Ian Wright questions decision not to start Lauren James in England’s World Cup opener
England kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Haiti on Saturday, but Arsenal legend Ian Wright has questioned the decision not to start Chelsea star Lauren James in the Lionesses’ opener.
21-year-old James was named among the substitutes in Brisbane, coming off the bench after 61 minutes to replace Lauren Hemp as England chased a second goal.
With England’s attack looking somewhat laboured at times, Wright believes the star should have been in from the start.
Why wasn’t Lauren James in the starting lineup?
‘Absolutely no way Lauren James should be starting on the bench,’ Wright wrote on Twitter during the contest.
Former England international Eni Aluko meanwhile said England were guilty of looking ‘too predictable’ in attacking areas, suggesting the inclusion of James going forward can offer more solutions.
‘There was a lot of crosses today, from Bronze, Kelly Hemp, and there is a predictability to that,’ she told ITV.
‘In the first half, Alessia Russo was playing, but if that is the approach and pattern of play, should it be Rachel Daly up there instead? She is stronger in the air.
‘If you want to be less predictable, you need more creativity, especially in the 10 role.
‘Ella Toone looked a bit disconnected today. Can you put a Lauren James in there who is a bit more creative, offers more movement and interchange of positions?’
James makes an impact off the bench
England posed a greater threat following the introduction of James and Rachel Daly but goalkeeper Mary Earps was called upon to make a crucial save with eight minutes of the contest remaining.
‘She’s very good, a top keeper,’ goal scorer Georgia Stanway told ITV at full-time. ‘Those are the moments that makes them become a top keeper. The most important thing is the three points, it’s a good start.’
England’s next World Cup match
England are back in action against Denmark on Friday before ending their group campaign against China on 1 August.
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