Lauren James: How can Sarina Wiegman and England get the best from talented forward?
In football terms, James is a maverick. He is a match-winner and a creative spark with an abnormally high level of talent.
He has been in great form for Chelsea in recent weeks; She scored a brave goal in their Women’s Champions League quarter-final defeat against Arsenal.
In one of her most iconic performances, James scored two goals and made three assists as they beat China 6-1 in the group stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
However, her England career has been in disarray, largely due to devastating injuries and a high-profile dismissal during England’s last 16 win over Nigeria in the Women’s World Cup.
She came off the bench in the final against Spain, where the Lionesses lost 1-0.
But there’s a reason why James has been tipped as a future Ballon d’Or Feminine winner, and when England get the best out of him he often wins games.
“LJ set the tone. We all followed him,” England midfielder Georgia Stanway said after the vital Euro 2025 group stage victory over the Netherlands.
“He’s a classy player and brings something different to what we’ve got. If you give the ball to LJ you know he’ll go over anyone and get his shot.
“If LJ is confident, that’s what we want because we want him to have fun, play freely.
“Everyone has to do their own thing so LJ can do his.”
The big question is not whether James has what it takes, but where he is strongest for England.
As well as playing on the left and right wing, she also played in the number 10 position for the Lionesses, all with varying levels of success.
He even played as a number nine at Chelsea, but which position does Wiegman think is best for England?
Speaking before the win over Spain, Wiegman admitted: “It’s a good question. He’s comfortable in many positions but I think he prefers to be on the left and right.”
“He can play on either side because he uses both feet. What we’re trying to do is put the best team on the field and put the players in a place where they can play to their strengths.
“But I don’t think it really matters which side LJ plays on. We have different players up front who are in very good form.”
