We have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season on the domestic and European fronts, beginning our Champions League group stage campaign with a 2-2 draw away to Real Madrid last week – a performance that was worthy of all three points on the night.

Our first home game in Europe this season sees us take on Paris FC at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening. The French outfit overcame Arsenal and Wolfsburg on their way to qualifying for the group stage, and will be looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat at the hands of BK Hacken on matchday one.

Having plied her trade with their city rivals Paris Saint-Germain before joining Chelsea this summer, Lawrence gave us an insight into what to expect from Paris FC, while discussing her experiences of European competition and the process of settling into life in London.

‘I know Paris FC very well. In the French league, it was really Lyon and PSG, with Paris FC close by, but often with a little bit of a gap. Now we’re seeing that gap is no longer there, and they’re fighting to be at the top of the table. It’s no surprise seeing their results against Wolfsburg and Arsenal.

‘If it’s one game, maybe you can say that a team got lucky, but that shows they’re able to compete at the highest level. In the Champions League you can’t take anyone lightly, and Paris FC have done a really good job of developing young talent, and the coach has been there a long time.

‘They’ve been able to keep certain players, like Gaetane Thiney, who has national-team experience, is the captain of the team, so they do have a lot of quality. They’re going to look to possess the ball and they’re not afraid to play.

‘It’s going to be a good test, but I’m confident in us. We never take any opposition lightly, and we’ll do the same against Paris FC.’

With domestic titles and Olympic medals to her name, Lawrence came close to adding the Champions League to an illustrious CV during her time at PSG. She hopes the knowledge she gained from that experience can be helpful as we strive to secure the one trophy which has eluded us to date.

‘In my first year in Paris we went to the final, my first experience in a professional environment. We lost in the final against Lyon after penalties, but that experience gave me so much knowledge that I can hopefully bring to this team.

‘I hope I can add on the field, but also off it, with my leadership and through the games that I’ve played in the Champions League. I know that it’s a big objective to Chelsea, having been such a successful club and performing at a high level in Europe.

‘It’s a clear objective and one that’s attainable.’

Lawrence has impressed during the early weeks of the season, scoring her first Blues goal against Aston Villa in the WSL and registering an assist for Niamh Charles in Madrid last week. The 28-year-old full-back is learning something new every day and taking everything in her stride.

‘Things have been going well. We’ve gotten off to a great start, top of the standings, and I think we’re growing as a team with every game. For me personally, every week, every game, there’s a new discovery. Just being in this league, whether it’s home or away, it’s always a new experience.

‘It’s really exciting and I’m happy that I’ve been able to get some minutes under my belt. I know as the season goes on that will be more consistent. Just like my integration into the club, into the team, the best way is to play games with all the players.

‘Training’s been great, it’s a high level, very intense, which is exactly what I anticipated. Off the field, everyone’s been very welcoming. I’m just trying to take it all in and get settled as best as I can.’