England Lionesses move out to 2-0 lead against Cameroon in knockout Women’s World Cup match
- England got their knock-out stage campaign underway in Valenciennes, France
- Steph Houghton gave England early lead at the Stade du Hainaut with a free-kick
- England scored on 14th minute after a close-range free kick from six yard box
- Cameroon, known as the Indomitable Lionesses, only won one match in Group E
England got the knock-out stage of their Women’s World Cup campaign underway with a much-anticipated match against Cameroon.
Fans gathered at the Stade du Hainaut this afternoon in Valenciennes, France, for the tense Round Of 16 game.
The game kicked-off at 5.30pm local time and sees England’s Lionesses face-off against their opponents, known as the Indomitable Lionesses.
England took an early 1-0 lead with a free-kick at close range from Steph Houghton who fired into the bottom corner just outside the six-yard box.
Her 14th minute goal was the team’s first of the knock-out competition.
Steph Houghton of England scores her team’s first goal during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Round Of 16 match between England and Cameroon at Stade du Hainaut
Houghton fired low into the bottom corner from a free-kick just on the edge of the six-yard box
Steph Houghton of England celebrates with teammates Jill Scott, Ellen White and Toni Duggan after scoring
England player celebrating after scoring their first goal of the knock-out stages of the competition
And the Lionesses make it two, with manager Phil Neville pumping his fist in celebration as Ellen White’s goal in the 45+4th minute is allowed after VAR overrules the referee’s decision of offside.
Cameroon players are unhappy about the decision, but the technology shows White was clearly onside.
The Indomitable Lionesses wasted three minutes of time, which went unpunished by the referee.
The action finally got back underway before the referee blows for half time.
And the Lionesses make it two, with Phil Neville pumping his fist in celebration as Ellen White’s goal is allowed after VAR overrules the referee’s decision
Cameroon players are unhappy about the decision, but the technology shows White was clearly onside
Cameroon’s Gabrielle Aboudi Onguene remonstrate with referee Qin Liang after England’s second goal was awarded following a VAR review
England’s Ellen White celebrates scoring their second goal as Cameroon’s Annette Ngo Ndom, Yvonne Leuko and Jeannette Yango look dejected
Germany and Norway are already through to the quarter-finals after winning their first Women’s FIFA World Cup knockout stage fixtures.
The Lionesses topped Group D thanks to wins over Japan, Argentina, and Scotland, and so have a favourable draw against Cameroon, who only won one match in Group E.
Phil Neville’s team are heavy favourites against Cameroon and have been training hard during their training camp.
Manager Neville and his players are facing a daunting route to the World Cup final as an unfortunate consequence of topping their group.
The strength and calibre of England is expected to be tested over the coming weeks.
Potential clashes against Australia, the United States and Germany await if they beat Cameroon.
Prince William and men’s team manager Gareth Southgate have each sent good luck video messages to the England women’s squad for their last-16 clash.
Fans of England attend the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup France Round Of 16 match between England and Cameroon at Stade du Hainaut
Players of England line up for the national anthem prior kick off against Cameroon today
An England fan before kick-off getting ready for the crucial Round of 16 match with Group E team Cameroon
England fans at the Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes, France. England took an early 1-0 lead