Updated: Jul 28, 2023, 06:41 am

A superb early strike from Lauren James proved enough to secure England a 1-0 victory over Group D opponents Denmark on Friday and help Sarina Wiegman's side close in on the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup.

The match was barely in full flow at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney before James picked the ball up from the edge of the opposing box inside six minutes and curled an effort past goalkeeper Lene Christensen.

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Bayern Munich forward Pernille Harder almost pulled one back for Denmark in the dying minutes, clanging a header off the post.

The result means England remain flawless with six points after two matches at this summer's tournament in Australia and New Zealand following a 1-0 opening match victory against Haiti last Saturday.

England's victory is bittersweet, though, as they were dealt an injury blow with midfielder Keira Walsh taken off on a stretcher on 38 minutes.