Women’s World Cup Roundup: England Downs Denmark

Lauren James of England competes for the ball against Amalie Vangsgaard of Denmark uring the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between England and Denmark at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on July 28, 2023. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

England posted a 1–0 win over Denmark in a Group D clash in the Women’s World Cup behind Lauren James’ sixth minute strike but no one felt like celebrating in the winning locker room on Friday.

Star midfielder Keira Walsh left the pitch on a stretcher following a non-contact injury in the 38th minute. Walsh collapsed and appeared to be in pain instantly, calling for trainers at Sydney Football Stadium in Australia.

England coach Sarina Wiegman said there was no immediate word on the severity of the injury. Walsh left the stadium on crutches.

“Of course, I’m concerned because she couldn’t walk off the pitch,” Wiegman said.

England (2–0–0) failed to advance based on the later decision between China (1–1–0) and Haiti (0–2–0). England would have advanced on a draw or Haiti victory.

Denmark is 1–1–0.

China 1, Haiti 0

Shorthanded China secured its first win of the 2023 World Cup with a 1–0 win over Haiti in Adelade, Australia.

China scored in the 74th minute on Wang Shuang’s penalty kick, the result of Ruthny Mathurin fouling Zhang Linyan.

In the 29th minute, midfielder Zhang Rui was called for leading with a high knee in a collision with Sherly Jeudy of Haiti that took China down to 10.

England and China square off Tuesday, when Haiti wraps up with Denmark.