England continued their Women’s World Cup campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Denmark in their crunch Group D clash in Sydney but suffered a worrying injury to Keira Walsh.
In positive news for the Lionesses, Lauren James’s sublime first-half finish ultimately proved enough to edge to victory and Sarina Wiegman’s team are now all but through to the knockout stages with one group match still to play.
But a squad already decimated by injury – with Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby missing the tournament – endured another, possibly devastating, blow as midfielder Walsh got her boot stuck in the turf during the first half, twisted her knee while falling to the ground and was stretchered off. England will anxiously await updates but with an avalanche of ACL injuries blighting women’s football at the moment, there is real concern this is another.
The Lionesses had got their tournament underway with a narrow 1-0 win against Haiti and they were similarly unconvincing for large stretches against Denmark but will look to improve in the group finale against China on Tuesday.
Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog:
Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest updates
The Women’s World Cup continues in Australia and New Zealand
England beat Denmark 1-0 but lose Keira Walsh to a worrying injury
FULL-TIME! England 1-0 Denmark
86’ – POST! Vangsgaard’s header almost earns Denmark a late equaliser (ENG 1-0 DEN)
36’ – Keira Walsh subbed off in the first half due to injury (ENG 1-0 DEN)
6’ – GOAL! James curls in a stunning opening goal (ENG 1-0 DEN)
England 1 – 0 Denmark
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:40 , Mike Jones
Two 1-0 wins for England to kick off their World Cup campaign. The Lionesses are now on the verge of the knockout stages and their next goal will be to finish top of the table.
BBC pundit slams Women’s World Cup pitches after Keira Walsh injury – ‘It’s not good enough’
11:37 , Mike Jones
The state of the pitches at the Women’s World Cup have been heavily criticised after England star Keira Walsh suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury during the Lionesses’ game against Denmark.
Midfielder Walsh got her boot stuck in the turf during the first half at Allianz Stadium in Sydney and twisted her knee as she fell to the ground. The 26-year-old looked to be in serious pain and was eventually stretchered off, replaced by Laura Coombs.
The incident comes amid growing concern about the number of ACL tears in women’s football with the likes of England captain Leah Williamson, winger Beth Mead, Netherlands superstar Vivianne Miedema, Canada forward Janine Beckie and USA’s rising Cat Macario just some of those missing the tournament with that specific injury.
BBC pundit slams World Cup pitches after Keira Walsh injury – ‘It’s not good enough’
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:34 , Mike Jones
After two wins from their opening two matches England will qualify for the knockout rounds if China fail to defeat Haiti later on today.
That Group D match kicks off at 12pm and it would be a huge boost for Sarina Wiegman if her team gets through before the final group game.
She can then use that match, against China, as a sounding board to work out different tactics in midfield as it seems Keira Walsh is unlikely to play any further part in the World Cup.
England sweat on Keira Walsh fitness amid avalanche of ACL injuries impacting Women’s World Cup
11:31 , Mike Jones
ACL injuries have already influenced the Women’s World Cup with the contenders weakened after a number of key players were ruled out in the build-up to the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Players are asking why the injury has been so prevalent in women’s football, including glaring omissions of Netherlands forward Vivianne Miedema, England’s Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, Canada’s Janine Beckie and rising USA star Catarina Macario in this tournament.
And now the Lionesses will be forced to sweat on the health of Keira Walsh, who suffered a knee injury to be forced off against Denmark. The Barcelona midfielder was taken off on a stretcher, replaced by Laura Coombs, and appeared distraught, covering her face with her hands.
England sweat on Keira Walsh fitness after ACL injuries impact World Cup
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:28 , Mike Jones
‘Sweet Caroline’ blazes out of the stadium speakers as England anthem begins the celebrations following another well fought victory for the Lionesses.
It’s also another clean sheet for Mary Earps.
(REUTERS)
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Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:25 , Mike Jones
Full-time!
90+4 mins: England hold on. They’ve edge past Denmark with a better performance but towards the end of the game they looked a touch weary and uncomfortable.
All that matters though is that England got the win. They’re two from two in the Group now and are on the path to the knockout rounds.
Lauren James’ first half goal is the difference but Sarina Wiegman will have concerns over the fitness of Keira Walsh.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:22 , Mike Jones
90 mins: There’s only four minutes of stoppage time to play. That could have been worse for England.
Denmark win a throw in that gets launched up the right wing. Lauren Hemp does well to get the ball to Rachel Daly who gives it to Alex Greenwood to clear.
