Fifa Women’s World Cup: sorry China suffer early exit after 6-1 mauling by England’s Lionesses
- Lauren James at the double as Lionesses run riot against Steel Roses in Adelaide to seal their place in the last 16
- Wang Shuang grabs consolation from penalty spot in second half as China limp out of tournament in group stage for first time
China’s quest for a place in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup ended in ignominy in Adelaide on Tuesday as they suffered a 6-1 thrashing against a dominant England, with the Asian champions failing for the first time to qualify for the knockout rounds.
First-half goals from Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp and Lauren James made a mockery of China’s prematch hopes for a win that would potentially take them into the last 16 as Shui Qingxia’s side were overwhelmed by English physicality and precision.
Wang Shuang’s 57th-minute penalty gave China the briefest glimmer of hope that was quickly doused by a second from the outstanding James, while Chloe Kelly and Rachel Daly completed the comprehensive rout.
The loss means China exit the competition, finishing in third place in Group D. It is the first time in eight appearances at the finals that the Steel Roses have fallen in the opening phase.
Wang, scorer of China’s winner against Haiti, replaced suspended playmaker Zhang Rui in Shui’s line-up, the first time the former Paris Saint-Germain forward has started at the tournament. But for all the expectation, she barely featured in the opening 45 minutes.
