James screamer gives England 1-0 win over Denmark
Send a link to a friend
[July 28, 2023]
By Lori Ewing
SYDNEY (Reuters) -Lauren James scored a wonder strike in her first
Women's World Cup start to lead England to a 1-0 Group D victory
over Denmark on Friday, all but guaranteeing the European champions
a spot in the knockout stage.
Coach Sarina Wiegman made two bold changes to Friday's squad, moving
the versatile Rachel Daly back to defence and inserting James into
the starting lineup - and the two teamed up to score in the sixth
minute at Sydney Football Stadium.
"It was a dream, it was something I've been thinking about, but most
importantly, just happy to help the team win," James told the BBC.
"I'm calm all around, on and off the pitch, and I just try to bring
that to my game as well. Today I showed that.
Daly knocked the ball to James, who sped past one defender then
curled in a rocket from 22 yards out that goalkeeper Lene
Christensen had little chance of stopping.
England's World Cup hopes suffered a major blow, however, towards
the end of the first half when Keira Walsh crumpled to the pitch
with what looked like a serious knee injury. The Barcelona
midfielder signalled to staff with a hand slash to the throat that
she was done.
James' goal in front of a pro-England crowd of 40,439 also ended her
side's scoring drought from open play after they went four games
without one. The 22-year-old Chelsea forward, whose older brother
Reece also plays for the club, made her England senior debut in
September last year.
"We really, really had to fight for the win, and that's what we
did," Wiegman told the BBC. "For me it doesn't matter who scores the
goals. They played well, they started well and they got a very
useful goal. It's very nice."
[to top of second column] |
Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup
Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group D - England v Denmark -
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney, Australia - July 28, 2023 Denmark
coach Lars Sondergaard and players look dejected after the match
REUTERS/Carl Recine
England had chances to increase their lead,
including Alessia Russo's fierce shot in the 71st minute that sailed
just wide.
But Denmark, ranked 13th, were a threat throughout the second half
and goalkeeper Mary Earps had to stretch to tip a shot from Katrine
Veje over the bar. Bayern Munich forward Pernille Harder almost
pulled one back for the Danes in the dying minutes, but her header
came back off the post.
Walsh will be tough to replace in an England side already missing
captain Leah Williamson, Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and
Fran Kirby to serious knee injuries.
"It did look serious, if you can't walk off the pitch it looks
serious," Wiegman said of the injury to Walsh, who left the stadium
on crutches. "But we just finished the game."
The fourth-ranked Lionesses, who defeated Haiti 1-0 in their opener,
play China on Aug. 1 in their final group game. Denmark, who beat
China 1-0 to kick off their campaign, play Haiti the same day.
(Reporting by Lori EwingEditing by Christian Radnedge)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|