Her clearance doesn’t get very far and Katrine Veje is allowed time to whip the ball back into the box.
Mary Earps claims the ball and drops to her knees to smother it.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:20 , Mike Jones
89 mins: Denmark are the ones pushing hard to score right at the end of this match. England need to get through this match now but there’ll be a bunch of added time to come.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:18 , Mike Jones
86 mins: Post! England are given the clearest sign that this match is not over! Nicoline Sorensen collects the ball out on the left side of the pitch and is allowed to put in a simple cross when Lucy Bronze fails to close her down.
She finds Amalia Vangsgaard who belts a header to the far side and rattles the post!
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:12 , Mike Jones
82 mins: Close! Lauren Hemp flies down the left wing and draws out a couple of defenders before laying the ball off to Rachel day.
Daly floats the ball into the box and finds Bethany England whose first touch is a headed effort that drops mere inches wide of the back post.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:10 , Mike Jones
80 mins: 10 minutes to play in this match. England look confident and composed. This will be a huge result for them if they can get over the line here.
Janni Thomsen is down after colliding with one of her own teammates. She took a knock to the chin and needs a bit of treatment from the physios.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:07 , Mike Jones
77 mins: Here we go.
Sarina Wiegman looks to her bench and makes a couple of substitutions. Alessia Russo and Ella Toone are off with Lauren Hemp and Bethany England brought on.
These closing minutes are the first for England in a major tournament. She’ll lead the line as Russo’s replacement.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:04 , Mike Jones
74 mins: Amalie Vangsgaard comes on for Denmark to replace Josefine Hasbo.
The Danes have a shot from range that Mary Earps pushes over the top to gift them a corner. Katrine Veje swings the ball into the middle but gets too much curl on the ball and lands it on top of the net.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:02 , Mike Jones
71 mins: Chance! Alessia Russo drops into the midfield and rolls off the shoulder of Simone Boye. She carries the ball into the box and lets fly from the right side.
The shot is a powerful one but Russo misses the target and it flies high and wide.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
11:01 , Mike Jones
69 mins: England seem to be hanging further back as the game goes on. They know they need to protect their lead but won’t want to sacrifice too much momentum to Denmark.
The Lionesses’ attacking play is their greatest quality and a second goal would give them a cushion.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:58 , Mike Jones
66 mins: Denmark win their first corner of the match which is whipped into the box by Janni Thomsen. Alex Greenwood leaps highest to nod the ball away but it’s recovered by Rikke Marie Madsen who initiates another attack for the Danes.
England have a bit of defending to do here.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:55 , Mike Jones
63 mins: England need to score again to settle this game down. At 1-0, Denmark won’t go away and any mistakes from the Lionesses could prove costly.
There’s a sense of anticipation hanging over the game as though a twist isn’t too far away.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:52 , Mike Jones
60 mins: An hour played and England’s lead remains in tact though the tempo has dropped slightly.
Laura Coombs slides a pass down the right side and wins a throw in that Lucy Bronze flings into the box. Alessia Russo rolls past Karen Holmgaard and keeps the ball in play with a cut back to the middle of the box.
The whistle goes as Denmark hook the ball clear as the offside flag is raised.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:48 , Mike Jones
56 mins: Lauren James does wonderfully on the left side to win England a corner. Georgia Stanway leaps over Karen Holmgaard to win the initial ball. It drops to Lucy Bronze who earns another corner.
Kathrine Kuhl guides this one behind before Alex Greenwood whips the cross onto the head of Lucy Bronze. Bronze has to compete with Pernille Harder so can’t direct her attempt and if flies wide of the nearest post.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:43 , Mike Jones
53 mins: Close! Janni Thomsen gets into space on the right wing for Denmark and England fail to close her down. She knocks a simple pass into the box for Kathrine Kuhl who prods a shot at goal.
It’s softly hit and allows Mary Earps time to shuffle across and smother the ball before it crosses the line.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:42 , Mike Jones
50 mins: There’s a nervous moment for England as Millie Bright under hits a pass to centre-back partner Alex Greenwood. Rikke Marie Madsen intercepts the ball but a strong lunging tackle from Greenwood eases the pressure on the Lionesses.
Bright takes over and sends the ball wide to Lucy Bronze in space.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:38 , Mike Jones
47 mins: Chloe Kelly wins the Lionesses an early corner and delivers it onto the head of Alessia Russo. The forward can’t get the ball under control and Stine Ballisager boots it behind for another set piece.
