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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

England player ratings vs Denmark: Lauren James makes statement but Mille Bright looks rusty again

England took a big step towards the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup with a win over Denmark.

Lauren Jamesscored the only goal of the game after curling the ball into the bottom corner just six minutes into the match.

The result, however, was overshadowed by Lionesses midfielder Keira Walsh injuring her knee and being carried off on a stretcher after 38 minutes.

The win means England are top of Group D.

Simon Collings was in Sydney to see the Lionesses in action...

Mary Earps 7

An assured performance from the goalkeeper, who was solid all game. Her leadership will be vital now in the absence of Walsh.

Lucy Bronze 7

A decent performance from the right-back. Almost got an assist when she put in a great cross for James in the first-half. Solid in defence.

Millie Bright 5

Looked rusty again and gave the ball away a few times. Feels like the captain needs more minutes in her legs to get back to her best.

Alex Greenwood 8

An excellent performance in the heart of the defence. Looked so composed in possession and dug in well when England had to hold out late on.

Rachel Daly 8

Moved to left-back after spending the whole of the past season playing upfront. Did really well, both in attack and defence. Must keep her place.

Georgia Stanway 7

As ever, her performance was full of energy. Had to adapt to a new role and play in front of the defence when Walsh went off.

Keira Walsh 7

Heartbreaking for the midfielder, who was having such a good game before she was forced to go off with a serious knee injury.

Chloe Kelly 6

Full of energy and she looked sharp in the opening 30 minutes, when the Lionesses had their best spell. One of those who dipped when Walsh went off.

Ella Toone 5

Once again she struggled to get into the game. Toone failed to make an impact against Haiti and it was a similar story here versus Denmark.

Lauren James 8 | Star player

Announced herself on the biggest stage of all with a brilliant goal from outside the box. Gave England a spark in attack. Has to start the next game too.

Alessia Russo 6

Led the line well and her hold-up play was sharp. Brought others into play nicely. Needs a goal, though, and missed a good chance in the second-half.

Substitutions

Laura Coombs (Walsh 38’) 6

On for Walsh and she did an okay job. Had to replicate what the Barca star does.

Lauren Hemp (Toone 76’) N/A

Beth England (Russo 76’) N/A

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