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    Fifa launches urgent investigation into Women’s World Cup coach over claims he ‘rubbed player’s breasts’

    FIFA has launched an urgent investigation into a Women’s World Cup coach over claims he rubbed a player’s breasts. Bruce Mwape, the coach of Zambia, has been accused of rubbing his hands over the chest of one of his players just two days before the team won their first match.
    Zambia head coach Bruce Mwape is accused of sexual misconductCredit: Getty
    The squad took to the field against Costa Rica in New Zealand on Monday, coming out on top 3-1 and placing third in their group.
    An insider has now claimed several players saw Mwape rub his hands over the chest of a teammate on the Friday.
    The source close to the team told the Guardian: “It’s not appropriate for a coach to be touching a player’s breasts.”
    Fifa today confirmed it was investigating an “allegation of misconduct” involving the Zambian team.
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    The football giant said: “Fifa takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident.
    “We can confirm that a complaint has been received in relation to the Zambian women’s national team and this is currently being investigated. We cannot provide further details regarding an ongoing investigation for obvious confidentiality reasons.
    “Anyone who wishes to report allegations or information related to abuse in football can do so via Fifa’s confidential reporting platform, with all information that is submitted to Fifa handled in the strictest of confidence.
    “In addition, Fifa offers support and assistance to ensure the safety of those who report a safeguarding issue, including witnesses who come forward and give testimony in Fifa judicial cases.
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    “Where guilt is established, Fifa takes the strongest possible sanctions, including removing people from the game for life. Our track record demonstrates this.”
    Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and Mwape, who has been leading the team since 2018, did not respond to the Guardian’s requests for comment. More

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    Germany boss Voss-Tecklenburg calls her team’s shock Women’s World Cup exit ‘a disaster’ after Morocco reach knockouts

    MARTINA VOSS-TECKLENBURG admits it’s hard not to see Germany’s shock World Cup departure as anything but a disaster. On Thursday she became the first boss in charge of a German women’s national side that failed to reach the competition’s knockout stages.
    Alexandra Popp’s goal was not enough to prevent Germany from being knocked out at the World Cup’s group stage for the first time everCredit: Getty
    Germany’s early exit comes eight month’s after their male counterparts failed to reach the knockouts of the men’s tourmanent in QatarCredit: Getty
    Morocco became third side from Africa to reach the World Cup’s last 16 this summerCredit: Alamy
    Her team once again saw their major tournament hopes dashed by Lionesses, albeit a side that hails from north Africa. 
    Germany’s 1-1 draw with South Korea contributed to their early exit along with Morocco’s gritty 1-0 win against Group H leaders Colombia.
    The surprise result saw last year’s Women’s African Cup of Nations finalists, reach the World Cup knockouts for the first time ever. 
    And Germany’s exit comes eight months after their male counterparts bowed out at the group stage of the men’s contest in Qatar.
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    Voss-Tecklenburg, whose side were among the favourites to win the tournament, said: “If you want to see it as a disaster in sporting terms, then it’s hard to argue against it. 
    “Our team of coaches will talk about what happened of course and what we could have done differently, 
    “But it’s not something I can analyse one and half hours after exiting.
     “Of course I’m disappointed, of course I’m frustrated. 
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    “Overall we never really played our game the way we know we can.” 
    Germany’s only goal of the game came through their star striker Alexandra Popp who also scored in every single match she played for the team at last year’s Euros. 
    The Wolfsburg star headed home close to half time cancelling out South Korea captain Cho So-hyun’s sixth minute opener.
    Popp, 32, who has netted 67 times for her national team, was left flummoxed by their surprise early World Cup exit. 
    After the game she said: “To be honest I can’t comprehend it. I don’t know what I should really say. 
    “I can’t really understand what has happened to be honest. 
    Voss-Tecklenburg, 55, who has been in charge of Germany since 2019, remained tight-lipped in response to questions concerning her future.
    Then team have often been seen as one the giants of the tournament having won it twice in 2003 and 2007. 
    And a team that featured Voss-Tecklenburg as a player finished as runners-up in 1995. 
    Of their World Cup exit, she added: “In our squad we’ve tried to change certain things and adapt, but we weren’t successful.
    “What it’s about now is how we rise again and not give up. We love this sport, but we need to let this sink in. 
    “I don’t want to look for excuses for anything. If the result isn’t what you want, then of course you’ve got to accept that responsibility.”
    South Africa’s defeat of Italy saw them claim a place in this year’s World Cup knockout stageCredit: AP
    Nigeria will face England in a last-16 duel in Brisbane on MondayCredit: Getty
    Morocco’s 1-0 defeat of Colombia saw them claim second spot in Group H. 
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    And it also saw the battling tournament debutants help their continent make history in the contest. 
    For the first time three African nations have reached the knockout stage at the same time.  More

