Player Profile

Name: Lauren James

National Team: England

Place of Birth: London, England

Position: Forward

DOB: 29 September 2001 (age 21)

Height: 1.75m (5 ft 9 in)

Chelsea career

The 21-year-old was part of the Chelsea Academy from Under-10s to Under-14s level, possessing a unique talent that has seen her take the game by storm. She has pace, technique and creativity in abundance and is establishing herself as one of the brightest young talents on the world stage.

James made her debut for Arsenal in October 2017 before signing her first professional contract with Manchester United. She re-joined Chelsea in July 2021 and signed a four-year contract with the Blues, going on to make 12 appearances in her debut season on our way to a league and FA Cup double.

Individual recognition followed during the 2021/22 campaign when James was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year Award, a testament to the progress she was making and her development has continued since.

During the 2022/23 campaign, James was influential in helping us to clinch a second consecutive WSL and FA Cup double, while we reached the League Cup final and the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals along the way.

At the end of last season, James signed a new long-term contract with the club. Since then, her contributions have been dually rewarded by winning the PFA Young Player of the Year, while she has also been nominated for The Best FIFA Women’s Player award.

International career

On the international stage, James has represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 level. She received her first senior call-up as part of a training camp in November 2020 and starred at the Arnold Clark Cup in February this year, where she collected the Player of the Tournament award.

James was selected by England for the 2023 World Cup and made her major tournament debut against Haiti, scoring three goals and providing three assists in her four appearances in total in Australia and New Zealand as the Lionesses finished runners-up to Spain.

Our forward has been called up to represent England in the UEFA Women’s Nations League during the forthcoming international window, where they will face Scotland and the Netherlands before returning to Chelsea ahead of the WSL curtain raiser.

Click here to secure your seats for the Blues opening WSL fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 1 October, with kick-off at 5.30pm (UK time).