Lauren James

Lauren James: From Sibling Rivalry to Football Stardom

Lambeth-born Lauren James, born on 29 September 2001, made her mark as an English professional footballer who shines both at Women’s Super League club Chelsea and the England women’s national team. Her football journey has been intertwined with her sibling, Chelsea and England defender Reece James, forming a dynamic duo in the football world.

Having caught the attention of the Lionesses’ coaching staff, Lauren received her first call-up for the England senior squad in November 2020. This recognition was a result of her exceptional form at Manchester United in the Barclays WSL during the early stages of the 2020-21 season. However, Lauren was no stranger to the England setup, having excelled at development levels with the national team, earning caps at WU17s and WU19s.

Lauren’s football prowess was nurtured from an early age. Growing up alongside her brother Reece, they played football together in the park outside their home in Mortlake. They both had a passion for the game, and their father Nigel, a successful coach himself, played a crucial role in their development. Lauren’s technical ability, strength, and one-on-one skills set her apart as an attacking player, capable of versatile positions.

Her journey took her through Chelsea’s academy from under-10s to under-14s, then to Arsenal where she made her debut at just 16, and later to Manchester United where she helped the team achieve promotion to the BWSL. The summer of 2021 saw her return to her roots, re-joining Chelsea and playing alongside her brother Reece.

Lauren’s journey was met with challenges, including injuries upon her return to Chelsea during the 2021-22 season. However, her impressive displays led to her recall to the England senior team squad in August 2022 under Sarina Wiegman. Lauren’s senior England debut came on 3 September 2022 as a substitute against Austria in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Beyond her accomplishments on the field, Lauren’s story is one of family inspiration, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. She stands as a testament to the power of dedication and determination in achieving football stardom.