Karen Carney is confident England can WIN the Women’s World Cup and hails Lauren James as the BEST player of the tournament so far

Karen Carney thinks England can go all the way and win the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

England will face Nigeria in the round of 16 on Monday, having concluded the group stage with an emphatic 6-1 win over China.

Lauren James was the star of the show as she scored two goals and assisted three – and was cruelly denied a hat-trick by VAR.

Speaking at an event with Powerleague ahead of a series of free football training sessions for young female players in Shepherds Bush on August 16, Carney said she felt more confident about the chances of the England after victory over China.

She said: “I really think England can win the World Cup and I’m even more confident now after China’s performance.

“There is a great belief in the England team now that they can go all the way. I think we have to support them and push them to achieve something special.

“Tournament football is about reaching its peak at the right time and we have seen great teams leave the tournament before. I think England have a lot more gears in them.

“I want us to show the world why we are European champions and why we are one of the best teams. We deserve more credit so hopefully we can carry on and show the world.

The former England international added that she was not surprised James had been the tournament’s best player so far.

She said: “Lauren James has been the best player at the World Cup so far, and I’m not surprised at all.” Lauren is a vital player for England and her contributions to the games have been outstanding. We all know his talent and ability.

“It was about the time when the opportunities would arise for the rest of the world to see what we’ve known for a long time.” She’s been amazing and it seems effortless for her. We just need to give her the platform to do what she does best and support her in that.

“I’m not surprised at how well Lauren James played in her first World Cup. It’s good for her to come into the picture not knowing what a tournament like this is like and the pressure that can derive from it.

“Lauren seems to relish it and we’re so lucky to have a talent like the one we have in her.” She is exceptional.

Carney also hailed Sarina Wiegman for switching to a “brilliant” 3-5-2 formation against China as she brought “the best out of every player”.

However, not all is positive for England, with Wiegman missing a number of key players in this tournament, including Beth Mead, while there is uncertainty over Kiera Walsh’s participation in the tournament after being withdrawn. on a stretcher in their second group stage game with Denmark.

Carney said, “If you try to get someone to do what Kiera Walsh is doing, you’ll be fine.” I’ve played with Kiera and against her, and she is without a doubt one of the best players in the world.

“Without Kiera we have to do something different and that’s exactly what we did against China. It worked and it was better for the team with the players available. Kiera will be missed and I hope she returns soon.

Carney also pointed out that Nigeria’s biggest threat was striker Asisat Oshoala, and added that England will have to “perform at their best” to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Former England midfielder Carney will coach young players at Powerleague Shepherds Bush, with the England legend running a series of training drills and overseeing five-a-side matches, before taking part in fixtures where the girls will have the opportunity to take pictures and receive autographs.

Karen Carney was speaking to Powerleague ahead of hosting a series of free girls’ football training sessions at Powerleague Shepherds Bush on Wednesday August 16. You can find out more on the Powerleague website here.