FIFA WWC: Super Falcons tactically superior to England-Eni Aluko

Former England star and ITV pundit Eni Aluko on Thursday praised the Super Falcons of Nigeria for their glowing performance against England at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

'Aluko of Nigeria descent said England were lucky to book a place in the quarter-final after a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria.

She described the match as a tense encounter in which the Lionesses were nowhere near their best, but they held their nerve on spot kicks with Euro 2022 hero Chloe Kelly thumping home the winner.

And for Aluko, the performance of Nigeria - who was ranked 40th in the world heading into the tournament - was an example of the good health the women's game is in, while it was a challenge she believes will only benefit England.

She explained: 'I was so impressed with the way Nigeria nullified England, tactically they man-marked Lauren James and Keira Walsh out of the game.

'England didn't know how to figure it out and I think Nigeria left with so many fans. It says something about where African women's football is at that three African sides (Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco) got through to the knockout stages.

'The way Nigeria played throughout. They beat the hosts Australia and they came through the toughest group so it's a massive win for England in terms of getting past a difficult test.'

Before the anxiety of the penalty shootout, England was dealt a major blow when James - who has lit up the tournament with three goals and three assists - was sent off for violent conduct after stamping on Michelle Alozie.

Chelsea star James - who has since apologised to Alozie - is only 21 and while Aluko was critical of what she did, she insisted it is paramount the nation sticks behind the forward.

'It was naive, a mistake and clearly it is immature,' she said. 'Do I expect a 21-year-old with the world looking at her not to have immature and naive moments though? No. Of course, I expect that.

'I'm 36 and still making mistakes and it'll be part of her journey. If you look at what she has done in this tournament, she is our future so we've got to look after her and protect her.

'It's a big lesson on the world's biggest stage but mistakes help you get better.'

During her playing career, Aluko became an England legend by scoring 33 goals across 102 caps, while she featured in five major tournaments plus the 2012 Olympics.

Having made her debut at the age of 17, she was part of the England team that came third in the 2015 World Cup, while she was also integral as they reached the final at Euro 2009 before losing to Germany.