James came off the bench just after the hour mark (Picture: Getty)

Ian Wright has questioned the decision not to start Lauren James in England’s World Cup opener against Haiti.

The Lionesses picked up all three points in their Group D opener on Saturday with Georgia Stanway’s first-half penalty sealing a 1-0 victory against a resilient Haitian side.

21-year-old James was named among the substitutes in Brisbane, coming off the bench after 61 minutes to replace Lauren Hemp as England chased a second goal.

With England’s attack looking somewhat laboured at times, Arsenal legend Wright believes the Chelsea star should have been in from the start.

‘Absolutely no way Lauren James should be starting on the bench,’ Wright wrote on Twitter during the contest.

Former England international Eni Aluko meanwhile said England were guilty of looking ‘too predictable’ in attacking areas, suggesting the inclusion of James going forward can offer more solutions.

‘There was a lot of crosses today, from Bronze, Kelly Hemp, and there is a predictability to that,’ she told ITV.

James will hope to start against Denmark on Tuesday (Picture: Getty)

‘In the first half, Alessia Russo was playing, but if that is the approach and pattern of play, should it be Rachel Daly up there instead? She is stronger in the air.

‘If you want to be less predictable, you need more creativity, especially in the 10 role.

‘Ella Toone looked a bit disconnected today. Can you put a Lauren James in there who is a bit more creative, offers more movement and interchange of positions?’

England posed a greater threat following the introduction of James and Rachel Daly but goalkeeper Mary Earps was called upon to make a crucial save with eight minutes of the contest remaining.

‘She’s very good, a top keeper,’ goal scorer Stanway told ITV at full-time. ‘Those are the moments that makes them become a top keeper. The most important thing is the three points, it’s a good start.’

England are back in action against Denmark on Friday before ending their group campaign against China on 1 August.

MORE : Sarina Wiegman singles out Mary Earps for praise after England’s narrow in over Haiti

MORE : England hold off spirited Haiti to seal victory in World Cup opener

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The Chelsea starlet was named among the subs on Saturday.