Dream goal for 'unbelievable' Lauren James

Lauren James described scoring her first World Cup goal as a dream come true, with Rachel Daly hailing her team-mate ‘unbelievable’.

England beat Denmark 1-0 on Friday morning courtesy of a stunning strike from the 21-year-old, who was making her second appearance and first start at a major tournament.

James said: “It’s a dream, something I’ve been thinking about but most importantly I’m just happy to help the team win,” James said.

“I kind of had a thought but as soon as it hit the net it was just a relief.”

On what her team-mates said after it went in, James added: “They were just really happy for me. They said it before the game that they had a good feeling about me [today] and I’m thankful I’ve got good people around me.”

James is known for being laid back and the BBC interviewer was surprised at how calm the Chelsea forward was considering she had just made a dream come true.

She said: “I’m calm all around, on and off the pitch, and I try to bring that to my game as well, and today it showed and helped.”

James’ potential has been well-known for many years and she has established herself as an important member of the England squad over the past 12 months.

Her match-winning goal came six minutes into the match after she curled in a fine strike from outside of the box.

And Daly joked: “I’m going to claim a bit of credit because I said to her before that she better cut in and shoot tonight! 

“She’s got a phenomenal strike, she’s unbelievable, we know she’s great left foot, right foot. She brings such a different presence to the team and she’s got fantastic ability. 

“It’s an unbelievable goal, I don’t think any keeper is saving that and I’m really, really happy for her. I’m buzzing for her and obviously, it was the winning goal.”

Daly had retained her place in the starting XI for the match at Sydney Football Stadium after, having started the win over Haiti as striker, her versatility was utilised once more as she reverted to left back, where she starred for the Lionesses during the 2022 UEFA Women’s EURO triumph.

When asked if she minds playing in defence, Daly reiterated: “Not at all. I’m going to say what I always say, I will play anywhere for this team, it’s an honour to be anywhere on this pitch with this team, so putting on this shirt in any position that I’m needed, I’m happy to step into. 

“Obviously it’s a little bit different to where I have been playing, but it’s not too far away from where I played this time last year, so it’s a real honour to have been on the pitch, whichever position it may be.”