How can England WU20s reach the World Cup knockouts?

England women’s under-20s could book their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup later today and here is how they could do it.

The Young Lionesses sit second in Group B, with four points on the board following a 1-1 draw with Canada and a 5-1 victory over Tanzania.

They face Brazil in their final group stage match-up today (2pm BST kick-off) at Bielsko-Biała Stadium, while Tanzania and Canada go head-to-head at the same time.

And Lydia Bedford’s team could still finish in first, second or third place as it stands.

First-place finish

Should England beat Brazil, they will go top of Group B and advance as the league leaders on seven points.

This would mean they would play their Round of 16 tie on Wednesday 16 September (2pm BST kick-off) against one of the third-place teams in Katowice.

Second-place finish

A draw would also see the Young Lionesses progress, finishing on five points, meaning Canada cannot mathematically catch up to England.

This would mean they would play their Round of 16 tie on Thursday 17 September (2pm BST kick-off) against the team that places second in Group F in Bielkso-Biala where all of England’s group games have been played so far.

Of the teams that could still place second in Group F, England could face Spain, China PR or Nigeria.

Should England lose to Brazil and Canada beat Tanzania – with both England and Canada tied on four points – Canada would need to make up a seven-goal swing, with England boasting a superior goal difference (4) compared to Canada (-3).

And if England and Canada were both to lose, England would progress in second place.

Third-place finish

If the Young Lionesses finish in third, there is a chance they could still go through to the knockout stages.

Three of the six third-place teams will progress to the Round of 16, based on factors including goal differential, goals allowed and the number of yellow and red cards received during the group stage.