Matildas? We'll waltz past them

England eye clash with hosts

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG and HOLLIE BONE

ENGLAND'S Lionesses are on course for a mouth-watering last-16 knockout-stage showdown with old foes Australia.

Coach Sarina Wiegman's battling side could face the tournament's joint hosts if they avoid defeat to China on Tuesday and finish top of Group D.

By then they will know if the Matildas, boosted by the return of superstar striker Sam Kerr, have beaten Olympic champions Canada in tomorrow's Group B decider.

Sarina will be keen to swerve Group B favourites Nigeria.

And victory against Australia could be followed with ties against Germany and Brazil on England's side of the draw, then hot favourites the USA in the tournament final on August 20.