ENGLAND’S tactical masterstroke paid off in just six minutes as Lauren James opened the scoring against Denmark.
James started the previous match on the bench but boss Sarina Wiegman decided to place her trust in the Chelsea star.
GettyLauren James took just six minutes to score[/caption]
And it paid off immediately as James struck a well-taken goal to put the Lionesses in front.
The winger received the ball with her back to goal but she was given space to turn and she had only one thing on her mind.
She beat an onrushing defender and expertly curled the ball into the bottom corner from around 25 yards out, leaving Denmark goalkeeper Sanne Troelsgaard Nielsen helpless.
James had too much time and space on the ball and was able to punish the Danes – but only thanks to Wiegman’s astute tactics.
The Lionesses boss also handed a first start of the World Cup to Rachel Daly after she too featured as a substitute against Haiti.
But rather than play Daly in a forward role, where she plays for Aston Villa, Wiegman shifted the 31-year-old to left-back, freeing up space for James around the box.
James’ like-for-like switch with Lauren Hemp also maintained the balance in the team.
Wiegman was careful not to make sweeping changes despite the disappointing performance against Haiti, and that continuity could be key to going far in the tournament.
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
England vs Haiti – all you need to know for Lionesses’ openerFULL schedule on Women’s World Cup including how to watch Read More