WORLD CUP FORM GUIDE: England had a slow start as USA has been underwhelming

There has been drama galore already at the Women's World Cup with a host of countries surging or stuttering out of their respective groups.

England began slowly but have picked up momentum after a thumping victory over China, while Germany, the United States and the Netherlands remain in the draw.

So, with the knockout stages kicking off this weekend, Mail Sport's KATHRYN BATTE casts her eye over the main contenders...

ENGLAND - P3, W3

Started slowly with narrow wins over Haiti and Denmark but a switch in formation saw them top Group D in style with a thrashing of China. The move to two central strikers and Lauren James as a roving No 10 reaped instant rewards.

UNITED STATES - P3, W1, D2

The world champions got off to a reasonable start with a 3-0 victory over Vietnam but have been underwhelming since, with draws against the Netherlands and Portugal. They were a post's width from a shock exit as Portugal's Ana Capeta hit the woodwork in added time.

FRANCE - P3, W2, D1

Perennial underachievers and this is the last chance for the golden generation. Recovered from a shaky 0-0 draw against Jamaica to top Group F but they could now face a tricky last-16 tie against Germany, who beat them in the semi-finals of last summer's Euros.

JAPAN - P3, W3

If the trophy was handed out after the group stage, Japan would be proudly holding it aloft. When they met Spain in the battle of the stylists, Futoshi Ikeda's side were impeccable in a 4-0 victory. They may not be the best individually but their organisation allows them to scalp sides with far more accomplished players.

SWEDEN - P3, W3

The 2020 Olympic silver medallists look in imperious form after three wins, with nine goals scored and one conceded. A last-16 showdown with the USA awaits. The Scandinavians are the last team to beat the USA in a tournament, having knocked them out in the Olympic semi-finals.

NETHERLANDS - P3, W2, D1

Surprisingly topped their group ahead of the USA and now face a last-16 tie with South Africa. Missing star player Vivianne Miedema but 20-year-old Esmee Brugts has stepped up. The 2019 finalists are dark horses.

AUSTRALIA - P3, W2, L1

Australia struggled early in their group without star striker Sam Kerr and her availability is still unclear for the rest of the tournament. Their midfield came good against Canada but there are still questions about whether they possess the attacking variety to trouble the top sides.

GERMANY - P2, W1, L1

The Germans started strongly with a 6-0 victory over Morocco but suffered a shock defeat by Colombia in their second game. They must win their final game against South Korea today and hope Colombia slip up against Morocco in order to top the group and avoid a last-16 clash with France.

LAST 16 TIES

SWITZERLAND v SPAIN

Saturday, 6am (Eden Park, Auckland)

JAPAN v NORWAY

Saturday, 9am (Wellington Regional Stadium)

NETHERLANDS v SOUTH AFRICA

Sunday, 3am (Sydney Football Stadium)

SWEDEN v USA

Sunday, 10am (Melbourne Rectangular Stadium)

ENGLAND v NIGERIA

Monday, 8.30am (Brisbane Stadium)

AUSTRALIA v DENMARK

Monday, 11.30am (Stadium Australia, Sydney)

WINNER GROUP H v JAMAICA

Tuesday, 9am (Melbourne Rectangular Stadium)

FRANCE V RUNNER-UP GROUP H

Tuesday, noon (Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide)