Lionesses are relishing prospect of showdown with World Cup co-hosts Australia

29 July 2023 , 18:10

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Lauren James celebrates scoring against Denmark (Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

England's Lionesses are on course for a mouth-watering last-16 knockout-stage showdown with old foes ­ Australia. Coach Sarina Wiegman ’s battling side could face the tournament’s joint hosts if they avoid defeat to China on Tuesday and finish top of Group D.

By then they will know if the Matildas, boosted by the return of superstar striker Sam Kerr, have beaten Olympic champions Canada in ­tomorrow’s Group B decider. Sarina will be keen to swerve Group B favourites Nigeria.

And victory against Australia could be followed with ties against Germany and Brazil on England’s side of the draw, then hot favourites the USA in the tournament final on August 20. Those games would attract huge breakfast-time TV audiences back home for a World Cup on course to draw one billion viewers worldwide.

The Lionesses’ injury woes deepened in Friday’s 1-0 victory against Denmark when midfielder Keira Walsh, 26, the world’s most expensive female player, stumbled and damaged her knee. It is feared Keira, who was bought by ­ Barcelona for £350,000 last year, may now be returning home.

Millie Bright puts cream on keeper Ellie Roebuck (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)

But the match-winning goal by Lauren James, 21, raised hopes England have a new star – and won praise from older brother Reece, 23, who like her is a Chelsea and England player. England only need a draw against China to top Group D to set up the Battle of Brisbane in front of a sell-out crowd packed with Aussie fans on August 7, kicking off at 9.30am UK time.

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The Football Supporters’ Association said more England fans were expected Down Under for the knock-out stages after booking tickets from the last 16 and quarter finals onwards. Ten of the England team had a warm-down training session yesterday including captain Millie Bright, 29, Rachel Daly, 31, and the youngest member of the squad, Katie Robinson.

She could turn 21 in Australia on August 8 if England are still competing. She said: “It will be really special. I can’t think of many other places I’d rather spend my 21st birthday than here with the girls at a World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Lauren celebrated Friday’s victory with mum Emma James, from London. Jordan Nobbs, 30, got a big hug from her dad Keith, from Hartlepool, while Alex Greenwood, 29, and Chloe Kelly, 25, also met with loved ones.

Jeremy Armstrong