Women’s World Cup 2023: Lauren James fires England to 1-0 win over Denmark

Daly knocked the ball to James, who sped past one defender and then curled in a rocket from 22 yards out that goalkeeper Lene Christensen had little chance of stopping.

England’s Lauren James (R) celebrates after scoring a goal with teammate Ella Toone during the Women’s World Cup Group D soccer against Denmark at the Sydney Football Stadium. | Photo Credit: AP

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.

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Daly knocked the ball to James, who sped past one defender and then curled in a rocket from 22 yards out that goalkeeper Lene Christensen had little chance of stopping.

Bayern Munich forward Pernille Harder almost pulled one back for Denmark in the dying minutes, clanging a header off the post.

The fourth-ranked Lionesses, who defeated Haiti 1-0 in their opener, play China on August 1 in their final group game. Denmark, who beat China 1-0 to kick off its campaign, play Haiti the same day.