Tottenham Women’s striker Bethany England makes first World Cup appearance in victory v Haiti
England Women beat Denmark 1-0 on Friday to put themselves on the brink of qualification for the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Lauren James’ screamer six minutes into her first World Cup start was enough to claim all three points for the Lionesses and move the reigning European champions one step closer to the last 16 of the tournament.
It is the second 1-0 victory in as many games with Sarina Weigman’s side yet to concede at the competition.
After a difficult match against Haiti in which England struggled to a 1-0 victory, this was a much-improved performance, despite the scoreline finishing the same way.
They looked much brighter going forward, controlling the game with 71 per cent possession and having 12 shots at goal.
However, an injury in the first half to one of the country’s most important players, Barcelona’s midfielder Keira Walsh, put a dampener on the occasion as the Sydney Football Stadium, which was full of English supporters, fell flat.
The 26-year-old needed to be stretchered off with her chances of playing again down under very much in doubt.
But on the bright side for Spurs and England supporters, Bethany England, who was once again named on the bench, came on as a late substitute to make her first appearance at a World Cup.
The 29-year-old was part of last summer’s Euros-winning squad but did not make any appearances.
England entered the field of play in the 76th minute, replacing star striker Alessia Russo, and made herself busy during her limited time in the match.
As per Sofascore, in 14 minutes she completed 100 per cent of her passes, made an interception, won both a ground and aerial duel and had a shot at goal, which was off target.
With the Lionesses on the brink of the knockout stages, the Tottenham striker, who scored 12 goals in 12 WSL games last season, will be hoping to get some more minutes under her belt.
If China fails to beat Haiti on 28 July, then England will qualify for the next stage of the World Cup before their final group game.
In other Tottenham news, two Spurs players made their point during a recent pre-season friendly.