England survive Women’s World Cup penalty shootout against Nigeria after Lauren James red card

Here was as clear a statement of the diminishing gap between the great powers of the women’s game and the emerging forces of this summer’s World Cup. For over two hours, England were second best against Nigeria: tactically outplanned, technically overawed, their energy reserves drained beyond their limits by over half an hour of playing with 10. But, in this tournament of shocks, this match had one last stunner, an almighty swindling by the Lionesses as they snuck into the quarterfinals off the back of four superbly finished penalties.

If Sarina Wiegman’s European champions are to add the world title they will have to be far better. At least they have a chance to be after Chloe Kelly thundered her spot kick into the top left corner. The Euro 2022 hero was among a group of England players who rushed over to console Chiamaka Nnadozie amid the jubilance, the victors acutely aware that the Nigerian goalkeeper was one of so many Super Falcons who did not deserve to be on the losing side.