England 1-0 Denmark: Wondergirl Lauren James shines but Keira Walsh stretchered off
England are close to booking their place in the Last 16 – having won both their opening games.
The start of England vs Denmark showed the Lionesses at their absolute best, a wonderful strike from Lauren James saw England go 1-0 up in just six minutes. But before the first half ended, England started to look a little wobbly suggesting not all the issues with the defence have been ironed out.
And then came a massive blow. England’s star midfielder Keira Walsh – arguably the best central midfielder in the world was taken off on a stretcher – with what looked like a serious knee issue.
Many of England’s key players from the Euro 2022 success – captain Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby are all out of the World Cup with ACL injuries. Other players from around the world are also out with the same issue, as the world calls on the experts to invest in more research into the injury that plagues the women’s game.
If Walsh is out of the tournament it will be a gigantic blow.
The Lionesses returned in the second half with sparks of promise but the team looked somewhat dejected and scrapped through.
Lauren James superstar
James – in her first starting match for the Lionesses – showed off her incredible balance and skill throughout the match. She is such a calm and creative player, there’s no surprise she’s been dubbed England’s ‘secret weapon’.
Just six minutes in she struck a superb strike from the edge of the box – a goal no keeper could save.
At the 38-minute Walsh went down to the ground and gestured to the dugout appearing to say: “I’ve done my knee.” She was stretchered off and looked in visible pain.
England’s opening game saw the Lionesses scrap for a 1-0 win – many putting the lacklustre performance down to first-match nerves.
Walsh going off injured flattened the mood in the stadium which was mostly filled by England fans. Denmark were able to capitalise on the low mood and created several chances – with England’s goalkeeper Mary Earps once again saving the day and proving why she’s the world’s number one keeper.
James didn’t drop off at any point, continuing to provide creative play and unpredictability that gives England a little extra edge.
Lionesses last 16
England are on the brink of a place in the last 16. If they want to go deep in this competition, they must play the full match as they did in the first 20 minutes. It was prime Lionesses – they were in control, dominant, sharp and creative.
They must tighten up the back line and keep their energy high.
Hopefully, Walsh will be able to recover in time for the Round of 16 and her injury is not serious. If she is out of the competition, the Lionesses must be brave without her.
England have claimed all six points from their first two games and have managed to keep clean sheets.
