World Cup: England legend Rachel Yankey hails Lionesses

Rachel Yankey reckons the rare risk-taking ability of Lauren James can help England continue to roar through the Women’s World Cup knockout stages.

Making her international tournament debut, the 21-year-old James – younger sister of England and Chelsea men’s Reece – grabbed two superb goals and three assists as England’s campaign Down Under sparked into life with a 6-1 win over China.

James did not start England’s opening game against Haiti, a tense 1-0 win, but scored the crucial goal after being deployed from the off in England’s 1-0 victory over Denmark in their second match.

And she was at the centre of their final Group D encounter, playing an instrumental role as England became just the second team this World Cup to win all their group stage matches.

James was not in the triumphant Euros squad 12 months ago, and Lionesses legend Yankey believes the Chelsea star has taken advantage of an incredible opportunity to become an integral part of Sarina Wiegman’s squad.

“Lauren’s taken her opportunity,” said Yankey. “Possibly, if other players weren’t injured, would she have been playing, would she have got into the squad?

“She’s been given an opportunity and grabbed that with both hands, and that just shows her character, but also her ability. 

“Once she gets on the ball, she’s not afraid to try things. That comes from the environment you’re in, the environment the manager will set, that people can actually take risks. 

“Sometimes, if it’s not feeling as free, you can shut players down and make it difficult for them to play openly. 

“Hopefully they can continue in that way and get through to the final rounds.”

James was not the only player to make her mark in an emphatic result, with Alessia Russo opening the scoring after just four minutes.

Fellow England and Arsenal ace Yankey was amongst those cheering on from Russo’s hometown club Bearstead FC. 

The Maidstone club hosted a special event to celebrate The National Lottery’s transformational impact on women and girls’ football across the UK. 

And Yankey added: “That first goal was an important one because it settled the team down early on and set the tone for the rest of the match – they were immediately on the ball.” 

Watching the match in a room of enthused young girls made Yankey reflect on the inspiration of the Lionesses and support from The National Lottery allowing clubs to capitalise on it. 

“The National Lottery’s players have supported over 200 clubs since the Euros to either start up or continue playing women and girls’ football,” she said.

“In the last 10 years, their support has meant over £50 million has boosted the game from grassroots to elite levels.”

Now as England prepare for a last-16 clash with Nigeria, Yankey – who won 129 caps in her career – believes the performance will set a solid platform for the rest of the tournament.

“The performance looked quite up front, it looked free, it looked fluid in all positions. It was a good game to play,” added the 43-year-old. 

“I don’t think it was the best Chinese team I’ve seen, I thought it would be a tighter game and competitive considering they needed to win. I think England really handled the game and opposition.

“For anyone, you want to get on the scoresheet, you want to say that you’ve scored at a World Cup. Goals bring confidence, wins make people smile and confidence into the next round. 

“I think the Nigeria game will be difficult to be quite honest, they are a hard opponent to play against, but now you’ve got people that feel on top of the world really. 

“Scoring goals, playing a good style of football. I imagine they are in a really good place.”

*National Lottery players have transformed women and girls’ football in the UK, with more than £50 million invested in the last 10 years alone.

Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk

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