Alex Greenwood takes this one and picks out Lucy Bronze who knocks the ball down. It comes to Ella Toone but she pokes her effort over the crossbar.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:36 , Mike Jones
Second half!
England get the match restarted in Sydney. There’s been no further changes from Sarina Wiegman at the break but this is a big 45 minutes for the Lionesses.
Georgia Stanway and Laura Coombs have big roles to play in the midfield now.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:34 , Mike Jones
The BBC pundits have been talking about that injury to Keira Walsh. Arsenal women’s head coach, Jonas Eidevall believes the pitch could be to blame saying:
“It’s a danger to player welfare to have such a dry pitch. It’s not good enough. I’m a big advocate of watering the pitches, it makes the ball go faster and stops situations like this.”
Meanwhile ex-England striker Ellen White added: “I’m devastated for her to be honest. She’s [Walsh] been one of the best if not the best player for England. She knew it didn’t look good. She’ll be a big miss. Laura [Coombs] has come in, I’m devastated for her.”
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:32 , Mike Jones
At 21 years, 302 days old, Lauren James is the Lionesses second-youngest scorer at the Women’s World Cup behind only Jill Scott vs Argentina in 2007 (20 years, 227 days).
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Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:27 , Mike Jones
Before Walsh’s injury, England got off to the perfect start. Lauren James drifted in from the left and curled a lovely finish into the bottom corner.
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Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:23 , Mike Jones
Georgia Stanway and Lucy Bronze were smiling with Keira Walsh as she was taken off the pitch. If anything, that’s a sign that the injury may not be as bad as initially feared for the midfielder.
If she’s done her ACL though, then her World Cup is over. We’ll have to wait to hear tp what extent the injury is.
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Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:20 , Mike Jones
Half-time!
45+4 mins: England go into the break with a slender lead over Denmark. Lauren James’ opener was a belter and for the first quarter of an hour the Lionesses were fantastic.
Denmark fought back into the match and challenged the goal a couple of times before Keira Walsh injured her knee and needed to be stretchered off.
Laura Coombs was brought on a started well but England will need to centre themselves and come out flying in the second half.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:16 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Madsen delivers a cross into the England box and looks for Pernille Harder. Rachel Daly beats her to the ball but the two clash and Daly stays down after the collision.
There’s four minutes of added time to play in this half.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:13 , Mike Jones
41 mins: Laura Coombs plays in the number 10 role for her club, Manchester City, but she’s slotting in alongside Georgia Stanway today.
England will be hoping to get to half-time with their lead in tact. They’ll need a reset after that injury to Keira Walsh.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:10 , Mike Jones
38 mins: There’s always a moment of panic when a female footballer injures their knee. ACL injuries are common and they take a long time to recover from.
Hopefully Keira Walsh hasn’t picked up such a bad injury but she’ll play no further part in today’s game. Laura Coombs replaces her as Walsh is taken off on the stretcher.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:06 , Mike Jones
36 mins: Keira Walsh lunges for the ball in an effort to intercept a pass. She jars her knee as she slides across the turf and immediately signals to the England bench.
As the physios come on for a check, she says ‘I’ve done my knee’ and things don’t look great for the midfielder. This would be a huge blow for England.
The stretcher is being brought out for her.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:04 , Mike Jones
33 mins: Millie Bright threads a long pass up the pitch and finds Chloe Kelly. Kelly’s first touch is a tad heavier buy Lucy Bronze helps her out and picks out Alessia Russo.
Russo gives the ball to Lauren James who attempts to get Ella Toone into the box but her forward pass is cut out and cleared away. Nice play from England though.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
10:00 , Mike Jones
30 mins: Chance! Lucy Bronze gives the ball away high up the pitch and puts on the burners to get back to defend. Denmark send the ball straight up to Pernille Harder on the left wing.
She drives forward and cuts inside of the covering Millie Bright. Harder runs into the box and shoots but Mary Earps has it covered in goal.
England’s defence still looks shaky despite the change in personnel for this match.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
09:58 , Mike Jones
28 mins: There are a few mistakes creeping into England’s play. Alex Greenwood in particular just needs to regain her composure.
A diagonal ball comes across from the left and Greenwood lets it run through. She doesn’t seem aware of Thomsen coming in behind her and the Danish forward takes possession.
Rachel Daly sprints back to help out and forces Thomsen into the right side of the box where the attacker lifts a shot over the crossbar.
These are all signs that Denmark will fight to get themselves back in this game.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
09:55 , Mike Jones
25 mins: Chance! That’s a huge moment for Denmark. England give the ball away sloppily and take their time getting back to defend. Janni Thomsen is given the ball and slips it into the box for Rikke Marie Madsen.
