England triumphed at Lang Park in Brisbane before a crowd of 49,461 following a dramatic penalty shootout that ended 4-2.

Georgia Stanway fired wide with the opening penalty before Ugochi Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed Nigeria's first two efforts.

Chloe Kelly then smashed in the winning spot-kick for England after team-mates Beth England, Rachel Daly, and Alex Greenwood also converted.

The initial 90 minutes, and half-hour of extra time, ended 0-0 despite the Nigerians being in the ascendency for the majority of the match.

The nine-time African champions were unfortunate to lose as they caused England constant problems on the break and won almost every duel.

They also hit the crossbar in each half, with Ashleigh Plumptre's powerful drive ricocheting off the woodwork before Uchenna Kanu's header looped over Mary Earps before bouncing clear.

Lauren James, a standout performer of the tournament so far for England, had a moment to forget in the 87th minute when she stamped on Michelle Alozie after losing possession and was sent-off.

"I don't know what my heart rate is, I just know I'm 10 years' older," said manager England Sarina Wiegman.

"I was not worried.

"It was a really intense game.

"Nigeria has done really well in the group stages so we were not underestimating them at all and they showed what a good team they were.

"We had trouble getting out of their press.

"We could do a little better but I also think we should give them credit." 

England are due to face either Colombia or Jamaica in the next round at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 12.

Host nation Australia are also scheduled to play on the same day against one of France and Morocco in Adelaide's Hindmarsh Stadium following their victory.

The Matildas defeated Denmark in front of a capacity crowd of 75,784 at Stadium Australia, the joint-largest audience of the tournament with Australia's opener against the Republic of Ireland on July 20.

Caitlin Foord drew first blood against the Danes in the 29th minute with a sublime finish from a tight angle.

Hayley Raso then doubled the lead in the 70th minute with a powerful strike that sent the record-equalling crowd into a frenzy. 

The match also marked the return, as a late substitute of the Matildas top player Sam Kerr following a long period out with injury.

"The girls smashed it," she told Australian broadcaster Fox. 

"They’ve done unbelievable this week. 

"It was amazing."