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    How Lioness Lauren James could become first female Pele and brother Reece claims she’s better than some male Prem stars

    ONCE upon a time little girls dreamt of being fairytale princesses and finding their happy ever after with a handsome prince.Today they fantasise about becoming England centre-forwards . . . and bagging the winning goal in a World Cup final. Thank God.
    Lauren’s performance this World Cup has been nothing short of sensational. She is a household name now, but she only made her senior England debut last SeptemberCredit: Getty
    Lauren learning the games as a child, with brother ReeceCredit: Instagram @laurennjjames
    Lauren with brother Reece, 23 — of Chelsea and England fame — and former footballer dad NigelCredit: Instagram
    Lauren James is leading the charge, inspiring a whole generation of females following her very own ­foot-perfect tournament Down Under.
    “It’s what dreams are made of,” she said fittingly on Tuesday night after her two-goal, woman-of-the-match, 6-1 demolition of China, which also saw her set up three goals.
    Lauren’s performance this World Cup has been nothing short of sensational. She may be a household name now, but the 21-year-old only made her senior England debut last September — so it’s been a meteoric rise.
    For long-time followers of the ­Lionesses — of which there are now millions — her performances really aren’t that out of the blue.
    READ MORE ON LAUREN JAMES
    As her big brother, Reece, 23 — of Chelsea and England fame — once declared: “I believe she is the best women’s footballer in the world and will be for the next ten to 15 years.
    “She’s technically better than some Premier League players.”

