Lionesses must raise World Cup game admits Mary Earps before Denmark showdown

England underwhelmed against Haiti but can all but seal top spot in Group D with a win in Sydney on Friday

Mary Earps admits England must raise their game against Denmark in Sydney on Friday.

The Lionesses were only 1-0 winners against World Cup debutants Haiti in their tournament opener on Saturday.

England struggled to get into their groove, both in attack and defence, and goalkeeper Earps believes they have “a few kinks” to work out.

Denmark beat China 1-0 so whoever wins on Friday will all but guarantee finishing top of Group D.

Clean sheet intact: England were indebted to Mary Earps for preserving a narrow lead over Haiti in their World Cup opener
Getty Images

“A bit of a mixed bag,” said Earps, when asked to assess the performance against Haiti. “We had moments where we connected really well, but I think there are a few kinks still to work out.

“We could have dominated better than what we did, and they had a lot of moments in transition which caused us issues because they are very quick.

“We were not surprised, we were prepared for that, but I just don’t think we executed as well as we could have.

“The win is the most important thing. We are in a results business and to win your first game of the group is really important. It puts us in a good place.

“But there is plenty that we need to review and reflect on, because we set ourselves a higher standard than that.”

England took the lead through ­Georgia Stanway’s penalty in the 29th minute but they failed to kill the game.

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Haiti continued to cause them problems on the break and Earps was forced to make a big save late on when substitute Roseline Eloissaint was clean through.

“I am not even thinking about how confident I am [in that moment], I am just thinking about let’s try and keep this ball out of the back of net,” said Earps.

After being based on the Gold Coast ahead of their opening game in Brisbane, England have now moved to their main base for the tournament.

The Lionesses are training in the coastal town of Terrigal, which is around 60 miles north of Sydney.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman has a number of selection headaches after Saturday’s performance against Haiti, with Lauren James and Rachel Daly both pushing to start.

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