Madsen turns past Alex Greenwood before blazing a shot across the face of goal. Mary Earps is beaten but luckily for England the ball fizzes wide of the far post.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
09:53 , Mike Jones
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
09:52 , Mike Jones
22 mins: Shot! Ella Toone flicks a pass over the top of Rikke Sevecke and picks out Lauren James on the left side. James takes the ball into the box and drills a low effort towards the near post but Lene Christensen keeps it out.
England don’t let up though. They give the ball to Lucy Bronze on the right and she swings in a cross. James and Sevecke tussle near the back post as the ball drops onto them.
It hits James on the shin and bounces softly to the goalkeeper.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
09:50 , Mike Jones
19 mins: England are forcing Denmark so deep. Alessia Russo is making runs into all sides of the box and Keira Walsh is switching the play with ease.
Millie Bright steps forward to help out Georgia Stanway and comes away with the ball. She threads a decent pass into the penalty area but Simone Boye shoulder Russo away from the ball and marshalls it out of play.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
09:46 , Mike Jones
16 mins: England have been in total control of this game. Denmark have hardly had any possession and they’ve certainly not seen sight of England’s goal yet.
Rachel Daly flings a throw in to the edge of the box but a deflection off Pernille Harder takes it away from Alessia Russo before Denmark are awarded a free kick.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
09:43 , Mike Jones
13 mins: Close! Ella Toone makes a fine run into the box from the inside left but is halted at the byline. She sends the ball out to Lauren James on the left and watches as James’ cross is whipped into a dangerous area.
Alessia Russo is the target but Stine Ballisager manages to get ahead of the forward and knock the ball away.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
09:41 , Mike Jones
11 mins: The second set piece is fizzed onto the head of Lucy Bronze who nods it into the middle of the box. Georgia Stanway flicks the ball on and finds Chloe Kelly who goes for an overhead shot but knocks her effort wide of the far post.
There’s a visible confidence to England’s play now. Lauren James’ goal has unlocked the shackles for them.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 1-0 Denmark
09:40 , Mike Jones
9 mins: That’s just the start that Sarina Wiegman and England were hoping for. Lauren James was given her first World Cup start and has rewarded the coach with the opening six minutes.
Rachel Daly wins a corner that Alex Greenwood knocks short. She’s given the ball back but is closed down by Simone Boye and has to settle for another corner.
Women’s World Cup 2023: GOAL! England 1-0 Denmark (James, 6’)⚽️
09:38 , Mike Jones
6 mins: What a strike!
Rachel Daly pushes high from the left-back position and allows Lauren James to cut inside. She receives the ball, rolls it onto her right foot and carries it to the edge of the D.
James whips a curling shot towards the far bottom corner, she beats the outstretched arms of Lene Christensen and sends England ahead!
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 0-0 Denmark
09:35 , Mike Jones
5 mins: Keira Walsh floats a diagonal pass over to Chloe Kelly on the right wing. Kelly brings it down and looks to sprint behind Katrine Veje but the defender is too strong and squeezes ahead of Kelly to regain possession.
Denmark work the ball clear but need to boot it long as England press up the pitch.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 0-0 Denmark
09:33 , Mike Jones
3 mins: Lauren James, playing on the left wing today ahead of Lauren Hemp, does a fine spin and whips a cross high into the box. It bounces through to Lucy Bronze but the whistle goes as the ball curled just out of play.
England will want to start quickly in this game. The opening goal could be a crucial one.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England 0-0 Denmark
09:31 , Mike Jones
Kick off!
Denmark get the ball rolling and boot it long down the right wing. England recover the ball but it’s forced out to Lucy Bronze on the opposite side of the pitch.
Bronze is hit by the shoulder of Rikke Marie Madsen but manages to offload the ball to Millie Bright and the England captain clears her lines.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England vs Denmark
09:26 , Mike Jones
The players head out onto the pitch at the Sydney Football Stadium. The national anthems are sung and the crowd are in full voice. This match should be a cracker despite England’s recent struggles to score from open play.
Can the Lionesses get past Denmark and set down a marker that they’re one of the best teams in this tournament?
Kick off is up next.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England vs Denmark
09:25 , Mike Jones
In her pre-match interview, England boss Sarina Wiegman confirmed that Rachel Daly starts at left-back today. It seemed the most likely option with England needing to protect against the threat of Pernille Harder and the Denmark forward line.
