England Too Strong for Colombia but Room for Improvement Ahead of Norway Clash

After three group games, England confirmed their place in the last 16 of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Colombia in Montreal on Wednesday.

Their dominant first-half performance was enough to seal the victory, improving further from their same-score win over Mexico, but if they want to progress past their next opponents, Norway, there are still areas where they need to improve.

Before the tournament began, the England camp was consistent in its public message: They are in Canada to win the trophy. Realistically, however, the goal was to go further than they ever have before.

In all of their previous appearances at the World Cup, the Lionesses have never won a knockout-stage match. The expansion to 24 teams means we have a round of 16 at the Women's World Cup for the first time, so advancing to the quarter-finals would represent their best performance.

Coach Mark Sampson showed that he has a very versatile squad and that he’s not afraid to change things up over the three group games.

After the 2-1 win over Mexico, he made five changes for Wednesday night’s group game against Colombia. By the end of the match, all 20 of his outfield players had made an appearance at the tournament.

Against France, it was a defensive performance. England were set up to frustrate and hold off the much-fancied Group F favouries—apart from Eugenie Le Sommer’s wonderful strike, it worked well.

In the latter two games, England showed more attacking intent. At first, Sampson set up his side playing 4-3-3, but when it wasn’t working, he showed he could adapt his side mid-game to make the necessary tweaks that would inspire his team to a much-needed win.

Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Before Wednesday’s fixture against Colombia, England knew that a win would see them claim a spot in the top two of the group, and they looked nervy in the opening stages. Passes were going astray, and their movement was poor.

As soon as Karen Carney turned in the rebound from Steph Houghton’s powerful free-kick in the 15th minute, though, England settled down and began to play some impressive, passing, forward-thinking football.

England were fortunate to be awarded a first-half penalty, but their positive play deserved the second goal. Fara Williams dispatched the spot kick for her 38th international goal, and victory was in their sights.

"

#ENG Ref saw this hand ball.. finally. Good penalty from @fara_williams47. #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/mKNgkbgbja

— Womens Football Comp (@Jigsawwill) June 17, 2015"

The second half was scrappy–too many niggling fouls broke up the play and the game became very stop-start. England lost their head a little and Colombia gained belief. The South Americans were pressing hard and began winning the 50-50 battles.

Sampson’s side were still well-organised, though, and until a moment of magic that saw Lady Andrade lob Karen Bardsley in the 93rd minute, Colombia never looked like scoring.

Just like against Mexico, the late goal will be a cause for concern among the England setup. It showed that losses of concentration will be punished, so they need to be ironed out before the game against Norway in the last 16 in Ottawa.

This will be England’s toughest test yet. They can’t play with the same negativity they showed against France, but the untidy moments against both Mexico and Colombia will likely be punished by the dangerous Norwegian attack.

Even Pellerud’s Scandinavian side has a powerful front three—including teenage sensation Ada Hegerberg—an experienced midfield and a very tough and disciplined defence.

Elsa/Getty Images

The way the knockout stage has worked out, one of England, Norway, Canada and Switzerland has a real chance of reaching the semi-finals of the tournament. England shouldn’t fear Norway or anyone else at this stage.

Each game has had a positive element that Sampson and his players can take on board, and if they can improve on the sloppy elements, the Lionesses could make history this summer.