Lydia Bedford's side had progressed through a difficult group with wins over Brazil and Tanzania and a draw with Canada. The Round of 16 saw them face Nigeria, with Blues youngsters Lola Brown, Katie Cox, Chloe Sarwie and Vera Jones all named in the starting XI, and Eva Hendle an unused substitute.

An early opener from Tosin Rafiu saw the Lionesses 1-0 down after eight minutes. Aston Villa's Rachel Matlby, who had been prolific throughout the tournament, missed a penalty on the half-hour mark that would have seen England draw level.

There were bright moments from the Blues stars as goalscorer Mamudu was denied by an excellent recovery tackle from Sarwie in the second half, and Brown then saw her half-volleyed effort well saved by goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma.

Yet it wasn't to be, and second-half strikes from Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu were enough to see Nigeria progress to the last eight.