The attacking threat for the Lionesses comes from Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Lauren James.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England vs Denmark
09:23 , Mike Jones
England have lost just one of their 33 matches under Sarina Wiegman in all competitions, they’ve won 26 and drawn six. That defeat was a 2-0 loss against Australia in April.
The Lionesses have won 11 of their last 14 matches at the Women’s World Cup (with three defeats). Can they add a 12th victory today?
Stanway on England’s new camp in Sydney
09:20 , Mike Jones
Midfielder Georgia Stanway spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about England’s new camp saying: “I think now we are able to call some thing home. We are able to make this a home from home. I don’t necessarily remember the 2019 [World Cup, it] was a bit of a blur because I was so young.
“But the Euros was something we called home and somewhere to be so if the game was on everyone was in the same place watching the game.
“A relaxation room for us is really important and the FA and Nike have done a really good job with the relaxation room.”
Sarina Wiegman must take chance to reset England’s World Cup bid
09:15 , Mike Jones
As Sarina Wiegman admitted she is willing to twist rather than stick, England are still in a position where they are needing more than that.
The Lionesses go into their second match of the Women’s World Cup against Denmark looking to rediscover their goalscoring form and lift the mood that was left rather flat by the opening 1-0 win against Haiti on Saturday.
There are lots of reasons not to panic. It is true to say that the opening games in tournaments are rarely easy, and that the Lionesses also laboured to a 1-0 win over Austria to kick off the Euros last summer.
Wiegman’s teams are typically slow starters, with her Netherlands sides winning 1-0 in their first matches at both the 2017 Euros, which they won, and the 2019 World Cup, where they reached the final.
Sarina Wiegman must take chance to reset England’s World Cup bid
Women’s World Cup 2023: England vs Denmark
09:10 , Mike Jones
Kick off is 20 minutes away and the Lionesses have scouted out the pitch in Sydney. Both these teams opened their campaigns with with 1-0 wins so whoever wins today will be well set to qualify for the knockout stages.
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Pre-match thoughts from England’s Chloe Kelly
09:05 , Mike Jones
England winger Chloe Kelly spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live saying: “I think it’s really positive. We have a good recovery under our belt. We have moved hotels into the base and it was a great training session with the locals watching us as well.
“It is important we feel that love from them too. It’s great to see so many fans with [Man] City shirts on, [Manchester] United fans with United shirts on. It’s important we mix with those fans and show our appreciation to them.
“A World Cup is what dreams are made of and to have fans come out and support us across the world is really amazing to see how far the women’s game has come.
“We have so many fans who have travelled across the world to cheer us on. They are living the dream too. Hopefully they have a great time this summer.”
England’s World Cup hinges on a defining question
09:00 , Mike Jones
Since arriving in Australia, Sarina Wiegman has stepped up work on a new system, that may not even be unveiled until the knock-out stages. It is an inherent acknowledgement that England are no longer in the strong position they were, but simultaneously something that may yet prove the winning of this World Cup.
This has been reflected in the mood of the camp in Australia, beyond the distraction over bonuses. There is certainly no lack of faith, especially in Wiegman’s ability to come up with something special. This is another benefit of a feat like the Euro 2022 victory. It banishes doubts, and fosters that immensely powerful feeling that everything will go well because the manager knows exactly what they are doing. It is why big games, as in that juncture quarter-final win over Spain, can almost seem like they will go exactly as Wiegman predicts.
There’s also the fact that, right now, the manager has one of the most talented teams in the world. For so long, this has seemed like the moment England were long building up to.
The question now is whether that moment just comes at the wrong time.
England’s World Cup hinges on a defining question
It’s a new summer now – Lauren Hemp says Lionesses have moved on from Euro glory
08:53 , Mike Jones
England forward Lauren Hemp feels the Lionesses have moved on from their Euro 2022 triumph and are determined to refocus attention on their World Cup campaign.
Manchester City’s Hemp started every game for boss Sarina Wiegman during an historic run that ended, one year ago Monday, with England lifting their first major trophy at Wembley, igniting unprecedented interest in women’s football across the UK.
As a result of injuries and retirements, the England boss’s World Cup squad features seven players who were not part of that monumental match, while Rachel Daly, last summer’s left-back, is a forward for this competition.
It’s a new summer now – Lauren Hemp says Lionesses have moved on from Euro glory
From colouring zones to custom coffees – Inside England’s World Cup base
08:47 , Mike Jones
England defender Alex Greenwood enjoys channelling her younger self at the colouring-in station, while Lauren Hemp, Niamh Charles and Keira Walsh prefer playing table tennis in the swanky Australian hotel which will be the Lionesses’ base for the remainder of the World Cup.
