The 20-year-old made her first start for Emma Hayes’ side as we beat Lydia Bedford’s Leicester 7-0 at Kingsmeadow.

Braces from Pernille Harder and Sam Kerr alongside goals from Ji So-Yun, Aniek Nouwen and Bethany England wrapped up a comfortable win for the Blues as we progressed into the quarter-final of the competition.

‘It’s a good feeling, it’s good to be back on the pitch and starting to get in the flow of things,’ James said after the game.

‘I think we should just build on from here. We got the win, it wasn’t our best performance but it’s the win that matters.’

Hayes said at full-time that it took her side 45 minutes to really get into the game. James echoed her manager’s comments, adding that the Blues really found our stride after the interval.

‘It’s the goals that count and we’re through to the next round. It wasn’t really our standards, but it did get better in the second half. As I said, we got the win and that’s the main thing.’

The Blues will be eyeing up retaining the FA Cup, after beating Arsenal in the 2020/21 final in December.

‘Obviously we want to win trophies, so to get into the next round was always our aim,’ James said.

Our No.19 was full of praise for the Blues fans on Saturday as James took to the starting 11 for the first time in a Chelsea shirt.

‘There is always a great reception at Kingsmeadow, to have the fans behind you always helps you and gives you a little confidence boost.’

The draw for the quarter-final takes place tomorrow live on BBC One’s Morning Live Draw from 9.15am (UK time).