Fara Williams column: Lionesses should stick with back three

England made a very slow start at the Women's World Cup — but thrashing China set their campaign alight!

I know the players and the quality there is within the squad. I have high demands of them so I was disappointed with what I'd seen.

But their performances have improved. The opening game against Haiti was poor, they were well below the standards. 

In the first 35 minutes against Denmark, I thought they were phenomenal. Then the injury to Keira Walsh deflated the squad a little bit.

To finish the group stage in the way we did against China, battering them 6-1, I don't think anybody expected that.

It's three wins from three and I think we're in a really good place ahead of Monday's last-16 clash with Nigeria.

Sarina's stroke of genius

I was very impressed with the system Sarina Wiegman deployed against China. It suited our players defensively and offensively.

The three centre-backs selected all love defending. They're good on the ball but also relish that aggressive one-on-one defending. 

That was a smart move as it allowed Rachel Daly and Lucy Bronze to get forward and create chances in wide areas.

I would stick with that system against Nigeria. It's structured in terms of coping with transitions.

If you look at how Nigeria played against Australia, they had 30% possession and scored three goals — all of which came on the counter.

That was something England struggled with against Haiti, so that back three with Katie Zelem sitting in front makes us that little bit securer and more disciplined.

Midfield marvel

Katie really stepped into Keira's boots in that deep midfield position. I messaged her after the game to say she was 'phenomenal'.

She was a youngster at Liverpool when I was there. She's always been a talented player and has waited for this opportunity. 

She stepped in but didn't try to do Keira's game. She played her own and I think that was what I was most impressed with, especially as it was her full debut!

Sadly, I’d be surprised if we saw Keira return at this tournament. We know it's not an ACL injury and she's still with the group but there's been no further news. It looked a bad one.

Loving Lauren

I can't find the words to describe Lauren James. She's just an unbelievable player. She's very grounded but knows she's talented.

Lots of people questioned her calmness and whether she looked lazy — this kid isn't lazy! She's just an exceptional player who knows what she can do.

She plays the game, she reads it so well. 

She's already got three goals at the tournament and picked up three assists against China. She's flying and it's scary to think how far she can go given the fact she's 21.

Momentum building

I previously suggested this World Cup could be the best one yet.

Like England's campaign, it took a while to get going but it's turning into a great tournament.

The so-called lesser nations have really closed the gap with the heavyweights of women's football.

Colombia got that brilliant win against Germany, who I had as one of the favourites.

Japan have come from nowhere and been one of the most impressive and well-coached teams.

While it's important these nations get the support to kick on after the tournament, it's been a great spectacle!

Fara Williams was speaking to Cian Cheesbrough