Lauren James: The Rising Star of English Women’s Football
Lauren James, the 21-year-old forward, is set to play a key role for England at the upcoming Women’s World Cup. As one of the best young players in the country, James has had an impressive career so far and is part of Sarina Wiegman’s squad. But what sets her apart is her connection to another talented footballer, Reece James. Yes, they are brother and sister.
Lauren is Reece’s younger sibling by two years. Both currently playing for Chelsea, they have taken different paths to reach this stage of their careers. Lauren started in the Blues academy before moving to Arsenal and then Manchester United. However, she couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to west London in 2021, signing a four-year deal that has recently been extended to 2027. Her exceptional performance during the 2022/23 campaign earned her the prestigious PFA Young Player of the Year award.
On the other hand, Reece has remained with Chelsea since he was seven years old. He made his senior debut in September 2019 and has become a top defender for both club and country. Interestingly, Reece and Lauren are the only brother and sister duo to play at the senior level for England, which is a unique achievement.
In an interview with the England national team’s website, Lauren spoke about their relationship and how they support each other. She said, “From the outside, it is a bit like ‘wow’ [having a brother and sister both playing at the highest level], but from our point of view, it is difficult to take it in. We are just both on our own paths and looking to enjoy our football.”
She further added, “Both of us are supportive of each other, where I will go to his games and he will go to my games when he can. We kind of leave each other to it, though. Anything to do with football, we both know what we need to do, so we just leave the other one to it. But outside of football, we have a great relationship and we are really close. I think with our age gap, that helps, with it only being two years.”
Reece also expressed his happiness for his sister’s success. He said, “It is great [to both be playing for Chelsea and in contention for an England place]. It is what I want to do and also what she wants to do. We both support Chelsea, and I am happy for her. She was obviously at Arsenal and Manchester United, so when she had the chance to come home, she wanted it, and she is happy to be back home.”
Their father, Nigel James, has played a pivotal role in their development as footballers. He has been their guiding force and has supported them throughout their journey. Nigel runs the Nigel James Elite Coaching Academy, which has helped nurture their talent and shape them into the players they are today.
As the Women’s World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Lauren James as she aims to make a significant impact for England. Her skills, determination, and family support have been instrumental in her rise to prominence. With her brother Reece by her side, they are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in English football.
In conclusion, Lauren James is a rising star in English women’s football. Her talent, dedication, and family support have propelled her to the forefront of the game. As she prepares to represent England at the Women’s World Cup, all eyes will be on her as she aims to make a lasting impression on the international stage. With her brother Reece also excelling in his career, the James siblings are making waves in the world of football.