Sarina Wiegman's understated praise for Lauren James after World Cup stunner
Lauren James produced a strike befitting a global stage as the Lionesses ground their way towards the World Cup’s last 16.
Chelsea’s prodigiously gifted forward needed just six minutes to stamp her mark on the tournament with a superb solo effort.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman drafted in the 21-year-old - and was rewarded with a goal of stunning quality.
It was a shame that James’s moment of glory was overshadowed by the injury to Keira Walsh that looks set to rob England of one of their undoubted star performers.
And it is unfortunate too, that her boss, wasn’t more gushing in her praise - but that’s the Dutch coach’s understated style.
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She said: “I always talk about team performances - but she did well, she came in.
“We thought we needed players in pockets of space and that’s where it worked really well.
“And yes, she made, indeed, a very nice goal.”
That assessment was in stark contrast to her colleagues.
Rachel Daly said: “LJ’s incredible. She brings a different presence to the team and a load of ability. I’m buzzing for her.
“She is so special and you can see what she can do in tight spaces.”
During a bright start, it was Daly who played a simple ball inside to James who then set off with the ball glued to her feet 30 yards out.
Danish defender Josefine Hasbo didn’t read the situation, allowing the playmaker the space to set herself for a curling shot that hit the corner of the net.
It settled the Lionesses and, after the first quarter, they were enjoying 81 per cent of the possession. James’s goal was their comfort blanket.
Walsh suffered what appeared to be a severe knee injury (Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)However, a number of sloppy passes allowed the Danes to counter. It evened up. But then England’s world - and Walsh’s - collapsed.
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She went to cut out a pass, fell awkwardly, and appeared to know instantly she was in trouble, mouthing: ‘I’ve done my knee,’ to the first physios on the scene.
There was a four-minute delay while she was placed onto a stretcher. She was unable to maintain her composure. It was difficult to blame her.
Wiegman’s response was to bring on Laura Coombs. Gradually the balance shifted.
Although England’s coach insisted her players weren’t affected, the performance thereafter suggested otherwise.
“No, we were not upset,” said Wiegman, “we just had to find our feet. Of course, it's not nice when a player goes off the pitch that way.
“But we also know unfortunately, these things happen sometimes in football and you just have to move on and you're at the World Cup and you want to win the game.
“We had to adapt to a new situation as quickly as possible - and that's what we did.”
Denmark posed a limited threat going forward. Star striker Pernille Harder was well shackled but the goalframe came to England’s rescue in the final moments.
Amelie Vangsgaard got across Daly and keeper Mary Earps was a spectator was the sub’s header crashed into the inside of the post enabling the Lionesses to make it two victories from their opening two Group D games.
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