Denmark| Lauren James 6' | 1-0 |
Video
Details
| Date | Time | League | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 July 2023 | 9:30 am | Women's World Cup | 2022/23 |
Match Report
Walsh Injury Puts Dampener on England Victory
England took a major step towards qualification for the knockout stages as once again Sarina Weigman’s side ground out a win by the barest of margins.
The win was overshadowed as midfielder Keira Walsh was stretchered off with a knee injury in the first half.
A blistering opening 20 minutes saw the Lionesses take the lead through a beautiful curled effort from Lauren James but from then on England once again flattered to deceive, despite securing maximum points in their opening two games.
James, who came back into the starting line up in one of two changes from last weeks win over Haiti, was at the heart of the Lionesses strong start and popped up to create further opportunities for England to increase their lead.
Quick neat passing in the final third caused Denmark problems and the Danes were chasing shadows and looked shell shocked, unable to get out of their own half early on.
Ella Toone and James again went close but on 23 minutes Denmark had their first chance and what a golden opportunity it was.
Striker Rikke Madsen produced a wonderful turn to spin away from her marker and her one on one effort went just wide of Mary Earps’ goal.
Denmark went close shortly after through Janni Thomsen as they enjoyed a purple patch of their own.
But the game was halted as Walsh was stretchered off and will provide a concern for Weigman’s side.
Alessia Russo went close for England and she spun away from her marker but the Arsenal striker ultimately ran out of room.
Amalie Vansgaard had Denmark’s best opportunity five minutes from time as the attacker hit the post from a free diving header.
England were rattled and nervy signs ensued as they struggled to see the game out looking defensively susceptible.
However, Weigman’s side found a way despite an underwhelming performance and staggered to back to back wins with China to come next week, while Denmark meet Haiti in a must win encounter in their final group game.
Full time in Sydney, England 1 Denmark 0
Ground
| Sydney Football Stadium |
|---|
| Allianz Stadium, Moore Park Road, Five Ways, Paddington, Sydney, Council of the City of Sydney, New South Wales, 2021, Australia |
Ben Jaycock
I am a Sports Journalism & PR graduate from Staffordshire University. During my time at Final Whistle, I have covered the LOI National League, international games and the Women’s National League. Outside of Final Whistle, I am a researcher for World Rugby and a writer for The Rugby Paper.
Full time
Four additional minutes to be played after some nervy signs for England with Vansgaard hitting the post from a free diving header.
England manage to clear their lines with a good challenge by Georgia Stanway.
Denmark respond with pressure and win a corner.
England on top in the second half and searching for a second.
Alessia Russo does well to spin her defender but ultimately runs out of room.
Bronze throws herself at the corner but her effort goes well wide.
Denmark concede another corner.
Good work down the left leads to James winning a corner.
Back underway.
Half time: England 1-0 Denmark
Fourth official has indicated there will be a minimum of four additional minutes to be played.
Stanway smashes the ball into Harner's face and there's a small break in play.
Rachel Daly gives away possession in the final third but Denmark's effort is tame. A let off for England.
The injured Kiera Walsh comes off on a stretcher and is replaced by Laura Coombs.
A break in play as Kiera Walsh is down receiving treatment.
Rachel Daly tries to pick out Kiera Walsh at the back post but excellent defending by Katrine Veje intervenes.
Denmark have a free kick that sails out for a goal kick.
Pernille Harder has a shot on goal that is saved after England again carelessly throw away possession.
Denmark are now enjoying a purple patch and Janni Thomsen puts a shot wide but England far too open at the back and need to regain their composure.
Suddenly, Denmark break forward and Rikke Madsen produces a wonderful turn to spin away from her marker and her shot just goes wide of Mary Earps' goal.
Midway through the first half and Denmark are yet to have a touch inside England's penalty area.
Ella Toone has a shot on target that is held by Christensen but it's frantic attacks from England.
Moments later, James has another great chance as she's put through after a great delivery but the winger can't connect properly.
James' excellent start continues as she peels in from the left side but her shot this time is comfortably held by Lene Christensen.
England are forcing Denmark so deep as they continue to pile on the pressure.
82 per cent for the Lionesses in this blistering opening in Sydney.
Denmark are chasing shadows and look shell shocked, barely being out of their own half.
Bronze puts in a fantastic delivery towards James but headed away by Sevecke.
James wins another England corner as the Lionesses continue to build pressure.
James' score is England's first open play goal in five hours and 43 minutes, their first since the Finalissima against Brazil in April.
Chloe Kelly produces an overhead kick after being picked out by Lucy Bronze off the corner but the attempt flies over the crossbar.
Rachel Daly\'s clever play down the wing wins England a corner.
England have been on top from the outset and look dangerous with quick neat passing in the final third and deservedly lead.
Lauren James curls a wonderful effort into the right corner after fantastic build up by England.
Alex Greenwood puts a precise ball into Kiera Walsh but the attack breaks down.
We're underway.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Group D contest between England and Denmark.