Lauren James hailed as ‘a level above everyone else’ after superb opening goal for England in World Cup clash with Denmark, as fans tip the Chelsea star to be ‘player of the tournament’ if the Lionesses go all the way
Lauren James has doubled down on her status as one of the world’s finest players following her sublime goal for England against Denmark.
The Chelsea star scored the opening goal in the Lionesses’ second World Cup game on Friday, following their narrow weekend win against Haiti.
While James started that first game on the bench, Sarina Wiegman started the 21-year-old from the beginning against Denmark – and was rewarded within seven minutes, as she worked herself into space to shoot from 20-yards out.
Women’s football oracle Rich Laverty tweeted: ‘I think she’s here to stay’.
Other fans came forward to say: ‘If England go all the way @laurenjamess22 will be the player of the tournament’, and: ‘Lauren James is just a level above everyone else. Literally has everything to her game.’
Lauren James has been hailed as one of the world’s best after scoring England’s first goal
Rich Laverty said he expects James to remain in the starting XI after missing the cut for Haiti
The Chelsea player has been described as ‘a level above everyone else’ for her starring role
James, who joined Chelsea from Manchester United in 2021, has made 13 appearances for the England national side since making her senior debut appearance in September 2022.
Now with that goal on the international stage, the 21-year-old is getting even more plaudits. One said: ‘She is some talent- excellent goal’, with another noting: ‘Placed it perfectly….if she picks up space like that she’ll score a few more too’.
There was another who said: ‘And people say the women’s game “isn’t as exciting”. Tremendous goal’.
The merits of the 21-year-old’s goal which broke the deadlock in Sydney have been praised
One fan even went so far as to say she was ‘arguably one of the best players in the world right now’.
James also has a brother who plays elite football, with Reece James a defender for mid-table Premier League side Chelsea, although he was forced to miss the Men’s World Cup in 2022 with injury.
One fan wrote: ‘Can tell she’s a part of the James family aye… some hit that.’
England saw out the first-half of the match in Sydney with their one-goal advantage, although the Lionesses suffered a setback with Keira Walsh removed on a stretcher after suffering knee damage.
The Chelsea star has been backed as one of the best on the planet, and at the World Cup
One fan commented on family connections, with Reece James also a Chelsea and England star
