England are on the verge of qualification (Picture: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
England head into their final group stage game at the Women’s World Cup on Tuesday knowing qualification is completely under their control.
A single point is all the Lionesses need from their game against China in Adelaide to secure their spot in the knockout rounds of the competition.
England, who will be without star midfielder Keira Walsh against the Asian Cup winners, start the final round of Group D games on six points – three ahead of Denmark and China.
So, assuming Sarina Wiegman’s team complete the job against China, let’s take a look at who they would play in the Round of 16.
Who could England play in the Round of 16 if they qualify?
If England finish top of Group D, they will play Nigeria in the Round of 16.
Nigeria finished as the runners-up in Group B courtesy of a 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland in their final group stage game.
England currently top Group D (Picture: Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
However, if England finish second in Group D, they will instead play Australia in the next round.
The Matildas topped Group B with six points from their three games, including a dominant 4-0 win over Canada.
England only need one point against China to finish first in their group and, on paper at least, would surely prefer to face Nigeria in the next round instead of the co-hosts.
Nigeria are ranked 40th in the FIFA World Rankings, whilst Australia are 10th.
In the event of victories for China and Denmark, the two qualification spots will first be determined by goal difference, followed by goals scored and then head-to-head results.
When would England play in the Round of 16?
If England play Nigeria, their Round of 16 match would take place on Monday, August 7 at 8.30am BST.
The game would be staged at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
In the event England play Australia, they would play on Monday, August 7 at 11.30am BST.
Stadium Australia in Sydney would be the venue for the clash.
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England are on the verge of the knockout rounds.
