Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

England player ratings vs China: Perfection from Lauren James as Lionesses ‘cheat code’ has all the answers

England cruised into the last-16 of the World Cup with a comfortable victory over China.

The Lionesses were 6-1 winners in Adelaide and Lauren James was the star of the show, scoring two and setting up three more.

Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp and Rachel Daly also got on the scoresheet as England put in a statement performance.

The victory meant they finished top of Group D and will now face Nigeria in the last-16 on Monday in Brisbane.

(PA)

Simon Collings was in Adelaide to see England in action...

Mary Earps 6

Didn’t have masses to do, especially in the first-half as China did not carry a threat then. Sent the wrong way for China’s penalty. Made a good save late on.

Jess Carter 6

Back in the side after missing out on England’s second game against Denmark. A steady performance on the right of a back-three.

Millie Bright 7

The captain’s best game at the World Cup so far, which is a huge boost with the knockout stage on the horizon. Had a hand in both the opening goals.

Alex Greenwood 8

Such a classy operator and impressed on the left of a back three. England’s best defender on the ball and vital to helping them play out from the back.

Lucy Bronze 7

Hit the post in the first half and she was a threat going forward. Unlucky to give away a penalty in the second half. Picking up a booking ahead of the last-16 not ideal. Setup a goal for James.

(PA)

Georgia Stanway 7

A solid performance from the midfielder, who sacrificed her attacking game to help Zelem run the midfield. Taken off at half-time as she is one yellow card away from a suspension.

Katie Zelem 7

Her first ever start for England and the Manchester United captain put in a good performance. Neat and tidy on the ball, and kept things ticking over.

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.

(PA)

Alessia Russo 8

Got on the scoresheet within four minutes and that lifted her confidence. Link-play was very good and seemed to suit playing in a front-two.

Lauren Hemp 8

Scored her first England since October last year against the USA. Took it really well too, calmly slotting home when one on one with the goalkeeper.

Substitutions

Laura Coombs (Stanway 45’) 6

On at half-time and lacked the control Stanway offered.

Niamh Charles (Bronze 71’) 6

Came on and made a first appearance at a major tournament.

Beth England (Russo 71’) 6

Led the line well and gave the team an outlet.

Chloe Kelly (Hemp 71’) 7

Off the bench and on the scoresheet with a simple finish after poor goalkeeping.

Ella Toone (James 81’) N/A

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.