Match in Focus: England 4-0 South Korea

Lauren James shines, Sarina Wiegman looks at new midfield options, Alex Greenwood looked at home in her former home and Korea Republic showed a glimpse of what they're about.

Image: David Klein / Sportimage

Lauren James shines

What is there to say? On her third England appearance, James has arguably made herself impossible to drop between performances for her club and country. What's scary for the rest of the world is James wasn't even part of England's Euro 2022 winning squad, she is purely a glittering addition to what has already been successful.

James was again the catalyst of England's attack, making penetrating runs which led to England's first goal as she was tripped inside the box as the Lionesses struggled to break down stubborn Korea Republic side in the first half, and she added a goal of her own with a fine drive in the second half to bookend her performance.

With Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp, plus the likes of Jess Park and Katie Robinson, England has an embarrassment of riches on the wings, but James is standing out above the rest.

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Midfield Rotation

There was intrigue over who would replace the ill Keira Walsh in England's midfield given her importance to the Lionesses and questions over a lack of depth in that role over the years.

While England will endure much tougher tests than an out of season Korea Republic, Sarina Wiegman went with the tried and tested Leah Williamson, but more than experimented with Katie Zelem getting a solid 45 minutes in the same role, while Laura Coombs also came on for her first England performance in eight years.

With Jordan Nobbs left on the bench and still a quality option in the midfield too, England seem to have a few more options than previous in the middle, which may be much needed heading into the summer.

Wiegman said post-match the Zelem change was pre-planned to give her 45 minutes on the pitch, and added Walsh should be back for Sunday's match against Italy.