the Lionesses edged Denmark 1-0 in a close encounter to top Group D at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating chances. However, it was England who took their opportunity when it came, with Lauren James scoring the only goal of the match which come in the 6th minute.
Wiegman made bold changes to her starting lineup on Friday, including the return of the versatile Daly to defence and the addition of James to the starting line-up, and the pair found the back of the net in the six minute of the first half.
James’ eye-catching opener encapsulated the fluid, high-flying passing football that captivated the Sydney crowd for the first half – a high-tempo, high-energy performance that fully justified Wiegman’s changes.
James after scoring her first goal at a major tournament said :
“It’s an amazing feeling, something I’ve always dreamed of, I’m just happy to have helped the team get the win. We built on momentum from the last win and took it into this game and everyone felt a lot more comfortable with the surroundings and it showed.”
All about the team ❤️
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2023
Head Coach Wiegman praising the team and also James’s display she said: “Yes, she did well, she came in. We knew Denmark [would be] dropping deeper, that they have a very tight defensive block, and we really thought that we needed players in the pockets. And that’s where she [James] came a lot, together with Georgia Stanway and [Ella] Toone, and that worked really well, they [Denmark] also struggled with that. And yes she made, indeed, a very nice goal.”
💫 Blink and you’ll miss it!
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 28, 2023
Lauren James on her first start at a major tournament for her country struck the ball from outside the box to give England the win, taking The Lionesses into the Round of 16 at the #FIFAWWC.
👏 A very well deserved #SpotlightofTheDay!@Budweiser pic.twitter.com/Cx7pwBoacT
England’s Rachel Daly also praise her teammate Lauren James:
“She’s got a phenomenal strike, she’s unbelievable. She brings such a different presence for the team and she’s got fantastic ability.
“She is so special and you saw that tonight. What she can do in tight spaces, she’s ruthless and a big threat for us.”
Rachel Daly also spoke about Keira Walsh Injury :
“It’s not nice to see anyone go off injured but Keira is Keira and she is a key and integral part of this team on and off the pitch.
“She’s a special, special person and player. It would be a big miss if she’s injured”.
England coach Sarina Weigman has also spoken post the match :
“I think we started well, played well and scored the goal. We had a stage in the first half that we lost balls that we didn’t have to lose. But we had of course this horrible moment with Keira Walsh.
“The second half was a fight. We adapted to the new situation and we really had to fight for the win.”
Coach Weigman was also asked about Keira Walsh’s injury, after the midfielder was stretchered off:
“I’ve nothing to say now. It did look serious, if you can’t walk off the pitch, it’s serious but I don’t know, we just finished the game. I haven’t heard anything.
“You just have to move on with the game. Now it’s time to look how she is and what the next steps are.”
England vs Denmark Final Score
| Team | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final Score |
| England | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Denmark | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goal:
England : Lauren James 6′
With two games remaining in the group stage, the Lionesses are just one game away from qualifying for the knockouts, while Denmark still have a lot to prove in their final game against Haiti.
The Lionesses, ranked fourth in the world, defeated Haiti 1-0 to kick-off their campaign, will face China in their penultimate group game on August 1, On the same day, Denmark who defeated China 1-0 in their opener, will face Haiti.
Group D Points Table
🔝 of #FIFAWWC Group D.
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2023
One game to go 👊 pic.twitter.com/Yh1yeOT9K4