after Lauren James was sent off for a petulant stamp on the back of Nigeria player Michelle Alozie, which put the European champions under huge pressure.
Nigeria missed their first two spot-kicks, with Desire Oparanozie and Alozie failing to hit the target. Bethany England and Rachel Daly then gave the Lionesses the advantage, after Georgia Stanway missed England’s first penalty of the shoot-out.
Alex Greenwood held her nerve to convert and put the Lionesses a penalty away, before Chloe Kelly was England’s hero once again to score the winning kick.
The victory keeps England’s hopes of the winning the World Cup alive, but this will go down as narrow escape. Follow all the reaction to England’s win against Nigeria as the Lionesses reached the quarter-finals
1691404401Women’s World Cup LIVE: Australia 0-0 DenmarkElsewhere, the Women’s World Cup last 16 continues with co-hosts Australia taking on Denmark who came second behind England in Group D.
The Matildas are without Sam Kerr again who starts on the bench. She hasn’t played any part in the World Cup so far but may be needed today.
We’ll have goal and big news updates from this one as the reaction to England’s win continues to filter through.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:33
1691404253Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against NigeriaHere’s the reaction from England’s winning penalty taker, Chloe Kelly:
“It’s amazing, anything this team has thrown at us, we’ve shown what we’re capable of. We dig deep, we believe in our ability.
“We’ve been practicing a lot actually and it’s working. It’s the team, this team is special, we did it at the Euros, we did it at the Finalissima, there’s more to come from this team.”
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:30
1691404167Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against NigeriaLauren James’ stamp on Michelle Alozie could still have massive consequences for England. She will definitely miss the quarter-final and could be out of the rest of the tournament if her red card gets updated for violent conduct.
That could result in a three game ban and if England are to reach the final, they’ll play three more matches.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:29
1691403980Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against Nigeria (Getty Images)
(PA)
(REUTERS)
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:26
1691403873Women’s World Cup LIVE: England through to quarter-finals after winning penalty shootout against NigeriaSomehow England get it done. The fans are singing away as Sweet Caroline plays inside the stadium.
The Lionesses have pulled off a remarkable win here. They didn’t deserve it based on their performance but a wonderful rearguard effort following Lauren James’ red card saw them earn a shot at a penalty shootout.
Nigeria missed twice and England go through.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:24
1691403708Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 NigeriaPenalties: England 4-2 Nigeria
Who else but Chloe Kelly to step up for this fifth penalty?
Kelly steps up and smashes it home! England are through, they’ve edge past Nigeria in a penalty shootout and reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
It’s heartbreaking for Nigeria.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:21
1691403640Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 NigeriaPenalties: England 3-2 Nigeria
Christy Ucheibe finds the back of the net. She needed to score and did.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:20
1691403600Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 NigeriaPenalties: England 3-1 Nigeria
Alex Greenwood is up for England. She goes to the goalkeeper’s left and finds the corner as Chiamaka Nnadozie dives the wrong way.
England are on the brink of winning this.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:20
1691403543Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 NigeriaPenalties: England 2-1 Nigeria
Rasheedat Ajibade is up for Nigeria. She’s had a great game and finishes it off with a calm penalty that just beats Mary Earps.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:19
1691403483Women’s World Cup LIVE: England 0-0 NigeriaPenalties: England 2-0 Nigeria
Rachel Daly is up next. She blasts the ball into the top left corner!
England are two goals up in this shootout.
Mike Jones7 August 2023 11:18
