Women's World Cup: Who were England's three biggest performers of the group stages?

England are flying into the 2023 Women's World Cup last 16 after a statement 6-1 win over China.

The team is a completely different side to the one that claimed victory at the European Championships last summer, with injuries playing a major role.

Still, manager Sarina Weigman has managed to pick up nine points from the three group stage matches, and the Lionessess move on to the knockouts with confidence that they can not only blitz teams but also grind out a result when it really matters.

It's been a team effort to get to this point, but there have certainly been some standout players.

Here are England's top three performers of the Women's World Cup group stages.

It's no surprise that Lauren James tops this list as England's standout performer of the group-stages, with the 21-year-old even having a case for one of the players of the tournament so far.

James delivered an extraordinary performance in the Lionesses' impressive 6-1 triumph over China, netting two goals, providing three assists, and playing a pivotal role in securing England's place in the last 16 as group winners.

Within four minutes against China, she set up Alessia Russo for England's opener. Later, she assisted Lauren Hemp, who doubled their lead. James then displayed her sharp finishing ability with a first-time shot into the left corner from the edge of the box, though a subsequent goal was disallowed by VAR due to offside in the build-up. Not stopping there, she volleyed in Jess Carter's dropping cross to secure her second goal of the match and further assisted Chloe Kelly, who capitalised on a goalkeeper error to find the net.

James, who said her performance was "what dreams are made of" will hope to maintain her impressive form, having previously scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 victory against Denmark.

"We are looking forward to the next round. I felt free, whether I'm on the wing or in the middle, I'm happy to be playing and contributing to goals.

"I think [I'm] just playing with freedom, just enjoying my football, and tonight showed that," she added after the match.

As the youngest England player to score at a World Cup, her impact is only generating immense excitement for her future with the Lionesses. James, who wasn't even part of England's squad last summer at the Euros has justified Sarina Wiegman's faith in her abilities. She heads into the knockouts as England's biggest attacking threat.

Her continuous improvement and comfort on the field bode well for her promising international career, and it appears she may make this World Cup a defining moment for her football journey.

Rachel Daly has had a tumultuous England career but the 31-year-old's versatility and determination have not only earned her a spot in contention in recent years, but also made her a key part of this squad.

During the Euros last summer, she showcased her adaptability by playing all six games as a left-back. Carrying that momentum forward, she made an impressive impact as a striker for Aston Villa in the Women's Super League (WSL) with an astonishing 22-goal haul.

Against China, Daly scored her first goal in the tournament. The absence of England's star forward Beth Mead and the retirement of record scorer Ellen White has provided an opportunity for another number nine to emerge as a key player, and Daly is among the contenders vying for that coveted striker role. Although England manager Sarina Wiegman often deploys Daly as a left-back, her selflessness and willingness to play anywhere on the pitch for the team have made her invaluable.

“I will always say I will play anywhere,” Daly said back in February. “I am happy to score but winning the game is in the forefront of my mind.

"The competition [in the squad] is so healthy and one that we all thrive in and want that challenge.”

While Daly's versatility makes her a valuable asset, her ability to consistently deliver strong performances, regardless of her position, sets her apart, and makes her crucial as England look towards the last 16.

Leah Williamson's absence from England's defence felt noticeable before the World Cup and during the first match against Haiti, with the captain known for bringing a combination of leadership and excellent performances to the team. As a centre-back, Williamson provides valuable guidance, and her bravery on the ball allows her to initiate attacks from the back, which benefits players like Keira Walsh playing in front of her.

Teams, like Haiti, have become adept at targeting Keira Walsh, but having a defender like Williamson who pushes forward gives the opposition something else to consider. Her presence allows Walsh more space and options to work with.

Alex Greenwood possesses qualities similar to Williamson's, and she's become somewhat of an unsung hero so far with the Lionesses at this tournament. While Greenwood played as a left-back against Haiti, Wiegman opted to put her as a centre-back as part of a back four against Denmark, and in a back three against China. The switch has shown what Greenwood can bring from playing in the middle of the backline and how she is best suited for playing out from the back. The change compensates for Greenwood's slight weakness in pace and her skills on the ball and ability to advance from defence are evident in her performances for Manchester City, and have translated well for England.

While interim captain Millie Bright has been shaky at times due to not having played for a long spell before the World Cup, Greenwood has managed to clean up any defensive mistakes and bring a different element to England's attack from the back.

Sarina Wiegman is, of course, not a player on the pitch. But the way she has managed to evolve this team within the span of 12 months should not be overlooked. Given the injuries that this team has, it could have been understandable if England hadn't had an impressive start to the tournament.

This World Cup has challenged Wiegman's coaching approach, pushing her to experiment and revolutionise her tactics, as was evident in the game against China. The Lionesses showcased a remarkable level of flexibility in their formation with Wiegman having to make difficult decisions about her squad and strategy. Despite the pressure and depleted resources, she opted for a 3-5-2 formation against China to unlock the attacking prowess of Lauren James. The more straightforward solution would have been to introduce Laura Coombs and place Georgia Stanway in a deeper role, as seen in the second half against Denmark after Keira Walsh's injury.

However, Wiegman's bold choice to adapt and experiment yielded great success.

In the past, the one criticism levelled at Wiegman was an over-reliance on key players who faced heavy workloads for club and country. However, the current circumstances forced her to break away from this pattern and embrace a more flexible approach. In the game against China, Wiegman made a record number of changes to her starting lineup, highlighting her willingness to adapt to the situation.

There have been a lot of teams at this tournament that have failed to meet expectations, given that the gap in level is closing from the top teams and those still developing. The United States, Canada, and Brazil are just some of the teams that haven't been at their best. While England were looking to fall into the same trap, under Wiegman's guidance, they are instead gaining momentum at the exact right time with their newfound flexibility and unpredictability giving them an advantage heading into the knockout stages.