England striker Lauren James delighted with 'dream' winner over Denmark in Group D at Women's World Cup

England winger Lauren James described scoring the winner against Denmark in their Women’s World Cup group-stage clash as a “dream”.

The Lionesses were playing their second match at the tournament after Georgia Stanway's penalty secured victory over Haiti in their opener.

England prevailed 1-0 again on Friday, but the result came against much tougher and more experienced opponents, so it will be a boost to Sarina Wiegman's side and their hopes of success in Australia and New Zealand.

The win leaves them as the only team in Group D with a perfect record, and they are top with six points and no goals conceded.

James scored one of the best goals of the tournament with an accurate, curling shot from well outside the box after just six minutes, and Denmark were unable to find a response.

Speaking to the BBC after match, James said: "It was a dream and something I've been thinking about but most importantly I'm happy to help us win.

"I kind of had a thought and then as soon as it hit the net it was just relief."

The 21-year-old Chelsea forward added: "They were just really happy for me and they said it before the game they had a good feeling about me. I am happy to have good people around me.

"I am calm all around the pitch. I am happy to bring that on the pitch."

England play their last Group D match against China on Tuesday, where a win would send them through to the knockout stages.

England head coach Wiegman said she was proud of the way her side fought for the three points against Denmark after losing midfielder Keira Walsh to injury in the first half.

“I think we started well. We played well, scored that goal and then had a little stage in the first half where we lost balls we didn’t have to lose.

“Then of course we had this horrible moment with Keira, she had to go off and in the second half it was a fight.

“She was out and we adapted to the situation, and we really had to fight for the win and that’s what we did so I’m very proud of the team.”

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