Chelsea forward Lauren James, technically gifted and unafraid to take defenders on, has already become one of the breakout stars of the 2023 Women’s World Cup for her thrilling performance against China.
She has hit her best form with two goals and three assists in the final group match and madee the right-side role previously occupied by the injured Beth Mead her own, and hailed the performance during the 6-1 win as what “dreams are made of”.
England manager Sarina Wiegman said James did “special things” during the game, and previously former captain Leah Williamson has hailed the player, known as ‘LJ’ as a “cheat code”.
Despite having been previously has been nagged by accusations of inconsistency, and her performances in the second half of last season’s Women’s Super League arguably failed to live up to the high standards she set for herself, she has impressed on the biggest stage.
She has bettered the form which saw her named the Young Player of the Year Award at the Women’s Football Awards.
James, 21, has a famous older brother in the shape of wing-back Reece James, who now plays for Chelsea’s men’s team but previously regularly appeared alongside her at junior level.
However, ahead of the tournament, James spoke about her desire to be known as her own player, and step outside the shadow of her brother, saying “I want to carve out (my own name) and be known as ‘this is Lauren James’.”
The pair were raised in Mortlake, with their father Nigel, a UEFA-licensed coach, playing a crucial on helping to development their obvious talents.
Starting out at Epsom Eagles, Lauren James, was picked up by Chelsea in 2010, spending four years within its youth ranks before joining Arsenal, where she swiftly made her way into the first team in the 2017/18 season, making her debut on her 16th birthday.
A transfer to the newly-formed Manchester United women’s side followed, where she scored 22 goals in 40 appearances between 2018 and 2021 – winning her her first England nod – after which James rejoined Chelsea, where she plays under Emma Hayes alongside fellow Lionesses Millie Bright, Jess Carter and Niamh Charles.
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