England’s Women’s World Cup journey has been characterized by their ability to overcome challenges and show true grit. In a tense round-of-16 match against Nigeria, the Lionesses secured a spot in the quarterfinals with a 4-2 victory in a penalty shootout, led by Chloe Kelly’s decisive spot-kick. The match ended goalless, and England faced further adversity when Lauren James was sent off in the 87th minute for a reckless stamp on an opponent.
Despite being tagged as favorites to win the tournament, carrying such a title can be both a burden and a motivator. The USWNT’s disappointing performance in the tournament demonstrated the pitfalls of being favorites. Some argue that teams like Spain, Japan, Australia (the co-hosts), or Sweden are more deserving of the “most likely to” label based on their impressive displays.
Facing a challenging Nigerian side, England was outplayed for stretches and had to endure the loss of one of their best players. However, they showcased the qualities of champions – reorganizing, digging deep, and channeling the negative circumstances to take the game into extra time and emerge victorious in the shootout.
England’s triumph was not solely reliant on star players like James; instead, it was a collective effort that saw Rachel Daly’s outstanding performance as a standout. The Aston Villa player, known for her fire and tenacity, excelled as a wing-back despite her preference for a forward role. Alex Greenwood’s defensive prowess and Keira Walsh’s brilliant midfield display, following her return from injury, were crucial in England’s success.
While James’ red card posed a threat to England’s World Cup hopes, coach Sarina Wiegman believes it was a valuable learning experience for the young Chelsea player. The Lionesses managed to avoid the fate that had befallen their male counterparts, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, in previous World Cup campaigns.
With several top-ranked teams eliminated, England finds itself in the weaker half of the draw. They face Colombia or Jamaica in the quarterfinals, a tie they are expected to win. However, they must raise their game and exhibit more creativity in midfield to progress further. A potential showdown with Australia in the semifinals could be challenging.
Despite the euphoria of their victory against Nigeria, Wiegman and her players recognize the need to find another gear if they want to clinch England’s first Women’s World Cup title. Combining their unyielding resolve with added flair and style will be the key to their success.