    By this, he meant the men. And he’s absolutely, categorically correct.
    The Chelsea Women’s Super League star has a technical nous, brains and feel for the game like few others.
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    She is also refreshingly down to earth. Says one pal: “Lauren doesn’t play football for fame or money — she plays because she’s been in love with the game since the age of four.
    ‘First female Pele’
    “She’s never ridden off her brother’s coat-tails or asked him for handouts or contacts. Instead, she’s quietly been ploughing her own field and doing all of this on her own.
    “She works and trains so hard and is a hugely popular figure in the changing room.
    “Lauren is only 21 and really does have the world at her feet.”
    Despite her success, she doesn’t yet have the social media presence of her male sibling.
    While Reece boasts 1.4million and nearly 3million followers on Twitter and Instagram respectively, his talented sibling has 205,000 and 550,000 which, in advertising and sponsorship revenue terms, is quite a gulf.
    But with England now through to the World Cup final 16, and facing a game against Nigeria on Monday, Lauren’s popularity and earning potential will only rise. Already Nike-sponsored, further highly lucrative endorsement deals are sure to follow.
    Celebrity agent Jonathan Shalit — who has guided the careers of stars including TV judge Simon Cowell, actor Dame Joan Collins plus singers Charlotte Church and Katherine Jenkins — tips her to become one of the game’s first multi-millionaires.
    He says: “I absolutely love Lauren, who is an incredible inspiration to young sportsmen and ladies.
    “If England win the World Cup, Lauren deserves to be the first £50,000 a week women’s player.
    “Already she is ­destined to become a multi-millionaire, but she will be by Christmas if England win the tournament.
    “She could be the first female Pele, and is young enough to compete in four World Cups for England, which is astonishing.
    “Brands will be fighting for her — Nike to keep hold of her — and H&M, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, MAC, Urban Outfitters, Levi’s, Calvin Klein, Prada, Louis Vuitton, etc to get her in their products.
    “She has vast appeal to a huge demographic and is a supremely talented young woman.”
    Unlike so many footballers, however, Lauren’s Instagram is refreshingly unflashy. Less Lamborghini on a Cannes beachfront, more grinding away on the training ground Wattbike.
     Her photos are mainly ­trackie-bum filled, or snaps of match day action.
    Lauren — promoting the World Cup in Oz, right — isn’t a fake eyelash, long-nailed, filler-filled Insta type. She’s a sportswoman. And almost every month, it seems she makes history.
     For starters, never in modern top-flight football have a brother and sister represented England.
    The offspring of former footballer dad Nigel — a defender who was on Aldershot’s books when he suffered a broken ankle in a motorbike accident and turned to coaching — the pair grew up playing the game together, alongside eldest brother Joshua.
    In an interview with The Sun last October for Black History Month, Lauren cited tennis aces Venus and Serena ­Williams as her heroes.
    Not so much as a whiff of influencer on her radar, then. Instead, Lauren is open about her ambitions — ones which extend beyond the touchlines. She explains: “To be a global icon and break down barriers is something that I also hope to do in the future. The credit has to go to the Williams women, as well as their father, who played a big ­supporting role, just like our dad.
    “My dad Nigel’s Grenadian ­heritage has been massive in our upbringing and given us a better understanding of different cultures.
    Sexist attitudes
    “I am proud to have that part of me, alongside my mum being English. It is just lovely to have it all.” Lauren is rapidly garnering a huge fanbase among impressionable kids — exactly the kind of woman they should be inspired by.
    Of their formative years growing up in south west London, dad Nigel proudly recalls: “It was just about playing. I used to set challenges in the back garden, and if they did well at that I’d give them 20p and then another 20p. Before you know, you’ve changed up £20 into 20ps and they’re all gone!
    “It became fun. The key thing was that they were doing the right things.
    “If you don’t know the standard you have to set yourself then there is no way they will improve.
    “In the end they pushed themselves to get better. I was doing it as work and they came into training with me so it was like, ‘If you want to be good at this, this is what you have to do’.”
    While many men in the game have been depressingly slow to back their female star counterparts, defender Reece has always been a big supporter. I interviewed him last October and, tellingly, he began the chat with talk of his sister.
    He called for women to be paid more in line with male footie stars and slammed outdated sexist attitudes to women’s football. He said: “I think maybe in the last five years the women’s game has come on — especially from them winning the Euros.
    “It’s put them on a much bigger stage. Most games are televised now and the women’s game is moving in the right direction. I don’t think it’s going to go backwards and that includes pay.
    Lauren in action against Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League in OctoberCredit: Getty
    Lauren won Player of the Match in England’s World Cup victory over ChinaCredit: Getty
    Lauren — promoting the World Cup in OzCredit: Getty
    “As it develops, and the teams and players and quality get higher — the pay, the fans, everything will match it.
    “It’s come a long way. It’s still got a long way to go.”
    With heroes like his sister at the fore, it won’t be long, surely, before we finally see parity between the sexes.
    Until then, it is Lauren’s time to roar.
    SIBLINGS HIT THE HEIGHTS
    LAUREN and Reece James are not the only siblings to represent their country at international level. And sometimes it is the women who outshine their brothers on the biggest stage . . .
    ENIOLA & SONE ALUKO
    England ace Eniola Aluko with Ipswich player brother SoneCredit: Getty
    ENIOLA was one of the Lionesses’ greatest forwards, scoring 33 times in 102 senior appearances for her country.
    The attacker, 36, won the Women’s Super League three times with Chelsea, the women’s Serie A with Juventus, played for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics and became a TV pundit.
    Her younger brother Sone, 34, played for England at youth level, but got seven senior caps for Nigeria. He is now with Championship side Ipswich Town.
    RIANA & RADJA NAINGGOLAN
    Siblings Riana, right, and Radja Nainggolan have both played for Roma and ItalyCredit: Twitter
    THE 35-year-old Belgian twins both played for Roma in Italy and represented their country at the highest level.
    But heavily tattooed Radja, who was criticised for smoking, played 30 times for Belgium while Riana has just one cap.
    That didn’t stop her once saying: “We kind of have the same style, only he is the male form and I’m the female form. If Radja was a girl too, I would be better.”
    SIMONA NECIDOVA & TOMAS NECID
    Simona Necidova played in the women’s Champions League for Slavia Prague and brother Tomas Necid also played for Slavia Prague’sCredit: extra.cz/fotka
    CZECH defender Simona, 29, has been capped 32 times by her country and has played in the women’s Champions League for Slavia Prague.
    Her striker brother Tomas, 33, also played for Slavia Prague and scored 12 times in 44 games for his country. The siblings both continue to play as pros in their homeland.
    MELANIA & MANOLO GABBIADINI
    Now-retired Melania, 39, played 114 times for Italy, brother Manolo, 31, had a spell at SouthamptonCredit: Twitter
    MELANIA may not have merited the huge transfer fees commanded by her younger brother Manolo – but she has enjoyed more success on the sports field.
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    During her career the now-retired Melania, 39, played 114 times for Italy and scored 45 goals.
    Manolo, 31, has 13 caps, but proved under- whelming during a spell at Southampton after signing for £14million in 2017. More

