Fifa Women’s World Cup: China striker Wang Shuang backs coach despite Steel Roses facing group stage failure

China must beat England on Tuesday if they are to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup, and Wang Shuang said she had complete confidence in coach Shui Qingxia’s tactics despite questions over the team’s defensive approach.

Defeat in the opening game to Denmark, and a fortunate 1-0 win over Haiti on Friday when down to 10 players, leaves China in a position of having to win if they are not to be the first Steel Roses side to fail to get out of the group stage.

Even then, Wang Shuang and her teammates need Haiti to deny Denmark a victory in the other game in Group D, something that is extremely unlikely.

Shui’s tactics, which have included moving striker Wang Shanshan into the centre of defence and starting games with forwards on the bench, have raised concerns among supporters.

But Wang Shuang, who scored a late penalty against Haiti in Adelaide after coming on as a second-half substitute, said the team would be ready to take on the European champions.

“Confidence plays an important role because, even though we had one player fewer than Haiti, we never gave up,” Wang said. “We were very confident in the tactics and strategies laid out by our coach. So even though we had one player fewer than them, we were still able to win.

“I’ve already participated in three World Cups and I was able to score in this game, so I’m very proud of myself. I’m also very excited about the next match against England. I know they are a strong team, and we will prepare ourselves well to face England.”

China have qualified for seven of the eight editions of the Women’s World Cup held since the tournament was first held in 1991 and have always managed to progress beyond the group phase, although their hopes of maintaining that record now hang in the balance.