The European champions’ private wing of the Crowne Plaza in the coastal New South Wales town of Terrigal is the product of more than 18 months of Football Association planning, including extensive consultation with players to create an area they hope will provide a “home from home” and lead to better performances on the pitch.
The Lionesses were an integral part of the design, from picking the inspirational quotes on the walls to requesting the wide range of activities on offer, including arcade games, a library, darts, and a popular coffee station serving up brews emblazoned with custom images in the foam. By midday on Wednesday, baristas estimated they had served up about 40 cups.
From colouring zones to custom coffees – Inside England’s World Cup base
Women’s World Cup 2023: England vs Denmark
08:41 , Mike Jones
Sarina Wiegman spoke about making changes to her team but it’s mostly the same side that started against Haiti.
Rachel Daly coming in at left-back is the big switch but a centre-half pairing of Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood seems a safer bet against the quality of Pernille Harder.
Elsewhere, Lauren James gets the nod on the left wing. She starts in place of Lauren Hemp who looked slightly off against Haiti but can provide a dangerous threat off the bench.
(The FA via Getty Images)
Lionesses’ pack are forming stronger relationships says Alex Greenwood
08:36 , Mike Jones
England defender Alex Greenwood is confident vital new connections are forming in camp that will see an improved display when the Lionesses take on Denmark in their second World Cup game on Friday.
Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty was enough to secure England a nervy 1-0 victory in their opener against underdogs Haiti, but did little to ease concerns about their attack as it extended the streak without a goal from open play to three matches.
Yet this is a much-changed line-up from last summer’s European Championship triumph, with Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up in Brisbane showing five changes from the one that lifted that trophy almost a year ago.
Lionesses’ pack are forming stronger relationships – Alex Greenwood
Women’s World Cup 2023: England vs Denmark line-ups
08:31 , Mike Jones
Unless Sarina Wiegman is changing formation to a back three of Lucy Bronze, Mille Bright and Alex Greenwood it looks as though Rachel Daly will be slotting back into the defence.
Daly played last season’s WSL campaign as a forward for Aston Villa and scored 30 goals in 30 games. She was included in this squad as an attacker to challenge Alessia Russo but Wiegman looks to have asked her to fill in at left-back.
Daly played at left-back throughout the Lionesses winning Euro 2022 campaign and the defence looks more solid with her experience in it.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England vs Denmark line-ups
08:26 , Mike Jones
England XI: Earps; Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Daly; Walsh, Stanway; Kelly, Toone, James, Russo
Denmark XI: Christensen; Sevecke, Ballisager, Boye, Veje; Hasbo, Holmgaard, Kuhl; Thomsen, Harder, Madsen
Women’s World Cup: Argentina 2-2 South Africa
08:24 , Mike Jones
Earlier today, Argentina pulled off a great escape to earn a draw with South Africa and keep themselves in the World Cup.
South Africa were on course to pick up a first ever Women’s World Cup victory in a pulsating encounter in Dunedin after Glasgow City winger Linda Motlhalo gave South Africa the lead. She was set up by Thembi Kgatlana, who was shown to have stayed onside following a VAR review.
Kgatlana should have scored after the break when she sliced Jermaine Seoposenwe’s curling cross wide from close range only for the two to combine minutes later for South Africa’s second goal.
At 2-0 down, Argentina threw everything at the African side in the knowledge that a defeat would send them home. Sophie Braun clawed a goal back with a wonder half-volley before substitute Romina Nunez headed in Argentina’s equaliser just five minutes later.
Neither side could push on for a winner and the match ended in a draw, keeping the hopes alive that one of these teams may sneak through the group stages in the final game.
Keira Walsh feels more responsability from boss Sarina Wiegman
08:18 , Mike Jones
England midfielder Keira Walsh says she feels more responsibility on the pitch under manager Sarina Wiegman especially in the absence of Fran Kirby and captain Leah Williamson.
Walsh was one of the star midfielders in the Lionesses’ winning Euro 2022 campaign which earned her a world-record transfer to Barcelona afterwards.
“[Taking responsibility] is something Sarina has been pushing me on,” she said.
“Maybe it’s just solving the pictures on the pitch and coaching a little bit more. I wouldn’t say I’m the loudest so it doesn’t come naturally to me, but it’s something she wants me to improve on.