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    England vs Nigeria – Women’s World Cup: Lionesses go to battle for quarter-final spot – FREE stream, TV, team news

    ENGLAND finished top of Group D after a flawless group stage at the Women’s World Cup.The Lionesses need just a point against China to guarantee qualification to the last-16, but Sarina Wiegman’s side took all the spoils in style.
    Lauren James was the star in the Lionesses’ 6-1 win against ChinaCredit: GETTY
    England vs Nigeria: Betting tips, best odds and preview for Women’s World Cup clash
    Lauren James was the star of England’s 6-1 win against China after putting in a performance to remember.
    The Chelsea forward claimed two goals and three assists as the Lionesses cruised to the last-16.
    Elsewhere, Nigeria finished runners-up in Group B, pipping Canada to the knockout rounds.
    READ MORE IN WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
    When is England vs Nigeria?

    England vs Nigeria will take place on Monday, August 7.
    Kick off will be at 8:30am BST.
    The Brisbane Stadium will play host.

    What channel is England vs Nigeria on?

    England vs Nigeria will be broadcast live on BBC One.
    Coverage will begin at 8am BST.
    Gabby Logan will lead the presenting team.

    Can I live stream England vs Nigeria for FREE?

    Yes! You can live stream England vs Nigeria for FREE via BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV licence.
    You can download the BBC iPlayer app for FREE onto your mobile or tablet device.
    Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage from the Brisbane Stadium.

    Team news
    Kiera Walsh is likely to remain unavailable after the Barcelona star was stretchered off against Denmark.
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    Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze will be pushing to be involved after overcoming injuries before the tournament.
    Sarina Wiegman will be hoping that forward Lauren James can continue her fine form in the knockout stages.
    The Lionesses’ boss is likely to have the same squad available as the game against China, providing no injuries occur in training. More

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    Millie Bright reckons this year’s World Cup battle is ‘one of the tightest’ with England set for duel with Nigeria

    MILLIE BRIGHT is backing the Lionesses to build momentum after they charged into the World Cup knockouts Lauren James bagged a brilliant brace in the 6-1 demolition of China on Tuesday with England set for a last-16 duel with Nigeria.
    Millie Bright looked solid against China with a bulldozing display in England’s defence in their final World Cup group stage gameCredit: Getty
    Lauren James shone for England in a playmaker role with Sarina Wiegman altering her starting line-up and formationCredit: Getty
    Rachel Daly impressed in an attacking position on the wing bagging her first goal of the tournamentCredit: Getty
    Alessia Russo netted her first World Cup goal ending a run of six games without an England goal since FebruaryCredit: Getty
    Their ruthless shift in which they shredded their rivals defences, saw them equal their record for a highest World Cup match win.
    The last time England won by a 6-1 scoreline in the tournament was back in 2007 when they trounced Argentina. 
    The result in Adelaide, Australia saw them answer critics of their recent slim wins and open play scoreless run.
    Skipper Bright said: “We got a lot of criticism in the first two games but we’re not concerned at all. 
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    “I would happily take a clean sheet and a 1-0 win because when you have to grow into tournaments you get your momentum. 
    “Things start to click and you start to get your rhythm. 
    “There is no bigger emotion than leading the girls out no matter what the score is.
    “Win, lose or draw, I’m always proud to lead them.”
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    The defeat of China saw VAR controversy rear its head in either halves including decisions to award China a pen and to disallow an England goal. 
    Lucy Bronze, who hit the woodwork with a thumping header, was involved in both moments. 
    The full-back was judged to have been offside when James curled in a stunning late first half strike which was chalked off. 
    And she received a booking for a handball that led to China netting a second half spot-kick. 
    Bronze said: “I knew it hit my hand, but it wasn’t deliberate. Unless I cut my arm off I don’t know how I get my arm out the way.
    “If I was trying to hit the ball away I would have hit my hand in the air.
    “I knew it wasn’t deliberate but I guess the referee just wanted to give me a yellow card for fun.
    “I had more go against me than anyone else. It wasn’t a fun game in that respect.
    “I was quite disappointed with that game to come off with that performance.
    “But the most important thing is we won, we’re through to the next game, no one else got injured.”
    On James’ disallowed goal, Bronze added: “I feel sad for LJ because I don’t know why it’s been called offside.
    “If Hempo (Lauren Hemp) scored the cross I wouldn’t have been offside.”
    England’s hefty win at Hindmarsh Stadium saw them avoid group stage embarrassment that befell Germany and Spain.
    The European giants, among the contests favourites, found themselves on the wrong end of losses to Colombia and 2011 World Cup champs Japan.
    Futoshi Ikeda’s aces thrashed Spain 4-0 despite having just 23 per cent of posession while a late goal saw Germany beaten 2-1 on Sunday. 
    And the United States were held to a scoreless draw by stubborn Portugal.
    Katie Zelem made for first appearance for England in a World Cup tournament playing alongside Georgia Stanway in midfieldCredit: Alamy
    Bright said: “This tournament is going to be one of the tightest. It’s anyones for the taking. 
    “We’ve seen that with some of the results so far
    “It’s why we stay in our lane, focus on ourselves and make sure we are the best prepared team on the day.”
    England boss Sarina Wiegman, whose team will face Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium on August 7, added: “I’m very proud of the team.
    “I think we’re really growing into the tournament.”
    The Lionesses’ Group D performances saw them concede just once across the three games with no goals netted against them in open play. 
    A penalty converted by China’s Wang Shuang saw England number one Mary Earps concede for the first time in the tournament.
    Bright added: “It’s massive first and foremost as an English team that we take pride in defending and good marking. 
    “We want to keep clean sheets and as Karen Carney once said, ‘clean sheets mean championships’. 
    England will face a tricky against Nigeria who beat tournament co-hosts Australia on their way to reaching the World Cup’s knockout stageCredit: Getty
    “We got criticism in the first two games for not scoring a goal.
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    “But I think we have shown how ruthless we can be at the other end. 
    “It is tournament football, you’re going to concede at times, but other than that I thought we were pretty tight in defence.” More

