England vs Denmark 1-0: Women’s World Cup 2023 – as it happened

Thanks for joining us for live coverage of England’s 1-0 victory over Denmark in Sydney.

The Lionesses are on the cusp of a place in the knockouts. The Danes still have plenty to do in their final match against Haiti.

We’ll be back very soon with more coverage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup from Australia and New Zealand.

England’s Rachel Daly has been talking about her teammate Lauren James:

“She’s got a phenomenal strike, she’s unbelievable. She brings such a different presence for the team and she’s got fantastic ability.

“She is so special and you saw that tonight. What she can do in tight spaces, she’s ruthless and a big threat for us.”

Daly also gave her thoughts on the injury to Keira Walsh:

“It’s not nice to see anyone go off injured but Keira is Keira and she is a key and integral part of this team on and off the pitch.

“She’s a special, special person and player. It would be a big miss if she’s injured”.

The two other teams in Group D – China and Haiti – kick off in Adelaide in just under 15 minutes.

Both lost their opening match of the tournament and will view this game as a crucial fixture if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Remember, a draw or a Haiti win will see England qualify for the knockout stages.

🇨🇳 v 🇭🇹

Time for the final game of matchday nine. 💪#FIFAWWC

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 28, 2023

Lionesses coach Sarina Weigman has also spoken after the match.

“I think we started well, played well and scored the goal. We had a stage in the first half that we lost balls that we didn’t have to lose. But we had of course this horrible moment with Keira Walsh.

“The second half was a fight. We adapted to the new situation and we really had to fight for the win.”

She was asked about Walsh’s injury, after the midfielder was stretchered off:

“I’ve nothing to say now. It did look serious, if you can’t walk off the pitch, it’s serious but I don’t know, we just finished the game. I haven’t heard anything.

“You just have to move on with the game. Now it’s time to look how she is and what the next steps are.”

Hopefully Keira Walsh's injury is not serious, though it did not look good. Wonder if Beth England will start the next game? #WomensWorldCup2023 #ChelseaFC

— Alan Douglas (@AlanDouglas1952) July 28, 2023

England match-winner Lauren James has been speaking about her goal:

“It was a dream and something I’ve been thinking about. But most importantly I am happy to help the team win.

“As soon as the ball hit the net, it was just a relief. My teammates were really happy for me and they said before the game that they had a good feeling about me today. I’m happy I’ve got good people around me.

“I’m calm on and off the pitch and I try to bring that to my game.”

It was a tough night for the European champions with Denmark a threat throughout, but the Lionesses march on with their second consecutive 1-0 win at this World Cup.

A first-half strike from Lauren James was the difference.

England will now look to today’s final game. If Haiti win or draw, England will qualify for the knockouts.

Dug deep to get all three points! 👏 pic.twitter.com/myRy3rz4F3

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 28, 2023

England look to keep the ball and see the added time out.

Lucy Bronze wins a free kick for her country on the right. Bronze plays it short as England try to keep possession in the corner.

And that’s full-time! England have won 1-0 again and taken a huge step towards progress into the knockouts.

Full-time: England 1-0 Denmark

It’s still all Denmark as we enter four minutes of stoppage time.

Veje puts a cross in, but it’s so deep that it goes straight to Earps who catches it comfortably.

90+1 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Denmark continue to attack.

Vangsgaard flicks the ball on to Sorensen who had made a run into the England box. But she gets taken out wide by the defender and England snuff out any danger.

Sanne Troelsgaard comes on to replace Karen Holmgaard.

90 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Denmark hit the post!

Vangsgaard thumps a header towards goal from the centre of the penalty area. Earps was beaten but it crashes off the right post.

So close for the Danes.

88 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Beth England has made a good impact on the game, looking to create chances for the Lionesses up top.

James sprays the ball out right to Kelly, it finds Bronze who hits a powerful shot from outside the area. It’s hit hard and flat but whizzes past the left post.

Denmark then attack as Thogersen whips in a dangerous cross from the left but England just about get it clear.

85 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Are England heading for another 1-0 win?

They have not scored more than one goal in a game all this year.

Meanwhile, Hemp rushes down to the byline on the left, finds Daly who lofts the ball into the box.

England tries to flick a header at goal but it’s just wide of the post.

82 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

The attendance is announced: more than 40,000 in Sydney for this one.

On the field, there’s a clash of heads between two Danes. Thogersen’s head smashes into the bottom of Thomsen’s chin.

Ouch.

79 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

England

Off: Ella Toone, Alessia Russo

On: Beth England, Lauren Hemp

Denmark

Off: Stine Ballisager, Rikke Marie Madsen

On: Nicoline Sorensen, Frederikke Thogersen

77 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Earps makes a brilliant save on her own line after a cross from Veje on the left loops towards goal.

She really had to stretch to save that. Veje takes the resulting corner but it’s wasted as it lands on top of the net.

73 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Russo wins the ball halfway inside the Denmark half. She has options left and right but goes alone and takes a shot from just inside the area.

It goes wide of the post, a disappointing effort after such a strong run.

72 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Off: Josefine Hasbo
On: Amalie Vangsgaard

70 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Denmark keep coming at England, with Madsen and Harder at the centre of everything.

69 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Harder runs at Bronze down the left and Denmark win a corner.

Thomsen sends a high ball in which is easily dealt with by England. The Danes keep the pressure on, with a number of balls whipped into the box, but the Lionesses get them away.

England cling on to the lead.

67 mins: England 1-0 Denmark

Both coaches look pensive as they sit in the dugout. This game is on a knife-edge at present.

Veje takes a free kick for Denmark almost on the halfway line. She drives it towards the end of the box, but Thomsen clatters into Daly and England win a free kick close to the byline.

65 mins: England 1-0 Denmark