Emerging England star Lauren James: Paving my own way beyond being known as Reece James' sister
After missing out on the Euro 2022, Lauren James is set to play a key role for Sarina Wiegman’s side at the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
Football
When it comes to football, there isn't much sibling rivalry between Lauren and Reece James.
21-year-old Lauren James is about to become the first in the family to represent England at a big international tournament, but that is not something that bothers her older brother, the England forward claims.
"To be fair I think he'd just proud. We're just like best friends," Lauren James told BBC Sport. "His advice was just to enjoy it (the World Cup), have fun, try and score goals."
Both Reece and Lauren James play for Chelsea FC. Reece got his debut for the London club in 2018 and was part of the Chelsea squad that claimed the Champions League title in 2021. Having also played 15 games for the England national team, it is no surprise that Lauren James has been standing in the shadow of her 23-year-old brother.
Now the Lionesses forward hopes she can make a name for herself, when the Women’s World Cup kicks off next week.
“I want to carve out (my own name) and be known as 'this is Lauren James',” she said.
“At the moment, men's football has a lot bigger profile and I'm sure there are times when I've said 'oh, that's so and so's sister', I think it's just natural. But it doesn't bother me too much because I know I have my own career."
Lauren and Reece James are the only brother and sister duo to play for England at senior level. Lauren James debuted for the women's national team last year in a World Cup qualification match against Austria. In the 22/23 season, the forward played 33 matches for Chelsea, scoring eight goals. Her great season awarded her the PFA Young Player of The Year Award and a contract extension to 2027.
Under the England boss Sarina Wiegman, Lauren James has said, the coach has allowed her ‘to express herself and play freely’ on the pitch. Despite her young age, she has already played 11 games for the Lionesses and scored once.
Lauren James and England are facing Haiti in their opening match at the Women’s World Cup on July 22 in Brisbane.