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    Forgotten ex-Chelsea star Michy Batshuayi leaves Reece James in stitches with brilliant tweet about sister Lauren

    MICHY BATSHUAYI’S brilliant tweet about Lauren James had her brother Reece in stitches.The forgotten ex-Chelsea star was left in awe of the Lionesses forward’s performance on Tuesday.
    Michy Batshuayi’s tweet had former team-mate Reece James in stitchesCredit: Getty
    Lauren James scored twice for England against ChinaCredit: Getty
    James scored twice and provided three assists as England beat China in their final group game at the Women’s World Cup.
    Despite some controversial refereeing decisions, Sarina Wiegman’s side breezed to a 6-1 victory to book a round of 16 clash with Nigeria.
    After watching James’ display, Batshuayi tweeted: “Damn Lauren’s got better finishing than me bro @ReeceJames.”
    His former Chelsea team-mate was amused by the post as he commented a series of crying laughing emojis.
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    Batshuayi also replied to a fan in the comments by adding: “Honestly I’ve seen two games only but she’s very very good.”
    James now has three goals and three assists in as many appearances at the tournament.
    She has provided more goal contributions than any other player so far, despite only playing in her first major tournament.
    The Chelsea forward has emerged as a key player for the Lionesses since coming into the side after last summer’s Euros triumph.
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    Her brother Reece played with Batshuayi 13 times for Chelsea before the Belgian’s departure from Stamford Bridge.
    Batshuayi was sold to Turkish side Fenerbahce last summer after six years in West London.
    Reece James has shown his support for sister Lauren during the Women’s World CupCredit: Getty More

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    Watch Lucy Bronze SNUB handshake with referee after England star was victim of controversial decisions in win over China

