England has reached the quarter finals of the Women’s World Cup after beating Nigeria on penalties in a thrilling final 16 clash – which saw the Lionesses going down to 10 after Lauren James was red carded. 

The European champions sealed their spot in the last eight of the World Cup by beating Nigeria on penalties at Brisbane after the match finished goalless following extra time.

Substitute Chloe Kelly scored the winning spot-kick as England clinched the shoot-out 4-2.

But Sarina Wiegman’s side had looked second best for the most of the match against the African side, ranked 40th in the world.

England had few real chances, with striker James showing her frustration in the 87th minute stamping on Nigerian Michelle Alozie in a ‘moment of madness’, which initially earned her a yellow card. 

Then, in fresh heartbreak for fans, the 21-year-old’s card was upgraded to a red, leaving England with just 10 women as the game went into extra time – in a move likened to David Beckham’s foul which sent England crashing out of 1998 World Cup.  It means James could now face a ban for the rest of the tournament. 

Digging deep, though, England managed to stave off a relentless Nigerian attack during a nail-biting 30 minutes of extra time to make it through to the penalty shootout. 

And after a nervy start, with Georgia Stanway firing her shot wide and Nigeria’s Oparanozie also failing to find the net, it was the Lionesses who were first to score, before ultimately sealing victory – and a clash against either Columbia or Jamaica in the final eight. 

A moment of magic – England celebrate after reaching the quarter finals of the Women’s World Cup 

England’s Chloe Kelly and Alex Greenwood celebrate victory following a penalty shoot-out after extra time, which saw Kelly scoring the goal that sent the Lionesses through

The win sent England fans wild, with scores across the country watching the clash in pubs. Pictured: Supporters celebrating at Boxpark Wembley

The Lionesses went down to 10 women after Lauren James was given a yellow card for stamping on Michelle Alozie – with the card later upgraded to a red 

It was the dream end to a nightmare game for the Lionesses. who had been dominated for much of the clash against the African side. 

England fans, who earlier had been holding their heads with their hands after James was sent off the pitch, went wild, celebrating the win in pubs and at viewing events across the UK.  

Meanwhile other expressed their anger online at the sub-par performance by the Lionesses, with former England ace Gary Lineker criticising James for losing her cool, tweeting: ‘The @Lionesses down to 10 as Lauren James has a Beckhamesque moment of madness.’

Another person tweeted: ‘Wow, from hero to zero for Lauren James. What a silly thing to do at 0-0 in a World Cup knockout game. Flashbacks of Beckham & Rooney.’

A third added: ‘I love Lauren James but what a stupid thing to do at this level.’

After a sketchy performance Kelly promised there was still plenty more to come from the European champions.

‘It’s amazing, anything that is thrown at us we show what we are capable of,’ she told BBC One.

‘We dig deep as a group and we believe in our ability. First and foremost we believe in what we are told to do.

It was a dream ending to a nightmare game, which had seen England being dominated by Nigeria 

Jubilant England fans at the Boxpark Wembley celebrate as the Lionesses progress to the quarter finals 

Supporters leapt for joy as they watched Kelly score the winning goal for England

But it had been a challenging match for the Lionesses, who had been dominated by Nigeria for much of the contest (pictured are fans at Boxpark Wembley)

Millie Bright and Esme Morgan of England celebrate the team’s victory through the penalty shoot out

England’s Chloe Kelly, left, celebrates after scoring the last goal during a penalty shootout 

‘This team is special: we did it at the Euros, we did it at the Finalissima and we are here again doing it.

‘We keep pushing forward, there is more to come from this special team.’

Midfielder Keira Walsh returned for the first time since she was carried off the pitch on a stretcher in England’s 1-0 group stage victory against Denmark, and played 120 minutes of a dramatic contest. 

The Nigerians have proved the biggest challenge to date as they came out all guns blazing in the first half, putting the Lionesses on the back foot – despite and early penalty chance for England that was disallowed by VAR. 

A huge spell of early possession from the Nigerian side – ranked 40th in the the world –  led to a thunderous strike from Plumptre whose effort rattled the bar

Then moments later, Onumonu forced England’s keeper Mary Earps to scramble and save the rebound, as crowds at the Brisbane stadium roared in excitement. 

