Emma Hayes saluted the efficiency and clinical edge demonstrated by USA Women, who enjoyed a commanding 4-0 victory over South Korea in her first match in charge.

The former Chelsea boss made a winning start with the Stars and Stripes, as Mallory Swanson and Tierna Davidson scored a brace apiece at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Hayes departed Chelsea last month after a glittering 12-year spell, which culminated in her guiding the Blues to a fifth successive Women's Super League title.

The 47-year-old officially started her new job when she linked up with the US Women's national team in Colorado this week, and is already seeing strides being made.

"You can see we're building something," Hayes told ESPN. "There's lots of work to do. There are lots of holes in our play, no question, but it was a good start.

"I get to enjoy these amazing players. I just feel re-energised, and I want to coach this group, and they want to be coached.

"In terms of what I asked from the group, what we prepared for, the execution of that, we've made steps in the right direction.

"I felt for the first 30 minutes, it was technical execution where we struggled. We scored in our first three chances, so we were efficient, we were clinical."

Lauren James is the England player "everyone has been waiting years for", said Lucy Bronze after the Chelsea forward netted her first international goal on Thursday.

James, the sister of Chelsea and England men's right-back Reece, scored the final goal in a 4-0 win against South Korea in the Arnold Clark Cup.

The 21-year-old, earning her sixth senior cap, had won the penalty Georgia Stanway netted for the opener.

James has had to bide her time for opportunities at both club and international level, having dealt with injury issues both before and after her move from Manchester United.

But she has shown this season why she is considered perhaps the most talented England player of her generation.

James has scored four goals and provided one assist in 10 Women's Super League matches. She has thrilled fans with her exciting playing style, completing more dribbles (21) than any other player in the division.

Now, after making an impact for England, Bronze – previously The Best FIFA Women's Player – is looking forward to seeing what more there is to come from James.

"Everyone knows the quality that LJ's got," the right-back said. "Technically, on the ball, she's probably one of the best there is.

"It's fun for me to play with her, because I know she's always going to get the ball in the right place.

"It's crazy that she's so young, because this is the player that everyone has been talking about for five years now.

"Everyone has been waiting for this superstar, and it's exciting to be here now at the start of her England career."

James added: "I'm lost for words really. I just like to stay humble, continue giving to the team and continue improving."

England manager Sarina Wiegman said: "She has been a talent for a long time. She just needed to be available and needed some time at Chelsea.

"She worked really hard at Chelsea. That's what you have seen this season, then she can take the next step to the national team.

"Now, when she starts playing at this level with Chelsea and in the Champions League and on this international level and gets those minutes, she can improve.

"I hope now she gets consistency, she stays fit and keeps enjoying herself."