The 23-year-old forward started her first match since a win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on 12 October in our 4-0 FA Cup victory against Charlton Athletic on Sunday. She featured for 45 minutes and hopes it marks the beginning of better things to come.

'It's great to be back, to be honest,' James said. 'I'm really glad we got the win and glad that I came off the pitch healthy.

'I've missed the feeling of being out on the pitch. I'm happy I've been able to get back playing and now I can push on. Hopefully, I can contribute to the team even more.

'After a long break, you never know what can happen, so it is good for us to start the year with a win. Hopefully, we can build on that and everyone keeps spirits high.'

Throughout the first half, James often did not look like a player who had not played in three months. She went close to bagging an assist, before having chances of her own in front of goal. And while those contributions weren't to be against Charlton, the England international still felt pleased with her display.

'I always put pressure on myself,' James said. 'I have high standards, so I always want to score or assist, but I have to look at the positives and think that it's my first game back. I'm easing back into it. I felt good.'

It proved to be a good weekend for the James family, with Lauren's older brother Reece also returning from injury when he skippered Chelsea's men's side to a 5-0 win over Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

'Both siblings back!' James said. 'Hopefully, it stays that way. We just have to keep working hard and keep looking to help our teams.'