England’s fans finally got the win they’d been waiting for. A confident, crushing victory leaving China in their wake. The Lionesses scored goal after goal.
At Sydney’s fan zone most of the crowd backed China, but a few England groups also watched the late-night game.
“I’m so happy I’m absolutely buzzing,” Maya Walden said. She travelled from England to Australia for the tournament. “I knew we were going to win but I didn’t think it would be to that scale at all.”
As for Maya’s favourite moment: “Just all of it. I think when Lauren James scored the first time it was amazing.”
For China fans it was a tough evening. The Asian Cup champions scored only one penalty goal and struggled against England.
University student Lincoln Xue took the loss gracefully. “I’m definitely pretty sad but it’s fine and I think we had some chances but we did not take them,” Xue told a reporter. “England are the European champions.”
What next for England?
The fourth-ranked Lionesses defeated Haiti 1-0 in their opener, and Denmark 1-0 in the second group game of the tournament.
Group winners and runners-up progress to the last 16.
By winning their group, England have secured a knock-out tie against Nigeria on Monday – avoiding hosts Australia.
The next round of knock-out stage fixtures will take place from 5 to 8 August.