Five-star England sweep Northern Ireland aside to reach Euro 2022 knockouts in style

England's formidable form continued with a resounding victory over Northern Ireland that ensured they took maximum points in Group A and continued their momentum going into the knockout stages.

Such was the emphatic nature of this ninth-straight win, it prompted opposing manager Kenny Shiels to declare that it will be a "massive failure" if England do not go all the way and go on to lift the European title.

With the hosts already assured of topping the group, and tournament debutants Northern Ireland already eliminated, rather than passively going through the motions of a dead rubber England provided the 30,785 partying fans at Southampton's sold-out St Mary's with an entertaining night as they chased goal after goal.

Half-time substitute Alessia Russo impressed with two classy strikes in the space of five minutes, after the tournament's leading scorer Beth Mead had taken her tally to five goals with a deflected effort that added to Fran Kirby's clinical opener. An unfortunate looping own goal from Kelsie Burrows added the late fifth.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman missed the game after testing positive for Covid-19 earlier on Friday and it is understood it is very doubtful that she will be able to rejoin the team in time for Wednesday's quarter-final against either Denmark or Spain in Brighton. But the 52-year-old, following the game from isolation back at the team hotel, will have had her spirits lifted by another buoyant display from her increasingly-confident team.

This victory was the Lionesses’ 15th from 17 games under the former Netherlands manager's tenure, extending their longest ever unbeaten run, and their ninth win in a row.

They have also now scored 98 goals in her 10 months in charge, conceding only three times.