“She encourages the more experienced players to coach a bit and puts more onus on us on the pitch. If we feel things that she can’t, then she is more than happy for us to help and find solutions.
“It’s nice to be pushed that way and for older players to have that responsibility. She’s always pretty open to people making their own decisions and choices.”
Women’s World Cup: Lionesses arrive
08:14 , Mike Jones
The Lionesses have arrived at the Sydney Football Stadium. They kick off against Denmark at 9.30am (UK time) and the line-ups should be dropping in just over 15 minutes time.
Women’s World Cup 2023: England team news
08:12 , Mike Jones
Sarina Wiegman has a fully fit squad and the manager has hinted that she will make changes to try and spark the Lionesses into life.
Wiegman, who did not make any changes to her starting line-up during the Euros, could bring in Lauren James and Rachel Daly in attack.
The back-four is likely to remain the same, with Millie Bright partnering Jess Carter and Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood at full-back, in front of goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Keira Walsh will shield the back-line alongside Georgia Stanway, England’s goalscorer against Haiti, in midfield. Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly face competition from James, while Daly could be preferred to Alessia Russo.
How to watch England vs Denmark
08:06 , Mike Jones
England continue their Women’s World Cup campaign against Denmark in a crunch Group D clash in Sydney.
The Lionesses got their tournament underway with a narrow 1-0 win against Haiti as Sarina Wiegman said her side lacked “ruthlessness” in front of goal.
Denmark also got off to a winning start as they edged China 1-0, so both teams will be looking for improvement as they target a place in the knockout stages.
England vs Denmark will be shown live on BBC One and on the BBC iPlayer, with coverage starting from 9am.
England’s final group-stage fixture is against China on Tuesday 1 August and will be shown on ITV, with the match starting at 12pm BST.
Should England make it through to the round of 16, their fixture will be shown live on the BBC.
Keira Walsh not focused on personal treble as England chase World Cup glory
08:00 , Mike Jones
England midfielder Keira Walsh insists the prospect of completing a personal trophy treble with a World Cup win has scarcely crossed her mind.
Walsh followed up England’s Euro 2022 triumph and player-of-the-match honours in that final with a move to Barcelona, with whom she achieved Champions League glory alongside fellow Lioness Lucy Bronze in June.
A first World Cup at the August 20 Sydney final would cap off a phenomenal 13-month run for Rochdale native Walsh, who joined the Spanish side for what was believed to be a world record fee in September.
Keira Walsh not focused on personal treble as England chase World Cup glory
England boss says Lionesses missing ‘ruthlessness’ in first Women’s World Cup fixture
07:54 , Mike Jones
England boss Sarina Wiegman felt her European champions lacked “ruthlessness” after they eked out a 1-0 victory over debutants Haiti to open their World Cup campaign at Brisbane Stadium.
Wiegman said: “I would say (we were missing) ruthlessness. It’s easy to say”
Harder looking forward to England clash
07:48 , Mike Jones
Denmark’s captain, Pernille Harder, says her team need to enjoy this battle against England and take in the atmosphere of playing in a World Cup.
She said: “We need to enjoy it, we need to enjoy that, use the energy, even if they might not all support us, take the whole event and use it as a positive.
“Put in the extra effort in the field, really enjoy the moment, that’s what we must do. It’s great to be in a World Cup, that’s for sure, and it’s really cool to play all these matches.
“So, you shouldn’t think about the pressure but really just think about how cool it is.”
Can England stop Harder?
07:42 , Mike Jones
When England take on Denmark this morning they will have to compete against Pernille Harder. She’s a forward and the captain of the Danes who is well known to the Lionesses as she spent three seasons in the WSL playing for Chelsea.
England defender Lucy Bronze said Harder is “one of the best players in the world” before adding: “Not just for Chelsea, but also when she played for Wolfsburg and also for Denmark.
“She’s a tough player, but equally we’ve got many of those in our England side as well.”
England will have a task on their hands to keep her quiet in front of goal but if they manage it, they’ll have a good chance of winning the game in Sydney.
Wiegman wants to move on from Euros win
07:36 , Mike Jones
England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman wants to stop the comparisons between England’s winning European Championship campaign and the Lionesses run through the World Cup.
She said: “We shouldn’t compare it all the time. We’re in a new situation now, and we have some changes in team dynamics.
“We have our style of playing, we want to develop our style of play every time and we want to score goals. That’s one of the parts, of course.
