Talent: Lauren James
(Picture: The FA via Getty Images)Chelsea forward Lauren James has described her first start for England as a dream come true.
James, whose brother Reece also plays for Chelsea and England, started for the Lionesses as they were held to a 0-0 draw by the Czech Republic in Brighton.
The 21-year-old has been tipped for a big future and made her England debut last month after impressing for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League.
That appearance came off the bench as England beat Austria, but James was given the chance to start last night and impressed during the 60 minutes she got.
“It was amazing. It’s what I have dreamed of all my life,” said James. “Obviously starting was a bit surreal at first, but I guess once a couple of minutes in the game went I started to feel myself and I was confident and comfortable. I found my feet.
“Once I am on the pitch I am always confident in my ability. I kind of just have to let it flow and not stress too much. I don’t like to let nerves take over, because then I can’t play the game I want to play.
“I am looking forward to going back to my club now and continuing working hard and, hopefully, continuing to play for England.”
James moved to Chelsea a year ago from Manchester United and there was a buzz around the deal as she joined her brother in west London.
Like Reece, Lauren has long been tipped for the top and even last night England legend Karen Carney, who was working as a pundit on ITV, said: “Since Kelly Smith, I think she is the most exciting player I have seen in a long time.”
Blues boss Emma Hayes, however, slowly integrated James last season and she only made 12 appearances.
“She didn’t rush me, she gave me the time I needed,” said James. “I know it was frustrating for everyone else because they didn’t get to see what I can offer.
“Obviously it was frustrating for me as well because I just want be on the pitch. But in the long run, like this season, it is starting to show that the patience she gave me, and the team behind her that helped, it’s starting to show the benefits of that.”
James was watching Euro 2022 from home as England went all the way in the summer, but she is now ready to compete with the likes of Beth Mead and Lauren Hemp for a place in the team ahead of next year’s World Cup.
“I was at the final and watching throughout the whole Euros. Obviously I was itching to play,” said James. “I wasn’t in the right space but I thought, let me get a good pre-season under my belt, work hard and see where it takes me.
“It’s good, everyone in the forward line and throughout the squad is a great player. It only makes you better training and playing with players that are at the highest level. I think it’s healthy competition, it makes you a better player, it makes you want to work harder.
“I always want to be pushed and it just helps me improve myself. I am still young, I am still learning off the experienced ones in front of me. I am just looking forward to the future.”
