August 2 – After two tight, unconvincing 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark, England have finally arrived at the Women’s World Cup.
Tuesday’s 6-1 thrashing of China, no minnows or no-hopers on the world stage, has catapulted Sarina Wiegmann’s European champions into contention despite a string of injuries that threatened to derail their hopes.
England equalled their biggest-ever World Cup win, matching the margin against Argentina in 2007. The Lionesses also set a World Cup record by scoring in 16 consecutive games at the tournament.
Conversely it was a record World Cup defeat for the Asian champions and 1995 semi-finalists China, who exit in the group stage for the first time in eight appearances at the finals.
While the emergence of Lauren James, who scored two sublime goals against the Chinese, has been a revelation, much of England’s revival has to do with the tactical nous of coach Sarina Wiegmann.
With key midfielder Keira Walsh ruled out by injury, for the first time as England manager in a major tournament Wiegman decided to completely change England’s tactical shape, moving to a 3-4-1-2 that saw James deployed as a No.10.
The Lionesses responded with a terrific display that ensured topping Group D and a last-16 meeting with Nigeria.
“Everyone really believed in the formation straight away and you could see that on the pitch,” said Wiegmann. “This team have showed they are adaptable before and that we can change shape very easily.”
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