Nigeria’s Oshoala poses biggest threat to England, says Carney

England must beware of Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala when they face the Super Falcons for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Brisbane on Monday, according to Karen Carney.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder who was capped 144 times by England, believes England have hit form at just the right time but says Nigeria should not be taken lightly.

Barcelona’s Oshoala is their stand-out player and although she has scored only once in the tournament so far, in the 3-2 win over hosts Australia, the five-time African Player of the Year will be the main threat to Sarina Wiegman’s side.

“She is a top quality striker who is more than capable of pulling something out of the bag,” Carney said in an interview with Powerleague. “I expect Nigeria will have big expectations and big hopes, so we can’t rest on our laurels.

“Despite how good England were against China, Nigeria are a top nation that will cause us problems. They have a world class striker and individual players that will be difficult for us.

“They are fighters and they fear no-one.”