England wanted to outlive a nervy penalty shootout in opposition to Nigeria on Monday as they scraped into the quarter-finals of the Ladies’s World Cup after enjoying the entire of extra-time with solely 10 gamers. England playmaker Lauren James, the workforce’s two-goal hero within the 6-1 win in opposition to China, obtained a pink card for violent conduct after a unnecessary stamp on Michelle Alozie on the 87th-minute mark, leaving the workforce one participant shot within the extra-time.

Nigeria had the higher of the possibilities, however the European Champions held out for a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes and prevailed 4-2 within the shootout in entrance of virtually 50,000 spectators in Brisbane.

James can be suspended when the Lionesses face Colombia or Jamaica on Saturday for a spot within the semi-finals as they purpose so as to add the World Cup to their European crown.

Nigeria supervisor Randy Waldrum stated his aspect had proven their inexperience after James went off.

Lauren James is proven a pink card. pic.twitter.com/m9RywPHwPi

— Caity Foord (@caitcaitfoord) August 7, 2023

“We created extra probabilities in opposition to 11 gamers than we did in opposition to 10,” Waldrum stated. “It goes right down to expertise, I do not suppose our gamers dealt with it very nicely. However credit score to England, they had been very nicely organised and ready for it.”

England obtained off to a horrible begin within the penalty shootout when Georgia Stanway fired vast, however Want Oparanozie couldn’t take benefit and missed in equivalent vogue.

Beth England made no mistake, however Alozie ballooned her effort excessive over the bar to offer England a bonus they by no means surrendered, sealing victory when Chloe Kelly — who scored the winner within the closing of the European Championship a yr in the past — calmly transformed.

England coach Sarina Wiegman stated her workforce had practised and had been ready for the shootout.

“We’ve skilled for penalties, we had a plan labored out,” she stated.

“However on the finish it is the gamers who make the selections as to who needs to take the penalties.

“We all know the right way to do it, and we now have the expertise.”

With AFP inputs