Lauren James's foolish stamp on Michelle Alozie means her World Cup is over – at least England live to fight another day 🖋️ danielstorey85 for ipaperviews
That epitomises Nigeria’s approach. They would have been deserved winners in normal time, deserved winners in extra-time and only let themselves down during penalties – one over, another wide. They looked to close England in the middle of the pitch; Toni Payne dominated Keira Walsh, fully fit or otherwise.
That forced England out wide and played into Nigerian hands. They dominated England’s wingers physically and every turnover seemed to spark a quick counter attack led by two marauding, magnificent full-backs. Between Ayinde, Payne, Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie, Nigeria had the four best players on the pitch. It is rare for that to end in defeat. They have played four matches in this tournament against higher-ranked teams and were unbeaten.
England floundered, before and after the red card. The only way to expose Nigeria would have been to play with pace in the final third. Alessia Russo has many assets; pace is not one. Too many in white shirts played the majority of the game with their back to goal. England’s only chances came from set-pieces.was the outlier? In their three other games, England have scored one goal from open play.
Now she is no longer the antidote because she is no longer here, nothing but a touchline well-wisher and an epitome of how frustration can break the spirit and your own sense. Wiegman has lost the secret weapon because the secret soon got out and now she is left to pick up the pieces.
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