    LUCY BRONZE snubbed a handshake with the referee after England’s stunning World Cup win over China.The Lionesses star was the victim of several controversial decision during the 6-1 thrashing on Tuesday.
    Lucy Bronze appeared to snub the referee’s handshakeCredit: ITV FOOTBALL
    Bronze was the perplexed by some of the referee’s decisionsCredit: ITV FOOTBALL
    Sarina Wiegman’s side secured their place in the round of 16 as group winners with the victory.
    However, defender Bronze was not impressed with referee Casey Reibelt at full-time and was caught on camera snubbing a handshake with the official.
    As players from both teams shook hands with each other and the officials, Bronze could be seen walking past Reibelt despite having just shaken the hand of her assistant.
    Fans were quick to spot the snub, with one tweeting: “Lucy Bronze not shaking the ref’s hand, class.”
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    Bronze had seen two key decisions go against her during the match.
    Firstly, she was ruled as being offside in the build-up for a disallowed England goal shortly before half-time.
    Lauren James thought she had put the Lionesses 4-0 up in first half stoppage time before a VAR review deemed Bronze offside.
    After the interval, the Barcelona star was on the receiving end of a controversial decision again.
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    Bronze was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area and was booked for her infringement.
    Replays from the VAR review showed she had tried to block the ball in front of goal before it struck her arm.
    Wang Shuang stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick and reduce the deficit.
    Cameras picked up Bronze’s perplexed reaction to the decision before she later made her feeling’s known to the officials at full-time.
    SHAKE UP
    Her snub is not the first time at the tournament that a player has refused a handshake.
    Ireland’s Ruesha Littlejohn made headlines ahead of their opening match against co-hosts Australia.
    The midfielder appeared to snub a handshake with Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord, who is a club team-mate of her ex-partner Katie McCabe.
    Littlejohn and McCabe’s split after more than seven years together was confirmed on the eve of the tournament.
    Bronze’s handball resulted in a China penaltyCredit: ITV FOOTBALL
    Bronze was also booked for the incidentCredit: Reuters More

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    England 6 China 1: Sensational Lauren James scores twice as rampant Lionesses breeze through with complete thrashing

    LAUREN JAMES wants to carve out her own name in the beautiful game. And she certainly did that as the Lionesses charged into the World Cup last 16 by pummelling China 6-1 despite VAR and penalty drama. 
    Lauren James produced another stunning performance at the World CupCredit: PA
    The Chelsea star volleyed in her second at the back postCredit: PA
    England were in blistering form in Adelaide wiping their floor with their opponents to set up a Monday duel with Nigeria. 
    Sarina Wiegman turned tinker woman with her altered Lionesses side roaring their way into the tournament’s knockout phase in style.
    It was a performance that saw Alessia Russo end her six-game goalless run with the striker bagging her first since February as well her first ever at a World Cup. 
    And team-mate James – sister of England and Chelsea star Reece – strengthened her standing as a rising star by bagging her first brace in the game’s biggest contest.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    In a tournament of shocks, that has seen giants Spain and Germany humbled, perhaps one of the biggest shocks of them all was the changes Wiegman made to her first 11.  
    Five of them in total. 
    Among the biggest calls were Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly dropping to the bench with Rachel Daly deployed on the wing. 
    And with Keira Walsh crocked, Katie Zelem earned her World Cup bow, playing in midfield alongside Georgia Stanway.
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    But it was an astute move that paid off with England crushing any hopes of the Asian reigning champions springing a surprise. 
    It took just four minutes for Wiegman’s aces to open the scoring with Lauren Hemp and Russo combining with the latter slotting home after China failed to clear. 
    Hemp came close to making it 2-0 before England’s lead was eventually doubled with a goal that started with a bulldozing move from Millie Bright. 
    The England skipper looked back to her imposing best by charging her way into the centre circle before James teed up Hemp to slide past Zhu Yu for England’s second. 
    James, in perhaps her finest performance in a Lionesses shirt, made it 3-0 in the 41st minute moments after Lucy Bronze’s header hit the woodwork.
    VAR DRAMA
    But fans’ cheers turned to jeers when the forward’s curled effort for No4 was controversially ruled out with Bronze judged to be interfering with play close to half-time. 
    The second spell saw China rewarded a controversial pen with the ball appearing to glance off Bronze’s arm prior to a decent stop for Earps. 
    The decision went their way much to the delight of their raucous fans at Hindmarsh Stadium and Wang Shuang converted with Mary Earps conceding her first goal of the tournament. 
    James notched her brace, expertly side-footing home after latching on to Jess Carter’s cross to make it 4-1 in the 66th minute 
    Kelly made it 5-1, pouncing on a delivery from James to net a tap-in with goalkeeper Zhu left stranded. 
    China’s nightmare got worse with Daly claiming her first goal of the contest with six minutes of normal time left.
    Read More on The Sun
    With another dreaded VAR review, it looked as if Daly would be denied. 
    But her volley was allowed with the England ace reward for a sterling shift in attack in a memorable win. 
    Alessia Russo gave England the perfect start in AdelaideCredit: Getty
    Lauren Hemp made it 2-0 with a smart finishCredit: Reuters
    Chloe Kelly made it 5-1 with a simple tap-inCredit: Reuters
    Rachel Daly’s volley completed the routCredit: Getty
    Sarina Wiegman brought James off before she could complete her hat-trickCredit: Getty More