Graham Ruthven: Lauren James flourishing as England’s greatest generational talent at Women’s World Cup

LAUREN James is having her own personal Goal of the Tournament competition at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Not content with scoring just one peach for England, she has netted three – a right-footed curling effort from 20 yards against Denmark, another swept effort from the edge of the box against China and a full volley back across goal against the same opposition.

James scored a fourth stunner – a left-footed strike from distance – in England’s final group game only for a marginal offside to be spotted by VAR. Nonetheless, the Chelsea attacker has emerged as one of the players of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. James is a generational talent for the Lionesses.

Last year, it was Beth Mead who primarily made the difference for England as they won Euro 2022. Mead, however, is currently sidelined through injury with Fran Kirby – another key figure for the Lionesses at the Euros – also watching the Women’s World Cup from home. Sarina Wiegman needed other attackers to step up and James has certainly done that.

Wiegman has used James on the wing. She has also deployed the 21-year-old in a central role where James has the freedom to find space wherever it appears. Technically, there aren’t many players with the skill set of the Chelsea attacker who is capable of dribbling, passing and shooting with both feet. James gives England poise in the final third.

After a slow start, England have grown into the 2023 Women’s World Cup with every match they have played. The Lionesses looked slow in possession and vulnerable at the back in their opening fixture against Haiti and underwhelmed against Denmark too. Keira Walsh’s knee injury also presented a new problem for Wiegman to solve.

However, a change of shape for the match against China got the best out of England’s attacking talent with Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Chloe Kelly all shinning. Nobody shone brighter than James, though. Wiegman must continue to harness her to give England the best chance of going all the way in Australia and New Zealand this summer.

“Another day, obviously it’s what dreams are made of,” said James after the dominant 6-1 win over China. “Happy for the team and everyone is buzzing and looking forward to going into the next round. I felt free, whether I am on the wing or in the middle, I am just happy to be on the pitch playing and enjoying my football. I am happy I can contribute to goals as well.”

Nigeria mustn’t be taken lightly by England in Monday’s last 16 tie. The Super Falcons have already overachieved by making it out of a group that included Olympic champions Canada and so there can be no room for complacency in the Lionesses’ performance. Wiegman must devise a plan to handle the explosiveness of Nigeria’s attack in particular.

But with James in the team, England have a chance against anyone at this Women’s World Cup. Even when the Lionesses are struggling to find their groove, James is capable of producing something out of nothing to get her team over the line, just as she did in the group stage win over Denmark.

This tournament could mark the start of something special for James as a star for England. Her shimmering potential has been clear for a number of years, but the 2023 Women’s World Cup has provided the 21-year-old with a stage to showcase her talent. This might be the first major tournament James has made her own, but it almost certainly won’t be the last.

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