Lauren James: The Tricky & Explosive English Winger

Lauren James is one of the most exciting female players in women’s football, with her fearless, explosive and tricky style of play allowing her to ghost past her attackers. She is regarded as one of the best players in the WSL alongside Ella Toone, Khadija Shaw, Sam Kerr and Laura Hemp.

James’ football journey continues to intrigue as she aims to carve a name for herself in the annals of women’s football. Join Footballers’ Biographies as we explore the football career of Lauren James.

Player Profile – Lauren Elizabeth James

Lauren James is an English professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the England women’s national team. She was born on September 29, 2001, in London.

James started her senior career with Arsenal in 2017 and later joined Manchester United in 2018, where she contributed to their Championship-winning season.

Since moving to Chelsea in 2021, she has achieved significant success, winning both the WSL and FA Cup titles twice with the club.

James is known for her technical skills and goal-scoring ability, James has also made an impact on the international stage, representing England at various youth levels before making her senior debut in World Cup qualification. She has continued to impress with notable performances and goals, marking her as a rising star in women’s football.

Player Profile Overview

Lauren James’ Early Life and Background

Lauren Elizabeth James was born on September 29, 2001, in London, England. She comes from a diverse heritage, with Grenadian and Dominican ancestry from her father’s side, and English descent from her mother.

Lauren attended Whitton School in Whitton, London, where she likely honed her early football skills before embarking on her professional career. She played for the boys team in the early days alongside her brother Reece James.

The Emergence of Lauren James: Career Highlights

James was discovered by Arsenal at the age of 13 and initially trained with the boys’ team. Within two years, she progressed to training with the first team.

On October 29, 2017, she made history as Arsenal’s second-youngest debutant, coming on in the 67th minute to replace Lisa Evans in a 2-0 victory over Everton during the 2017-18 season.

Lauren James’ Move to Manchester United

On 13 July 2018, it was announced that James would join the inaugural professional Manchester United squad for the newly restructured 2018–19 FA Women’s Championship. She featured for the newly formed club alongside Ella Toone, Jessica Sigsworth and Katie Zelem.

She made her competitive debut on 19 August, helping the team secure a 1–0 League Cup victory against Liverpool. James scored the first two goals in Manchester United’s season opener, a 12–0 triumph over Aston Villa.

Her impressive performance in September, with three goals contributing to United’s unbeaten start, earned her the FA Women’s Championship Player of the Month award. On 20 April 2019, she netted four goals in a 7–0 league win against Crystal Palace.

Promotion With Manchester United to the WSL

Lauren James scored United’s first-ever WSL goal in a 2-0 victory against Liverpool on September 28, 2019, netting in the 71st minute. Two weeks later, she was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in United’s 3-0 win away to Tottenham Hotspur.

Lauren James signed her first professional contract with the club on December 16 and she thoroughly impressed for Manchester United in their inaugural season in the English Women’s Super League.

By the end of the 2019-20 season, James was United’s top scorer and was shortlisted for the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award.

During the women’s first match at the iconic Old Trafford James scored in a 2-0 league win over West Ham United, marking the first FA WSL match played at Old Trafford.

She endeared herself to the Manchester United fans with her performances, however, at the end of the season she decided to leave the Manchester club.

Lauren James Returns to Chelsea

James rejoined Chelsea on July 23, 2021, signing a four-year contract with the London club. She netted her first goal for the club in a 9–0 victory against Leicester City on March 27, 2022.

In her second season, James played 33 matches across all competitions, scoring 8 goals, 5 of which were in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Her stellar performance in the 2022–23 season earned her the Young Player Of The Year Award at the Women’s Football Awards and the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year Award. In June 2023, she extended her contract with Chelsea until 2027.

Chelsea Player of the Year

James scored her first WSL hat-trick on November 18, 2023, leading Chelsea to a 5–1 win against Liverpool, and was named WSL Player of the Month for November.

On December 10, 2023, during a 1–4 defeat to Arsenal, Lauren James received a yellow card for a controversial stamp on Lia Wälti, her second such incident in six months.

Lauren James started 2024 with another hat-trick in a 3–1 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. She scored twice against Brighton & Hove Albion, tying as the WSL’s top scorer with 12 goals in 11 games, alongside Khadija Shaw of Manchester City. Lauren James ended the season as Chelsea’s player of the season.

Lauren James’ International Career

Lauren James started her international career for England’s U17 team debuting in a 2–0 friendly loss to the USA. She captained England in a 10–0 victory over Latvia during the 2018 UEFA Under-17 Championship qualifiers, scoring four goals.

James continued her scoring streak with two more goals against Slovakia, contributing to England’s qualification for the final tournament where they finished fourth.

In 2019, Lauren James was called up to the under-19 squad for the Algarve Tournament and she was part of the England squad for the 2019 UEFA U19 Championship in Scotland. She played in all group-stage matches against Germany, Spain, and Belgium.

Playing for the Lionesses of England

Lauren James made her senior national team debut on 3 September 2022, as a 79th-minute substitute in England’s 2023 World Cup qualifier against Austria. She scored her first international goal in a 4–0 win over South Korea during the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup, where she was named player of the tournament.

James was selected for the 2023 World Cup squad and she was the second youngest player in the team after 20-year-old Katie Robinson.

She scored the winning goal in England’s 1–0 victory over Denmark in their second Group D match. She also delivered an impressive performance with two goals, three assists, and a player-of-the-match accolade against China in the final group game.

However, in the knockout phase against Nigeria, Lauren James was sent off and banned for two games for violent conduct after stamping on Michelle Alozie.

Despite her absence, England won on penalties. James returned to play in the World Cup final against Spain, coming on as a second-half substitute, but England lost 1–0, finishing as runners-up.

Lauren James’ Playing Style and Strengths

Lauren James is a dynamic and versatile player known for her technical prowess, physical strength, and tactical intelligence. She excels in dribbling, passing, and has a keen eye for goal, often creating scoring opportunities for her teammates.

Capable of playing in multiple positions, primarily as an attacking midfielder, she also operates effectively as a forward or winger. James combines her technical skills with a strong physical presence, using her strength to hold off opponents and win duels.

Her high work rate, stamina, and defensive contributions further enhance her game. Renowned for her creativity and confidence, James consistently delivers inventive moves and bold plays, making her one of the most exciting young talents in women’s football.

Lauren James’ Personal Life and Interests

Lauren’s brother, Reece James, is a Premier League footballer who plays for England and Chelsea. Their father, Nigel James, is a UEFA-qualified coach, which explains the siblings’ footballing talents.

Before the World Cup, Lauren expressed her determination to forge her own identity, emphasizing her desire to be recognized as “Lauren James” in her own right, rather than solely as Reece’s sister.

Conclusion

Lauren Elizabeth James is a standout figure in English women’s football, born on September 29, 2001, in London. Her journey from Whitton School to becoming a forward for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and a key player for the England women’s national team exemplifies her dedication and skill.

Her achievements, including multiple WSL and FA Cup titles with Chelsea, highlight her talent and determination, solidifying her reputation as one of the sport’s rising stars.