England’s response was rapid, as the Lionesses surged down into the Nigerian half, seeking to break the deadlock and take one step closer towards the quarter-final. 

Alessia Russo was gifted possession just outside their own penalty area. The Arsenal striker did not hesitate and shot on sight – forcing a save from Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has it covered and makes the save. 

After a review of the foul, a decision was made to upgrade James’ card from a yellow to a red 

James with the walk of shame after being red carded for stamping on a Nigerian player 

The decision to send James off left England fans watching the game outside Wembley Stadium devastated (pictured)

Minutes later, and England was gifted a penalty after Rachel Daly went to ground following contact with Ajibade.

But in more drama, the penalty was cancelled just seconds later following a VAR review, leading to uproar from the crowd – and from England fans on social media. 

‘Not a penalty for England… I would love to know how they came to that decision,’ one person tweeted. 

Another added: ‘Unbelievable overturn of a penalty award for England v Nigeria there. What a waste of four minutes and zero reason to reverse the decision. Terrible refereeing.’ 

Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway of England were visibly frustrated after the penalty was cancelled following the Video Assistant Referee review.

Nigeria started the brighter team in the first half at Brisbane, with early shots rattling the Lionesses (Pictured: Osinachi Ohale of Nigeria (left) and Alessia Russo of England compete for the ball during)

Oluwatosin Demehin of Nigeria clears the ball from Alessia Russo of England England Women v Nigerian Women, FIFA Women’s World Cup,

England’s Lionesses were under pressure as Nigeria started the brighter of the first half 

But after weathering the initial storm, Sarina Wiegman’s side retaliated forcing a diving save from the Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie 

Jessica Carter of England goes down with an injury during the FIFA Women’s World Cup

England was awarded a penalty initially by the referee after Rachel Daly was shoved down in the box

But minutes later and it was fresh heartbreak for England after a VAR review overturned the decision 

Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway of England were visibly frustrated after the penalty was cancelled following the Video Assistant Referee review

The African side came close to taking the lead after that drama as Nigerian forward  Rasheedat Ajibade’s fierce shot was blocked heroically by Jess Carter, and then again by Millie Bright on the follow-up. 

England responded is rapid fashion charging the ball back down into the Nigerian half, securing a series of corners – with England’s Lauren James sending her effort soaring over the crossbar. 

England fans breathed a sigh of relief as the half-time whistle was blown, following a dominant performance by Nigeria – who had eight attempted, more than any other England has faced during this year’s tournament. 

Scores of England fans have gathered at special viewings across the UK, transforming pubs and bars into a sea of red and white. 

At Boxpark in Wembley, fans were left shell-shocked by a potent Nigerian performance 

Confusion: A young England fan raises her hands while watching England at the Boxpark in Wembley

Fans have gathered in pubs and at special screening events to watch England’s last 16 clash against Nigeria. Pictured: England supporters at the fan zone near Wembley Stadium 

Other fans at Boxpark Wembley were left shell-shocked by the dominant performance of Nigeria 

This youngster at the Brisbane Rectangular Stadium showed his support for England with some patriotic face paint 

There were roars of excitement as England and Nigeria clashed during a thrilling first half 

While the action proved too much for some diehard fans, who were left watching the clash through their fingers.

England supporters screamed in delight after the penalty was awarded – before groaning in disappointment after VAR overturned it. 

Others anxiously hugged one another during the thrilling end-to-end first half. 

While the action proved too much for some diehard fans, who were left watching the clash through their fingers. 

The second half resumed with Nigeria getting the first early chance, with England continuing to look uncomfortable. 

Flying out of the blocks, Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu winning the header at the back post, sending a looping effort at goal that rattled the top of the bar. 

As the one-way traffic continued, Nigeria’s relentless assault on the Lionesses’ box, showed no sign of letting up, forcing England’s Millie Bright into heading the ball behind for a corner.  

The corner floated towards the back post but came to nothing as England cleared their lines. 

The Lionesses retaliated moments later with their best opportunity of the match, as an expert delivery from Greenwood sent it directly onto the head of Russo – who skewed her header wide for a goal kick. 

