England 1-0 Denmark: Player ratings as Lauren James fires Lionesses to victory

Lauren James ended England's run of 343 minutes without a goal from open play as she slammed home a sensational winner in Friday's 1-0 victory over Denmark at the Women's World Cup.

The goal came in the sixth minute after left-back Rachel Daly laid off the ball to James, who managed to make space for herself before guiding a long-range effort into the far corner.

James had a chance to double the scoring 15 minutes later after a swift England counter-attack, but her shot was straight at Lene Christensen. Moments later, Denmark almost equalised through a Rikke Madsen chance that was just wide.

In the 38th minute, midfielder Keira Walsh was substituted off due to what looked like a serious knee injury - an incident which appeared to suck the life out of England after what had been a solid start.

In the second half, Sarina Wiegman opted to bring on Lauren Hemp and Bethany England to add some energy and pace into her side, but overall the Lionesses played at a slow, flat tempo.

Danish substitute Amalie Vangsgaard came closest to making things level in the 87th minute when her header hit the woodwork, but England stopper Mary Earps was rarely tested as England held on to victory.

The win continues England's perfect start to the competition and the Lionesses can book their spot in the knockout stages if China fail to beat Haiti later in the day.

England player ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Mary Earps - 7/10 - Wasn't tested too much. Made two saves to keep her second clean sheet in a row.

RB: Lucy Bronze - 6/10 - Did well when England were in possession, with three key passes and four shots, but was lacking defensively at times.

CB: Millie Bright - 5/10 - Still doesn't look to be 100% up to speed after coming back from injury. Sloppy decision making that could have cost England.

CB: Alex Greenwood - 7/10 -  Tasked with taking care of what Bright couldn't handle. Crucial tackle to deny Denmark a scoring oppourtunity.

LB: Rachel Daly - 7/10 - Played at the back rather than in her new-found position up top but still did well on both ends of the pitch. Efforts rewarded with an assist.

CM: Keira Walsh - 6/10 - Played some clever passes before having to be subbed off with what looked like a really nasty injury.

CM: Georgia Stanway - 6/10 - Worked hard and had to play out of position once Walsh came off, but poor decision making at times.

CM: Ella Toone - 5/10 - Unable to create chances or make a mark from midfield.

LW: Chloe Kelly - 6/10 - Hurt Denmark with her speed on the flank but another player that struggled with decision making.

CF: Alessia Russo - 5/10 - Took only two shots, both off target. Had only 26 touches, and in general received no service from those around her.

RW: Lauren James - 8/10 - Took her goal really well, and was England's most threatening player, with two other shots on target. A real statement performance.

Substitutes

Laura Coombs (38' for Walsh) - 5/10

Lauren Hemp (76' for Toone) - 5/10

Bethany England (76' for Russo) - 5/10

Manager

Sarina Wiegman - 6/10 - Made the right decision to change the lineup after the Haiti match and had to think fast once Walsh came off, and managed to make some attacking changes, but is still a bit too stubborn with rewarding players who are out of form with minutes.

Player of the match - Lauren James (England)