Fans roar on the Lionesses as they score first goal in just seven minutes

England fans roared on the Lionesses as they took the lead by scoring within minutes of kick off against Denmark at the Women's World Cup in Sydney.

Tensions rose in the stadium as the national anthems were sung, players huddled together and the game took off with an energetic start - before Lauren James whipped a curling effort past the Denmark keeper.

Women's football has gained increasing popularity over the recent years, making it one of the fastest growing sports in the world.

England fans were out in force in Sydney earlier gearing up for the big game and chanting 'it's coming home' ahead of kick off at 9.30am GMT.

One, dressed as Steve Irwin, said: 'Today's going to be a tough game, but we're going to get the win!'

Another named Jess, who had met up with a group she used to play football with at university, said it was great to be able to support the lionesses and women's football while another, 71-year-old Sharon from Peterborough, showed off a badge she'd managed to get signed by some of the players.

An optimistic fan from Manchester predicted England would win 4-0.

England's Lionesses released a dramatic trailer ahead of their World Cup clash against Denmark in Australia as excitement grows for the match.

The hype video opens with a montage of footage from training and the opening match against Haiti as an announcer says: 'The Lionesses launch their latest legacy.'

Fans who turned up in Sydney are seen cheering on England's women as one player applauded them for being 'incredible as always' and a 'vital part of the game'.

Another footballer reiterated that as they enter today's match the focus has been on 'keeping our foot on the gas' and 'improving as players and a team'. She added that it is 'such a proud moment'