England’s Mary Earps is forced into action as Nigeria looked the more dominant in the match 

Nigeria proved to be the most challenging side yet faced by the Lionesses. Pictured: Michelle Alozie of Nigeria and Lauren Hemp of England competing for the ball during 

Lauren Hemp of England goes down to ground during a bruising competition against Nigeria 

England head coach Sarina Wiegman appeared steely as she looks on at her side during the FIFA Women’s World Cup

Ifeoma Onumonu of Nigeria (left) and Keira Walsh of England compete for the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 s

Carter managed to get the ball in the final third but she couldn’t make it past a sea of Nigeria players – who gave England absolutely no space or time.

A smart throw in went to Stanway, who flicked it on to Russo – but who couldn’t get a shot off. 

Hemp, resurgent, then squeezed through the green wall of defence but sees her effort deflected behind for a corner, with the resulting set piece coming to nothing as the ball sailed onto the roof of the net. 

With 70 minutes gone, England – barring a few moments – have failed to get a grip of this Nigerian side, coming off second best as the Africans continued to frustrate the European champions. 

But then, moment later in the 75th, England looked like it was finally about to break the deadlock.

Greenwood’s looping corner landed with Daly, who powered a thumping header – that was somehow saved by Nigerian keeper Nnadozie, who then holds onto the ball at the rebound. It was England’s closest effort of the game so far. 

A cheap giveaway of possession following a misplaced pass by Hemp almost allowed Nigerians to notch their first score – as Kanu crossed into the box, with Oshoala blasting her shot over. 

Yet more sloppy play from England sees Hemp giving away a freekick, which was floated in towards goal but ultimately sent wide. 

England continued to face stiff opposition from the Nigerians (Russo is pictured making an attempt on goal)

The attempt was collected by Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie

Then, minutes later, Chiamaka Nnadozie makes another stave, stopping Daly’s effort at goal before collecting the ball on the ground (pictured)

Fans watching England could not contain their nerves as England went into extra time 

The Lionesses have battled to cling on as they went a player down towards he end of the second half 

Lauren James with a reckless move was shown a yellow card after losing the ball as she lunged in on Alozie and is shown a yellow card.

But then, in fresh heartbreak, it was upgraded to a red card with less than four minutes to go, leaving England with just 10 to finish the match. 

The decision now means that even if England were to progress, James could now face a ban.

Beth England is hopeful James’ punishment for her red card will not see her ruled out for the rest of the tournament.

‘We all know Lauren is magic, she is our weapon and it’s a big loss for us but we can’t change that now,’ she told Radio 5 Live after the match.

‘We have an unbelievable squad and players who can fill in in that position and hopefully we can see her again in the tournament.’

With 30 minutes of extra time starting – and penalties looming – England needed a strong start and some inspiration from the squad to keep its World Cup hopes alive. 

A nervy 15 minutes of extra time saw a couple of chances swinging Nigeria’s way, with England going in with their backs against the wall. 

After 120 minutes, with no goals netted, the match went to a penalty shootout (pictured are players waiting as the penalties were taken)

England’s Alex Greenwood scores a penalty kick during a penalty shoot-out against Nigeria 

But it was heartache for the Nigerians, who lost 4-2 on penalties after dominating for much of the game (Pictured: Christy Ucheibe of Nigeria is consoled after her team’s defeat)

Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie reacts after taking a penalty shot which goes wide during a penalty shoot-out after extra time

In a show of class, England’s players console Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie after her team is knocked out of the Women’s World Cup

The second half of extra time saw little from England, as the outnumbered squad dug in and attempted to cling on, in hopes of turning their fortunes around with a penalty shootout. 

And in yet another worrying blow for England, Daly screamed out in pain during a heavy clash of heads with Ajibade moments before the end of the second half of extra time. 

England almost managed to poke in a final-minute winner with a free kick on the half way line after a foul on Stanway. 

Nearly everyone charged forward, with Greenwood sending it and Mead flicking it on – as the ball bounced agonisingly wide.

England missed their first penalty –  with Nigeria doing the same and missing their opening shot. 

Beth England, who saw no minutes at the European Championships, became the first to score, with a thumping penalty that sent England fans wild. 

Another Nigerian miss saw England stretch its lead to two, as Daly blasted her effort into the net.