Women’s U20 World Cup: England face Nigeria as France meet Canada in last-16 finale

The final four places in the Women’s U20 World Cup quarter-finals will be decided on Thursday, with England taking on Nigeria and France facing Canada in two of the day’s headline ties.

The tournament’s last-16 stage concludes with four matches. Nigeria are the only remaining team from the CAF zone, while England are attempting to move closer to a title after previously reaching two Women’s U20 World Cup finals.

Rachel Maltby and her team-mates must overcome an England side whose focus is firmly on lifting the trophy. Nigeria’s progress to the quarter-finals would keep their hopes of winning the competition alive, but they face one of the established contenders in the tournament.

France and Canada will meet in a knockout match for the first time. Their previous two encounters at the Women’s U20 World Cup came in the group stage, with both teams drawn together in each of the last two editions.

France will look to make their set-piece threat count against Canada. Canada, meanwhile, can rely on the individual quality of Annabelle Chukwu as they bid to reach the final eight.

The day’s most significant fixture could be the all-Asian meeting between Japan and North Korea. Japan won the competition in 2018, while North Korea are three-time world champions and the reigning holders.

The match is certain to eliminate one of the leading contenders for the title, with both sides entering the tie as teams capable of going all the way.

Thursday’s Women’s U20 World Cup fixtures

13:00 – France v Canada

13:00 – England v Nigeria

16:30 – Poland v Colombia

16:30 – North Korea v Japan