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Chelsea Women at 2023 World Cup: Previewing knockout stage

By Caden Charpentier

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Eve Perisset of Chelsea and France warms up prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Panama and France at Sydney Football Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Eve Perisset of Chelsea and France warms up prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group F match between Panama and France at Sydney Football Stadium on August 02, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 01: Zhang Linyan of China looks to pass the ball while pursued by Jessica Carter of England during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between China and England at Hindmarsh Stadium on August 01, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sue McKay/Getty Images) /

CFCW World Cup Knockout stage: Monday, August 7

England vs. Nigeria

Kick-off time: 3:30 a.m. EST, 8:30 a.m. BST

Stadium: Brisbane Football Stadium

Chelsea Women players: Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Hannah Hampton, Niamh Charles, Lauren James

While Hannah Hampton, and Niamh Charles have combined to appear in just 20 minutes in three games, the other three stars from west London have been vital pieces to the Lionesses success. None of been more influential than Lauren James. The Blues’ No. 10 without question leads the Golden Ball race, contributing to six goals in just 200 minutes on the pitch. Many people viewed James as the sister of Reece James heading into this competition. Now, everyone should consider Reece to be the brother of Lauren.

She has five more successful take-on attempts than any of her England teammates, gliding through opponents’ backlines with relative ease. Her finishing has been one of the major storylines of the tournament. Left foot. Right foot. Doesn’t matter. Not even the referees can prevent James from taking over a game.

On the defensive side of things, Bright and Carter have both started in multiple contests. England’s captain has played a part in every group stage minute while being one of just three players along with Carter to complete 200 or more passes. The west Londoner’s are the only two field players on the Lionesses to have contributed in two or more 90s and complete over 87 percent of their passes. Both of them current rank one and two in total clearances on the team. Carter’s pass completion percentage is in fact the highest of any player at the tournament. The Blues’ No. 7 has been much more than just a center back, providing the English with tactical flexibility in both the going forward and in the backline.

James, Bright, and Carter should all start against Nigeria. Bright should be in the middle of a back-three with Carter roaming as the center back on the right side, and James acting as that No. 10.

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