England 1-0 Denmark: Lauren James stunner gives Lionesses win but Keira Walsh stretchered off with injury
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Updated 28/07/2023 at 13:06 GMT
England made it two wins from two at the Women’s World Cup and closed on a place in the last 16 as they beat Denmark 1-0. Chelsea’s Lauren James scored the only goal, a brilliant strike from outside the box. However, England did see midfielder Keira Walsh carried off on a stretcher after she appeared to suffer a knee injury. England finish their group campaign against China next Tuesday.
That is special! Mbappe creates something out of nothing
England moved to the cusp of the Women's World Cup last 16 with a battling 1-0 victory over Denmark in Sydney.
The European champions sealed their second straight win of the tournament in Group D courtesy of Lauren James’ brilliant finish from outside the box on six minutes.
England top the group on six points, three ahead of Denmark and China.
England finish their group campaign against China on Tuesday, August 1, needing just to avoid defeat to advance.
Denmark almost snatched a point against England as Amalie Vangsgaard's header in the 87th minute came back off a post as England began to tire amid rising tension levels inside the Sydney Football Stadium.
The major downside for the Lionesses in an otherwise productive outing was seeing midfielder Keira Walsh carried off on a stretcher with a knee injury.
TALKING POINT – Walsh injury a cruel blow for England
England got the three points against Denmark, but you must also wonder at what cost.
England were worthy winners of the Group D contest, but the vagaries of international football was best summed up by what appeared to be a bad injury to Barcelona midfielder Walsh, who immediately suggested she had damaged her knee with studs sticking to the turf as she raced for a loose ball in the first half.
As she departed on a stretcher, England also lost crucial momentum before the Lionesses were forced to jostle hard in the second period to prevent a largely inferior but energised Denmark side from unearthing a late equaliser.
Walsh later departed the scene on crutches and there must be serious doubt over whether she will return in this event. Which just about sums about the luck attached to winning such competitions.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2023/07/28/3752653-76342988-2560-1440.jpg)
Keira Walsh (R) walks with crutches after an injury during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group D football match between England and Denmark at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney on July 28, 2023.
Image credit: Eurosport
"I can’t tell you anything about Walsh, if you can’t walk off the pitch it is serious," said England coach Sarina Wiegman.
"I haven’t heard anything yet. You have to move on with the game and now we can see how she is. I think they did a great job, but of course it’s not nice to see a player on the pitch who needed to be subbed."
A team needs goals, clinical play and harmony to emerge victorious at such a major event, as England showed by winning the Euros last summer, but they also need a large dollop of luck.
“We had a horrible moment with Keira and the second half we had to fight," said Wiegman. "We really had to fight for the win and I am really proud of the team. Lauren James made a beautiful goal."
The team who wins this World Cup will also be the one who manages to avoid serious injury to their key performers. The significance of Walsh's knee issue could yet overshadow the victory.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Lauren James (England)
Brought into the side after the narrow 1-0 win over Haiti in the tournament opener, the Chelsea winger added pace and a potency of finish that was arguably missing from England in the forward areas.
Slammed a delightful opener into the net with her right foot on six minutes from outside the area and was perhaps unfortunate not to add a few more as the European champions threatened to overrun the Danes in the first half.
Wherever England go in this tournament, the energy of James is likely to be a key influence on their future health in the knock-out phase.
PLAYER RATINGS
England: Mary Earps 8, Alex Greenwood 7, Millie Bright 7, Lucy Bronze 7, Georgia Stanway 7, Keira Walsh 6, Rachel Daly 7, Chloe Kelly 7, Alessia Russo 7, Lauren James 8, Ella Toone 7
Subs: Laura Coombs 6, Lauren Hemp 5, Bethany England 5
Denmark: Lene Christensen 7, Simone Boye 6, Stine Ballisager 6, Katrine Veje 7, Rikke Sevecke 7, Karen Holmgaard 7, Katherine Kühl 7, Josefine Hasbo 7, Pernille Harder 7, Rikke Marie Madsen 7, Janni Thomsen 7
Subs: Sanne Troelsgaard 5, Amalie Vangsgaard 6, Nicoline Sorensen 6, Frederikke Thogersen 5
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
6' GOAL FOR ENGLAND! – A dream start for the Lionesses as Lauren James lets fly from distance. Right foot shot from just outside the box. Bounds beyond the Danish keeper Lene Christensen, who was nearer the ball when she was picking it out the net. Just what the doctor ordered. England lead 1-0.
20' JAMES ALMOST IN FOR A SECOND – And a third. Two efforts at goal in quick succession from James do not carry enough punch and Lene Christensen is happy to see the ball land in her grasp. All England and then some in Sydney.
24' GREAT ATTACK BY DENMARK! – And almost the equaliser out of nowhere. Some lovely play by Rikke Madsen to take the ball inside the England area before flashing a shot across the box and wide of goal. A let-off for the Lionesses. Nice play by Janni Thomsen in the build-up.
34' TROUBLE FOR ENGLAND! – Keira Walsh has gone down in her own half chasing a loose ball. Serious concerns this could be a knee problem. Studs stuck in the turf. And that does not look too clever for Keira.
85' DENMARK SO CLOSE TO EQUALISER! – Amalie Vangsgaard with the header inside area. Earps well beaten, but it comes back off the post. So close to the leveller. England suddenly hanging on for dear life as they begin to tire badly. Lovely play by the Danes. Superb cross from Nicoline Sorensen. So unlucky.
KEY STAT
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article