Lauren James helps fire England past China to set up Nigeria knockout tie

The Lionesses had too much for China in Adelaide.

HITTING FORM: England's Lauren James celebrates scoring her side's fourth goal of the game against China in Adelaide. Picture: Isabel Infantes/PA Wire.

England will face Nigeria in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup after a blistering performance from Sarina Wiegman’s side saw them hammer China 6-1 to secure top spot in Group D.

Alessia Russo opened the scoring after just four minutes and the lead was doubled by Lauren Hemp midway through the first half. Lauren James’s brilliant finish made it 3-0 before half-time and the Chelsea forward also saw a second thumping strike ruled out for an offside against Lucy Bronze.