Lauren James delivered a stunning performance as England cruised to a 6-1 victory over China on Tuesday, securing top spot in Group D and a place in the World Cup last 16. The 21-year-old scored twice and provided three assists, earning her second consecutive player of the match award.
Rachel Daly, who walked the pitch with James the night before and predicted her success, said: 'That's how much we back her – she is unbelievable. She is growing and growing and the most important thing is we keep around her.'
James's journey to stardom has not been straightforward. As a 14-year-old at Arsenal, she was 'too good to train with the girls' and instead trained with the women's team, a move that caused friction with some senior players who felt she did not belong. She also trained with the boys' academy, an unprecedented step for the club.
Her quiet personality led some to question her desire, but Casey Stoney, her former manager at Manchester United, understood the need to nurture her. 'She has a laid-back personality, but it went against her in her early years,' Stoney wrote. 'I needed to be her constant, because she was away from home.'
James joined Manchester United in 2018, then moved to Chelsea in 2021 for a fee of around £200,000. Under Emma Hayes, she has continued to develop, and her performances in Australia have confirmed the excitement that has surrounded her since childhood.
