England has what has seemed to be a rarity in this World Cup: a comfortable lead atop its group. But even the most pedigreed contenders can slip, as Spain and Canada have learned in recent days, so it will be taking nothing for granted on Tuesday.
Its section of the field, Group D, is one of three in which all four teams are still mathematically in contention to advance.
England sits in the driver’s seat with six points, but its two group stage wins have not been smooth. It struggled to get past Haiti in its opener, and then lost midfielder Keira Walsh to a knee injury against Denmark. (England confirmed on Saturday that Walsh had avoided the worst possible news, a ligament tear, but she still may be out for the rest of the tournament.)
The Lionesses will face China, which can advance to the round of 16 with a win. Denmark is similarly in a must-win situation if it hopes to advance to the knockout rounds, but even a win will not guarantee that the Danes will move forward. If China beats England, Denmark will go home regardless of its result.
And then there is Haiti, one of the underdogs of this World Cup, which still has the smallest chance of advancing. If the Haitians can find a way to beat Denmark and England beats China by more than one goal, Haiti will secure second place in the group.
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