Lauren James proves key to new Lionesses formation ahead of World Cup knockouts

FROM HINDMARSH STADIUM - In her pre-match press conference, Sarina Wiegman said she had a plan, a plan that turned out to be England's most formidable new formation. And, with some Lauren James magic, the Lionesses emphatically booked their place in the last 16.

After a slow start to the World Cup, England finally loosened their shackles with Tuesday's impressive 6-1 winver over China. Ironically, it was the out-of-character multiple changes to the team and tactics from Wiegman that led the reigning European champions into the next phase of the tournament.

Following the injury to Keira Walsh, confirmed not to be an ACL yet severe enough to omit her from this and possibly the rest of England's World Cup games, the boss needed to change things up in order to fill the gaping hole left by the pivotal and integral Barcelona midfielder.

Wiegman once again rotated her side, making the most changes she has ever made to her starting XI during a major tournament. In addition to Walsh coming out of the XI, starters Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly dropped to the bench in place of Katie Zelem and Jess Carter. Lauren Hemp also returned.

Turning the pitch into her playground, and having already scored a fabulous strike against Denmark, James, proved her weight in gold, reaching new heights with extra freedom and creativity.

Four minutes in, a lovely ball from James, playing as the 'number 10' that England have lacked without Euro 2022 star Fran Kirby, gave way for Alessia Russo to slot home - it was also the striker's first international goal since February that may help her win over some critics.

Something that has been a notable point for the Lionesses prior to this game is the struggle that Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly, now wing-backs rather than full-backs, have shown in tracking back to defend, often being caught out in dangerous positions, unable to compete with pace on the wings to make it back in time to prevent the counter. However, the protection the back three provided allowed the pair to play a vital role in England's attack, with the defence seldom compromised.

As one of England's most skilled players, James soon spotted Lauren Hemp's run - the winger was actaully operating upfront alongside Russo in the 3-4-1-2. It was a world class first touch and Hemp coolly beat on rushing goalkeeper Zhu Yu. Similar to Russo, it ended an international goal drought since October for the Manchester City star.

England hadn't scored more than twice in open play since February, but that all changed when James made it 3-0 before half-time. She scored another midway though the second half and even had one disallowed in between that might have given her a sensational hat-trick - a hotly debated offside ruled it out. Either way, James is proving herself among the best in the world on the biggest stage.

"I'm just playing with freedom, just enjoying my football, and I think tonight showed that. Hopefully, I can continue doing that and take it into the next round," the 21-year-old explained.

"Like last game, I just thought 'hit it and see what happens'. It was frustrating. Each game, I'm looking to get better, and there are many more years of improvement. I just have to stay focused," she also added in comments to ITV.

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Referring to the offside goal, the player said, "I was disappointed in the moment, obviously, but that’s football for you. In the moment, I just had to be focused for the game to continue."

Despite Hindmarsh stadium holding a mere 18,000 fans compared to Stadium Australia, the venue for the final with an 80,000-capacity, the Adelaide crowd was consistently loud. Yet it seems this may have been the first time for the Lionesses that the chants and cheers flooding the stadium were for the opposing team, with the China fans also erupting after Wang Shuang's penalty beat Mary Earps, whose goal had been impenetrable in this tournament up to that moment.

Involved throughout as a consistent attacking threat, as well as putting in the defensive miles, no other player is as imperative to this new formation as James. Coming off to a standing ovation, 13,497 fans in-house, England's not-so-secret weapon was crucial key in earning their place in the knockout stage. Her last act was to set Chloe Kelly up for goal number five.

The day before the game was the first anniversary of Kelly's dramatic extra-time goal against Germany to win England the European Championship trophy. 366 days later, she scored once again for the Lionesses, beating the Zhu with no mistake after being gifted such an open chance.

Not one to be kept out of the action, WSL Golden Boot winner Daly also got in on the action, despite playing as a wing-back. She ended England's evening in South Australia with a sixth.

Speaking on James, Wiegman raved about the starlet's performance. "She feels good, you can tell; she did special things today," the England boss told ITV after the game. "Unfortunately, that one goal was cancelled. She flows over the pitch.

"[China] didn't expect us to play this way and didn't find a solution. It also helps when Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly can press up in and out of possession. They worked well today."

England can now look forward to their last 16 clash with Nigeria back in Brisbane next Monday.