England have progressed to the Women’s World Cup knockout stages after dominating China in a 6-1 thrashing on Tuesday.
The Lionesses dazzled with a tournament-best performance as Lauren James rubber-stamped her status as one of the best players in the world as England set up a last-16 clash with Nigeria.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in attendance to watch the action unfold at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, Australia, after returning from almost a week away.
Elsewhere, there was also controversy caused by VAR as England felt some decisions shouldn’t have been given in their group stage victory.
Mail Sport’s Kathryn Batte brings you the things that you may have missed from the tournament on Tuesday.
England have progressed to the last-16 of the Women’s World Cup after beating China
Lauren James was England’s best player as she scored two goals and assisted others in the win
LAUREN JAMES LIVES UP TO BROTHER’S HYPE
There was a sign among the England fans at the Hindmarsh Stadium that read: ‘Lauren James is better than Reece James.’
The forward’s brother has previously said she is the ‘best player in the world and will be for the next 10-15 years’. It seemed premature at the time but after yesterday’s performance, Reece might have a point.
CHINA SUPPORTERS TURN OUT IN ADELAIDE
Adelaide is home to a significant Chinese population, with many students travelling to study at the city’s university.
They turned out in force on Tuesday, chanting loudly for their team throughout the 90 minutes. But their support was not enough, with China exiting at the group stage for the first time ever.
Adelaide is home to a large Chinese population with many showing their support on Tuesday
TECHNICAL GLITCH IMPACTS VAR DECISIONS
There were two contentious VAR decisions on Tuesday and it did not help that the referee’s microphone did not work when she was explaining them.
Casey Reibelt could not be heard when she attempted to announce why she was ruling out Lauren James’ goal.
Referee Casey Reibelt (left) was frustrated as her microphone stopped working in the match
The microphone finally picked her up as she asked: ‘Can you hear me?’ The problem persisted when she was explaining why China were awarded a penalty in the second half.
HINDMARSH ANTS INVADE MEDIA TENT
The Hindmarsh Stadium is the smallest of the 10 venues at this World Cup.
It creates a lively atmosphere despite its size, but the makeshift media tent is inconveniently home to a number of ants!
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