Much like Lauren James’ divine second goal, this might be dropping beautifully for England. Certainly, Sarina Wiegman suddenly has clarity in a World Cup characterised by uncertainty and unpredictability. James’ very role illustrates that. The young winger’s influence from that wide role was a driving force in this crushing 6-1 win over China, that confirmed an expected first place. It is a first place, however, that suddenly looks very different. The sight of the semi-finals, at least, is something else that’s so much clearer. It now won’t feature Australia or Canada, and may not have any of France, Brazil or Germany. A thrilling Colombia and dangerous last-16 opponents Nigeria are huge threats, but there is the prospect that such developing teams have had their main highs. Just as importantly, the World Cup’s stand-out performers so far, in Japan, are on the other side of the draw. On that, and the elusive momentum that defines tournaments, England now have none of the sudden doubts that are afflicting other previous favourites in Spain and - above all - USA. This is what was even more encouraging about this display than the scoreline, even if that was a badly-needed big win, amid the context of a very disappointing China. The only potential slip here came for Chloe Kelly’s gift of a fifth goal, although even that was from James’ genius. Part of that, though, was through the commanding competence of Wiegman. She may have found another solution. It shouldn’t be overlooked that the England manager went into this campaign with more issues to solve than all of those sides. They were here missing Keira Walsh, to go with Leah Williamson and Beth Mead. And yet it might have led to a formation that just fits. Having worked on a few different systems in the last few days, Wiegman opted for the 3-5-2 that really stood out for the players. It seemed to address most of their flaws, while adding to their strengths. With a reshaped midfield led by the increasingly important Georgia Stanway - conspicuously taken off at half-time due to her previous yellow card - England were much more difficult to open up. There were none of the sudden breaks that made the previous two 1-0 wins so fraught. It also offered security for England’s attackers to cut loose. Three of the players who needed goals, got goals, in Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp and - eventually, with a driving late strike, Rachel Daly. The Hemp goal may not have had the bombast of either of James’, or even Daly’s, but it was perhaps the most significant so far in that it was not a piece of genius out of nothing. It is a fluid team movement, Millie Bright bursting through, James flicking it on and Hemp taking it on in such a smooth manner to slide it past Zhu Yu in one moment. Wondrous. It was still James that took the stage, though, in a display that represented such an exciting escalation from her match-winning performance against Denmark. It was actually quite satisfying in how you can so clearly see a player getting better with more comfort, now flying on the sort of trajectory that is a tradition for triumphant young players coming into their own in a tournament. She may yet make this World Cup her own. Her three strikes were themselves an escalation in quality, the only pity being the second of those was ruled out. She certainly isn’t afraid to let fly from distance, though, which is another dangerous weapon for England. It offers an out in any situation. But the third goal emphasised she can offer genius from any situation. As inviting as that dropping ball from Jess Carter was for James’ second goal, it still takes a lot to get right. It wasn’t just right, it was perfect. It would have added up to a perfect close to the group for England, especially after how difficult it had been, but for one blemish. Mary Earps has now conceded a goal, albeit from a somewhat debatable penalty decision maximised by Wang Shuang. The irony was of course this was the most secure England have looked. A much sterner threat is to come. England need only look at the fates of Australia and Canada to stave off complacency at the fact they are facing neither. Nigeria beat the former to make the hosts’ group stage much more nervy than it might have been, and ultimately eliminated Canada. They will now more than fancy their chances of eliminating England. It just isn’t the same England as even Monday. That is the rhythm of a tournament. Teams will now start to find their feet, especially after two weeks of competitive football, and the dawning reality of the knock-outs. The mood of the final week could be very different to now. The mood around England is certainly different to a week ago. Read More When do England play next? Women’s World Cup fixtures and route to the final Why was Lauren James goal against China controversially disallowed? Lauren James: England’s mercurial forward who has found goalscoring touch at World Cup Sarina Wiegman’s brave England switch solves key Women’s World Cup problem Millie Bright: England’s captain leading Lionesses into last-16 of Women’s World Cup When do USA women play next? World Cup fixtures and route to the final

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took pole position for the United States Grand Prix after Max Verstappen’s lap was deleted for exceeding track limits. Verstappen looked to have qualified first in his Red Bull at a sizzling Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, only to see his lap – five thousandths of a second quicker than Leclerc – chalked off by the stewards. Verstappen dropped from first to sixth with Lando Norris taking second for McLaren ahead of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc’s team-mate Carlos Sainz finished fourth with George Russell fifth for Mercedes. Verstappen, who wrapped up his third world title in Qatar a fortnight ago, is bidding to join Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Alain Prost and Sebastian Vettel by reaching 50 victories. But the Dutchman’s quest will start from back down the grid after he put all four wheels off the track at Turn 18 following a rare mistake. Verstappen headed into the final runs a quarter of a second down after he took aim at his team for putting him on track too close to Sergio Perez in the other Red Bull. “Well f****** done there,” he yelled over the radio. “What the f*** was that in the last corner?!” His subsequent error then allowed Leclerc to take the 21st pole of his career, 0.130 sec ahead of Norris, who finished nine thousandths clear of Hamilton. “It wasn’t easy for everybody so I am really happy to start on pole for Sunday,” said Leclerc. “It is a surprise for us because we didn’t expect to be fighting for pole. “Going into Turn 1 it is tricky here, but it is always better to start at the front than the back.” Hamilton, who has only finished off the podium once in Austin, said: “I love being in the States. The circuit is incredible and is one of my favourites, right up there with Silverstone. it is a legendary layout and incredibly challenging.” Hamilton, in his upgraded Mercedes, was fastest in the opening sector, but was unable to better Leclerc’s time. He added: “We have taken a step closer to the front which I know everyone is working so hard for. They are still a little bit ahead but we will give it another shot tomorrow. With this crowd, anything is possible.” Daniel Ricciardo is back in the saddle after missing five races with a broken hand sustained in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25. The 34-year-old Australian progressed to Q2 before lining up in 15th, one second off the pace and four places behind Yuki Tsunoda in the other AlphaTauri. Aston Martin have brought a number of upgrades across the pond, but both their drivers were sent for an early bath. Fernando Alonso managed only 17th with team-mate Lance Stroll – on a torrid run of form – two places further back. Meanwhile, American rookie Logan Sargeant, whose seat with Williams has not been confirmed for next season, will line up from last position at his home race. A sprint race will follow on Saturday before Sunday’s 56-lap grand prix. Read More Daniel Ricciardo ready for AlphaTauri return at United States Grand Prix On this day in 2009: Jenson Button crowned Formula One world champion in Brazil FIA to review Qatar GP as ‘dangerous’ temperatures prompt driver complaints Lewis Hamilton and George Russell vent anger on radio after collision in Qatar Lewis Hamilton crashes out after first-corner collision with George Russell In his own words: Christian Horner on world champion Max Verstappen

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