Lauren James England Women 2023Getty
Ameé Ruszkai

England Women's player ratings vs Denmark: Lauren James is a superstar! Lionesses youngster steps up as Alessia Russo and Ella Toone struggle again in narrow World Cup win

The Chelsea star was outstanding in Sydney on Friday as the European champions made it two wins from two at the tournament

England are on the brink of qualifying for the Women's World Cup knockout stages after a 1-0 win over Denmark that saw Lauren James shine, the Chelsea star scoring a stunning opening goal, though the evening was marred by a worrying injury to midfielder Keira Walsh. The Barcelona star had to be stretchered off before half-time and there is real concern over what looked to be a serious knee problem.

After the Lionesses put in an underwhelming display against Haiti last week, though one that did end in a victory, James was brought into the starting XI at the expense of Lauren Hemp and she immediately set about repaying Sarina Wiegman's faith in her with a gorgeous strike early on.

Denmark threatened to respond with some promising moves on the counter, but they were unable to punish the European champions when they got those opportunities as England made it two wins from two.

GOAL rates the Lionesses' players from the Allianz Stadium in Sydney...

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  • Lucy Bronze England 2023Getty Images

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Mary Earps (6/10):

    Didn't have too much to do but positioning was good to ensure the saves she made were comfortable.

    Lucy Bronze (5/10):

    Made a couple of errors that allowed Denmark to catch England out in transition, especially with her playing so high. Didn't keep the ball as well as she usually does.

    Millie Bright (5/10):

    A better performance after a difficult evening against Haiti but was still shaky.

    Alex Greenwood (6/10):

    Decent display and much more influential in her centre-back role, albeit without being outstanding.

    Rachel Daly (7/10):

    Didn't do much wrong and also influenced the attack when she could, too, with some good passes and deliveries.

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  • Ella Toone England 2023Getty Images

    Midfield

    Keira Walsh (6/10):

    Was moving the ball around nicely in England's midfield before having to be stretchered off with a worrying knee injury before half-time.

    Georgia Stanway (7/10):

    Another strong performance, especially considering the need to switch to a deeper role midway through the game.

    Ella Toone (5/10):

    Picked up better positions today but was still really quiet.

  • Chloe Kelly England 2023Getty Images

    Attack

    Chloe Kelly (5/10):

    Lively down the right at the start of the game and delivered good crosses but was really quiet as the game went on.

    Alessia Russo (5/10):

    Contributed well in the build-up but wasn't much of a threat in the box at all.

    Lauren James (8/10):

    Electric. Scored a stunning goal and was so often on the end of other chances with her movement.

  • Sarina Wiegman England 2023Getty Images

    Subs & Manager

    Laura Coombs (5/10):

    Replaced Walsh just before half-time but couldn't really make her mark on the game.

    Beth England (N/A):

    Replaced Russo with less than 15 minutes to go. Had a difficult chance from a Daly cross but wasn't far away.

    Lauren Hemp (N/A):

    Replaced Toone with less than 15 minutes to go and couldn't get into the game.

    Sarina Wiegman (7/10):

    Decision to start James was absolutely the right one and she moved Greenwood more central to improve her influence, too. Toone and Russo were really quiet again from the start, but Wiegman's substitutions were good, if a little late.

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