England scores in shootout to advance to World Cup Quarter-Finals with Lionesses

The Lionesses are through to the World Cup Quarter-Finals following a 4-2 penalty shootout win against Nigeria on Monday.

The two sides drew 0-0 after extra-time, after England were reduced to ten players in the 87th minute when Lauren James was sent off.

Bethany England came on for Lauren Hemp at half-time in extra-time, carrying out her defensive responsibilities to keep Nigeria at bay, as well as putting the pressure on in the final third.

In the penalty shootout, our centre-forward scored the first goal, shooting straight down the middle, after Georgia Stanway and Desire Oparanozie both missed the target. Michelle Alozie fired Nigeria's second penalty over the bar, before Rachel Daly smashed the ball into the top left corner for 2-0 to England.

Rasheedat Ajibade pulled one back, but Alex Greenwood scored for 3-1 to put pressure on Christy Ucheibe, who slotted past Mary Earps. Chloe Kelly sent the Lionesses through with an emphatic spot kick to win 4-2 on penalties.

Sarina Wiegman’s side will face either Colombia or Jamaica in the Quarter-Final, depending on the winner of Tuesday’s game between the two nations, which kicks off at 9am in the UK and features Spurs duo Rebecca Spencer and Drew Spence for the Reggae Girlz. 

Then, Rosella Ayane could feature for Morocco, who are playing against France at midday on Tuesday.

Here are the remaining fixtures for our Lilywhites involved in the competition.

Round of 16

Colombia v Jamaica | Tuesday 8 August | Melbourne Rectangular Stadium | 9am (UK) - Rebecca Spencer and Drew Spence

France v Morocco | Tuesday 8 August | Hindmarsh Stadium | 12pm (UK) - Rosella Ayane

Quarter-Finals

England v Colombia or Jamaica | Saturday 12 August | Stadium Australia | 11.30am (UK) - Bethany England