Football: England into the round of 16 after Lauren James' display

In theory, all four teams in Group D had the chance to qualify for the qualifiers before the final round – but as expected, it was England and Denmark that did so.

England showed no mercy in its meeting with China. After just 40 minutes of play, the European champions took a 3-0 lead after a display from star striker Lauren James, 21, who scored the first two goals and set up the third on her own.

In extra time of the first half, her dream goal was also disallowed after a VAR review, when one of her teammates was ruled offside in relation to the goal post in an earlier situation.

– Not completely understood, says expert Pontus Kamarck in the Viaplay broadcast.

China reduced sanctions

A glimmer of hope appeared for China when Wang Shuang scored a goal from a penalty kick in the 57th minute, but nine minutes later, James killed China's playoff dreams when she scored a goal, making the score 4-1, with a direct shot into the far corner.

– Just like in the last game, I just thought “shoot, we'll see what happens.” “It was disappointing to have a goal disallowed, but that's what happens,” James told ITV.

England eventually won the match 6–1 and the result was that a Danish point against Haiti was enough for them to progress to the round of 16.

Just in case, they got three goals back after dominating the game from start to finish.

Pernille Harder opened the scoring when she scored a penalty in the 22nd minute, and then Sanne Troelsgaard settled the final score with her 2-0 goal in extra time.

– I'm at a loss for words, as I usually am not. They are tears of joy, because this is amazing, says Troelsgaard on Viaplay.

This is the first time since 1995 that Denmark has surpassed the group stage of the World Cup, and now the host country awaits Australia in the round of 16.

England faces Nigeria.

The text is updated.