England 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 on penalties): Player ratings as Lionesses win tense last 16 shootout

England rode their luck to beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

At the half hour mark, the referee pointed to the penalty spot after Rachel Daly went down in the box when an England free-kick swung in. However, once the referee took a second look on the VAR screen, she deemed that Rasheedat Ajibade didn't foul the Aston Villa player.

As the first half went on, England struggled to keep Nigeria's attack at bay. The Super Falcons had nine attempts on goal, though only one was on target.

The second half was more of the same with Nigeria continuing their attacking poweress, though a bright moment for the Lionesses saw Daly with a free header from a corner in the 76th minute, but Chiamaka Nnadozie made a crucial save to deny her.

England went down to ten players late in normal time after Lauren James stamped on Michelle Alozie after the pair went down, and the call went Nigeria's way. Initially, the referee gave James a yellow, but after a VAR check at the screen, it was changed to a red.

In extra-time, Lucy Bronze shoved Alozie in the box, but with the referee not making a decision, it wasn't then looked at by VAR.

In the shootout, Georgia Stanway missed the first penalty, but with Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie also missing for Nigeria, it eventually provided Chloe Kelly with the opportunity to win it, keeping her composure to send England through to the next round.

England player ratings (3-4-1-2)

GK: Mary Earps - 6/10 - Called upon once again, and made two crucial saves, one in normal time, and one in the second half of extra-time.

CB: Jess Carter - 8/10 - Had a great game despite the overall team's performance. Needed to do a lot of work covering for her teammates, whether that be Bright or Bronze.

CB: Millie Bright (c) - 6/10 - Was shown organising her backline, but not her best defensive performance.

CB: Alex Greenwood - 7/10 - Had some good deliveries, but, like her teammates, struggled at times to contain Nigeria's front-line.

RM: Lucy Bronze - 6/10 - Didn't get much joy on the flanks like she usually does. Lucky to not give away a penalty in extra-time.

CM: Georgia Stanway - 5/10 - Struggled with the intensity of Nigeria's midfield. Wasn't at her best during set-pieces, with a corner going immediately on top of the net and out. Missed the target in the penalty shootout.

CM: Keira Walsh - 7/10 - Coming back from injury and didn't look overwhelmed or off the pace.

LM: Rachel Daly - 7/10 - Tried to win a penalty that was soft, but was England's best threat going forward.

AM: Lauren James - 4/10 - Struggled to get in the game. Childishly stepped on Michelle Alozie after a call didn't go her way and was given a deserved red after a VAR check. Could miss the rest of the tournament if FIFA dish out a three-game ban.

CF: Lauren Hemp - 5/10 - Gave the ball away that almost led to a Nigeria goal and gave away a dangerous free-kick. Didn't muster much in attack.

CF: Alessia Russo - 7/10 - Didn't get much service, but was dangerous when on the ball.

Substitutes

SUB: Chloe Kelly (88' for Russo) - 6/10 - Struggled with Nigeria's pressing despite coming on against tired legs, but scored the winning penalty.

SUB: Bethany England (106' for Hemp) - 7/10 - Scored England's first pen in the shootout.

SUB: Kaite Zelem (120' for Walsh) - N/A

Manager

Sarina Wiegman - 6/10 - Waited until the 88th minute to make a change despite the plan clearly not working against Nigeria. Got it right with the subs to come on to take penalties.

Player of the match for England: Jess Carter

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