England booked a last 16 clash with Norway at the Women’s World Cup after a 2-1 victory over Colombia handed them second spot in Group F.

Goals from Karen Carney and Fara Williams put England in a commanding position, with Lady Andrade’s strike for Colombia coming too late to spark an unlikely comeback. The result means England finish second in Group F with France top following a 5-0 demolition of Mexico in the group’s other encounter.

Colombia began the match brightly, with Andrade showing some neat footwork and causing England problems. However, once the Lionesses had settled, it wasn’t long before they had gotten themselves in front, and once again it was Karen Carney who got on the scoresheet, reacting first after a Steph Haughton free-kick had been saved.

After seeing penalty appeals waved away for one handball, Colombia were penalised when Carolina Arias handled in the box to concede a 36th minute penalty, and Fara Williams stepped up to convert from the spot to put England into a two-goal lead they never looked like surrendering.

Mark Sampson’s side did suffer a nervy final few moments, after Andrade lobbed the ball over Karen Bardsley in the England goal in stoppage time to put the pressure on the Lionesses. But England held on, and will now travel to Ottowa for a last 16 clash with Norway. Colombia also qualify as one of the best third-placed sides.

France win

France jumped ahead early on and cruised to an easy 5-0 win over Mexico in their Women’s World Cup Group F game in Ottawa, securing first place in the group.

Perhaps still smarting from a shocking 2-0 loss to Colombia on Saturday, the heavily-favoured French wasted no time attacking the winless Mexicans.

Marie-Laure Delie opened the scoring just 34 seconds in, and the French caught a break in the ninth minute when Mexican midfielder Jennifer Ruiz put in an own goal while under pressure in her own end.

Eugenie Le Sommer added two in the 13th and 36th minutes to effectively decide the game by half time, before Amandine Henry made it 5-0 with a strike in the 80th minute.

The win enabled France to finish top of Group F, ahead of England on goal difference. Both teams had six points.

France will now face South Korea in the round of sixteen knockouts, with England booking a date with Norway.

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