Fara Williams column: England lucky to still be in the World Cup

The Lionesses were really lucky to book their place in the quarter-finals.

They've not clicked yet in terms of performance — but at least they've shown they have a mentality where they're never beaten.

Becoming European champions has given them an arrogance — a good arrogance — where they know they can win games from any situation.

We all want England to play with style and dominate games in the manner they generally have under Sarina Wiegman.

Ultimately, though, if they go on to win the World Cup, nobody will complain that they didn't play well in the early stages.

Look after LJ

The most important element to the Lauren James red card incident earlier this week is that we now protect her.

The stamp against Nigeria was a sign of frustration. She had been marked out of the game and it was a naive reaction.

She knew what she was doing but I don't think she meant any harm or malice. She's accepted she made a mistake and we need to get behind her now as she's a player of huge talent and potential.

I missed the 2007 World Cup quarter-final against the USA through suspension so I know what it feels like — and it's horrible. There's no better way to explain it, you just feel helpless.

She'll be hurting and will be desperately hoping the Lionesses beat Colombia on Saturday so she can still play a further part in the competition.

Call on Kelly

I think we could potentially see Wiegman change formation to cover for the loss of James.

If she reverts to a back four she can bring Ella Toone into midfield alongside Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway.

Chloe Kelly could then join Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp in the front three.

That might mean leaving out Jess Carter, who was our best player against Nigeria, at the back. 

It seems harsh but the formation didn't really work in that goalless draw before the penalty shootout success and we need to find a way to get things going in attack.

USA stutter

The round of 16 was certainly full of shocks.

Sweden knocking out the USA was the biggest, considering the States dominated the game and that the winning penalty was so close to being kept out.

It was really surprising that Megan Rapinoe and Sophia Smith both missed.

Colombia were good against Jamaica, too, and look like they're going to be a threat for England.

Japan are my favourites

My favourites for the competition at the moment are Japan.

They're renowned for their possession game and keep the ball so efficiently with short, tidy passes. But what they've added to their game is chance creation from all over the pitch.

The chances are not just coming from central areas but wide ones, with loads of bodies in the box.

And they've been so clinical in front of goal — as clinical as any side in the tournament.

They can also play on the counter, which will be dangerous for Spain in a potential semi-final between the two.

Japan have so many different styles and look like they can beat any of the remaining teams.

Fara Williams was speaking to Adam Drury