Lauren James scored after six minutes of her first start at the Women’s World Cup on Friday as European champions England beat Denmark 1-0.

James, who was benched for the Lionesses’ opening game against Haiti, provided the decisive moment when making a quick impression after being called up from the start by coach Sarina Wiegman.

Collecting the ball outside the area, she curled a right-foot shot beyond the reach of Denmark goalkeeper Lene Christensen to put England in front.

Chelsea star Reece James has been full of praise for his sister as she’s progressed through her footballing career.

After Friday’s match, he posted a picture of the pair as children accompanied by the word ‘Proud’.

Following her goal, a commentator said: “Lauren said she was sick of people referring to her as Reece’s sister, maybe after this people will start going up to Reece asking if he is Lauren’s sister!”

While the win puts England on the verge of advancing from Group D, they had a setback when midfielder Keira Walsh injured her knee in the first half and had to leave the field on a stretcher.

The 26-year-old holding midfielder, who is an integral part of the England team, crumpled to the turf at Sydney Football Stadium without contact in the 38th minute and immediately called for medical assistance.

England have lost captain Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner Beth Mead to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries before the tournament.

“I’m concerned because she couldn’t walk off the pitch,” England coach Sarina Wiegman told reporters.

Written with inputs from AP/PTI