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James strike England's one bright spark against Denmark
England's Lauren James, right, celebrates a first half goal with teammate England's Ella Toone during the Women's World Cup Group D soccer match between England and Denmark at Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia, Friday, July 28, 2023.

by James Nalton

THE highlight of England’s opening game at the 2023 Women’s World Cup was not the play of the reigning European Champions, but that of their opponents, Haiti.

Melchie Dumornay, the 19-year-old who will play for European club football powerhouse Lyon next season, was the game’s star player.

A penalty save from Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus produced another standout moment but England’s taker, Georgia Stanway, was given another chance as the VAR spotted that Theus had moved from her line a fraction of a second too early. Stanway made no mistake with the second attempt.

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