“And that’s what we’re working on all the time, every day. What do we have (to do) to create chances and score goals? That’s what we talk about all the time too. At the end, we hope that the ball gets into the back of the net.”
(PA)
Sarina Wiegman ready to ring changes to rejuvenate rusty England
07:30 , Mike Jones
England boss Sarina Wiegman declared she is willing to “make changes” as the Lionesses look to secure a second successive World Cup victory against Denmark on Friday.
Wiegman stuck with the same starting XI for every match of England’s triumphant Euro 2022 campaign, but the retirements of striker Ellen White and midfielder Jill Scott alongside injuries to European champions Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby have left her current 23-woman squad looking significantly different.
The 53-year-old called for more “ruthlessness” from her side following the nervy 1-0 tournament-opening win over Haiti, decided by Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty despite several missed chances in open play.
Sarina Wiegman ready to ring changes to rejuvenate rusty England
Wiegman willing to ‘make changes’ as Lionesses prepare for Denmark clash
07:24 , Mike Jones
Sarina Wiegman has revealed that she is willing to “make changes” as the Lionesses prepare to face Denmark at the Women’s World Cup on Friday, 28 July.
The England boss stuck with the same starting XI for every match of the Lionesses’ triumphant Euro 2022 campaign, but the retirements and injuries have left her current squad looking quite different.
Sarina Wiegman must take chance to reset England’s World Cup bid
07:18 , Mike Jones
As Sarina Wiegman admitted she is willing to twist rather than stick, England are still in a position where they are needing more than that.
The Lionesses go into their second match of the Women’s World Cup against Denmark looking to rediscover their goalscoring form and lift the mood that was left rather flat by the opening 1-0 win against Haiti on Saturday.
There are lots of reasons not to panic. It is true to say that the opening games in tournaments are rarely easy, and that the Lionesses also laboured to a 1-0 win over Austria to kick off the Euros last summer.
Wiegman’s teams are typically slow starters, with her Netherlands sides winning 1-0 in their first matches at both the 2017 Euros, which they won, and the 2019 World Cup, where they reached the final.
Sarina Wiegman must take chance to reset England’s World Cup bid
Can England win the World Cup?
07:12 , Mike Jones
The Lionesses were declared favourites for the World Cup after winning the Euros and beating the world champions United States in September.
There is less overt optimism now, due to England’s injuries and the quality of the other main contenders, but the Lionesses still remain of the strongest teams at the tournament and have been building towards this moment where they can arrive at a World Cup and act like one of the favourites.
Now it’s about delivering under the pressure and amid the adversity but they’ll be helped by their head coach. Is Sarina Wiegman the best tournament manager in the world?
After winning the Euros in 2017 and reaching the World Cup final in 2019 with her native Netherlands, and then winning the Euros again with England in 2022, Wiegman has every right to make that claim.
The World Cup in 2023 could be her greatest challenge but Wiegman, with her supreme communication, tactical observation, and player management skills, can rise to it.
How strong are Denmark?
07:06 , Mike Jones
Denmark will be making their first appearance at a Women’s World Cup since 2007 and will be desperate to make up for lost time. They will hope to test England and challenge for a place in the last-16.
In Pernille Harder, they have one of the top players in the world and who will be a familiar face to England fans after three successful seasons spent in the Women’s Super League with Chelsea, who she joined for a world-record fee in 2020.
The skillful and tireless attacker leads the line for Denmark, who cannot afford to leave her isolated. One of the game’s most decorated players, Harder will be making her World Cup debut.
Head coach Lars Søndergaard will say goodbye to Denmark after the World Cup after seven years in charge but the team have had their confidence boosted by recent wins against Norway, Japan and Sweden.
Søndergaard, who asks his side to sit deep before breaking on the counter-attack, preferes to field a 3-4-3 formation that can switch to 4-3-3 during sustained attacks.
Good morning
07:00 , Jamie Braidwood
England continue their Women’s World Cup campaign against Denmark in a crunch Group D clash in Sydney.
The Lionesses got their tournament underway with a narrow 1-0 win against Haiti, but they were reliant on a Georgia Stanway penalty and a key save from Mary Earps as Sarina Wiegman said her side lacked “ruthlessness” in front of goal.
The European champions, who have now not scored a goal from open play in three matches, will need to improve as they take on Denmark and their star forward Pernille Harder. Denmark also got off to a winning start as they edged China 1-0.
Both teams will be looking for improvement as well as a place in the knockout stages. Victory in Sydney would put England on the verge of the last-16, with China facing Haiti in the other match in Group D later today.
Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog
