It equalled England’s biggest-ever World Cup victory and booked them the top spot in Group D, while consigning the Asian champions to their earliest-ever exit.
Lauren James scored twice and played a starring role as European champions England swept past shellshocked China 6-1 on Tuesday and into a Women’s World Cup last-16 clash with Nigeria.
It equalled England’s biggest-ever World Cup victory and booked them the top spot in Group D, while consigning the Asian champions to their earliest-ever exit.
Denmark beat Haiti 2-0 in the other group game to finish second and line up a knockout-round meeting with co-hosts Australia.
Along with Japan, England are the only team to win all three group games so far, reaffirming their status as among the favourites to win the World Cup.
“I am very delighted. What I said before the game, we are going to do things a bit different. It shows how adaptable this team is. I think today it worked really well, players felt comfortable,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman.
“I don’t think they expected us to play this way and they didn’t find a solution.”
England made an explosive start in Adelaide with an instinctive finish from Manchester United striker Alessia Russo in just the fourth minute.
Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp and James added further goals before the break.
