Lauren James’s sending‑off in the 85th minute for stepping on Michelle Alozie as her opponent lay on the ground was symptomatic of a frustrated England, who scraped past a tactically superior Nigeria on penalties to progress to the World Cup quarter-finals. Nigeria posed a very different threat, their transitional game promising the first real test of England’s backline and their defensive organisation stifling and frustrating. Lauren James of England stamps on Michelle Alozie to earn a red card. after newsletter promotionJust past the half-hour, England were awarded a penalty after Rasheedat Ajibade bumped Daly in the back. Desire Oparanozie mirrored Stanway’s wide effort and Alozie skied Nigeria’s second before Ajibade’s hit the net and Ucheibe’s effort went in.

Source: The Guardian August 07, 2023 17:33 UTC