England, winners of the Women's European Cup, will face Nigeria in the Round of 16 in the biggest test of their quest for a first Women's World Cup title.
With midfielder Kiara Walsh out of action due to injury against China, coach Vicky Vickers made an unexpected move to play a three-man center midfield, and the team was able to play with more freedom under this new system and beat the "Clanging Roses" by 6-1. The player who got the most out of this change was Lauren James, who scored two goals and handed out three assists. I believe that the 21-year-old striker will be able to deliver a similar performance in this more fluid position in the current match.
Alexia Russo scored her first goal in 9 games, which is great news for the Three Lions, while Lauren Hampson and Keeley also scored. I'm sure the front two will have another chance to score this time around, with Rachel Daly and Bonlance continuing to make their mark on the wings.
I expect Nigeria, who finished second in the group behind Ireland and Canada, who won the Olympic gold medal in women's soccer, to give England a tough battle. The African Super Eagles have not lost a single match in the group stage, and have not conceded a single goal against Canada and Ireland, so it seems that the defense led by O'Hara is really hard to break through.
