Gravesend-born Laura Coombs makes Women’s World Cup debut in place of injured Keira Walsh in 1-0 win over Denmark; Lauren James scores stunning goal

Kent’s Laura Coombs made her major tournament debut in England’s World Cup group-stage game win over Denmark - albeit in unfortunate circumstances on Friday.

Gravesend-born Man City player Coombs, 32, replaced Keira Walsh in the first half after a potentially World Cup-ending knee injury for the Barcelona midfielder marred a second successive nervy 1-0 triumph for Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses.

Chelsea forward Lauren James netted the only goal with a fine curling effort on six minutes, which all-but secured England’s place in the knockout stages.

Lionesses were less than convincing after the restart, though, in front of a crowd of 40,439 in Sydney.

Substitute Amalie Vangsgaard headed a cross against the post for the Danes three minutes from time but goalkeeper Mary Earps kept a second consecutive clean sheet at the tournament.

Alessia Russo, from Maidstone, started up front again before she was substituted in the 76th minute. The 24-year-old had earlier missed a second-half opportunity to double England’s advantage.

They face China in their last Group D game on Tuesday.