Lauren James: England’s ‘cheat code’
Two years ago, Olympics.com asked the question: Is Lauren James England’s next breakout star?
The answer was, quite comfortably, yes.
Her inclusion in the 23-player roster for EURO 2025 was thrown into question at the back end of the domestic season when she picked up an injury. Much to the relief of fans, James was named in the squad.
Any doubts over her inclusion were soon dismissed when James made a 30-minute appearance, in which she bagged an assist, in the Lionesses’ 7-0 thumping of Jamaica before jetting off to Switzerland.
James’s availability is a game-changer for the England camp.
She is a supreme footballer with bags of ability despite being just 23. The ball seems to act as a companion as opposed to an object when she’s in possession, gliding across the pitch and brushing off competitors with ease.
The Chelsea forward is one of those players that can change the game in an instant, a moment of magic out of nowhere to turn it on its head. A difference maker.
It has been acknowledged by national team captain Leah Williamson previously, the defender telling BBC Sport: “I think she’s a cheat code.
“I enjoy being on the same team as her. The girl is incredible.”
Make no mistake, football is a team game, and no single player is responsible for winning trophies.
When you have one that possesses the ability of James, though, being successful in the pursuit of said trophies becomes a whole lot easier.