THERE is no other player in the world quite like Lauren James.
In terms of raw talent, she is undoubtedly one of the very best.
Her potential was evident from a young age, with her ability even succeeding the level of some top girls’ academies.
And now she is one of the shining stars of Euro 2025 despite England’s turbulent start.
James scored twice for the Lionesses in a must-win match against the Netherlands on Wednesday, demonstrating just why Sarina Wiegman took a risk by including her in the squad while she was recovering from a hamstring injury.
The 23-year-old is a game-changer. She can make something happen from nothing, with some of her international team-mates even branding her a “cheat code” and ex-manager Emma Hayes claiming she is “the most naturally gifted footballer” in the country.
Already one of the most popular members of the England squad, she is now on track to become one of the richest players in women’s football.
Walk into any British supermarket this month and chances are you’ll see a photo of her among some of the top brands.
James, the younger sister of Chelsea men’s captain Reece James, is currently partnered with the likes of Pepsi, Cadbury, Optimum Nutrition, Barclays and Sure. She is also a Nike athlete and has featured in adverts for Google Pixel.
In 2023, talent manager Jonathan Shalit predicted that she would become a multi-millionaire regardless of whether England won the Women’s World Cup or not.
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And since then, she has only continued to shine on the pitch.
The arrival of new head coach Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea last year elevated her game, with the former Lyon boss implementing a more aggressive pressing style of play with increased focus on responsibilities off the ball.
However, the forward faced some setbacks, including a hamstring injury which jeopardised her place at this summer’s European Championship in Switzerland.
Despite the scare, Wiegman took the risk by including her in the 23-player England squad – and it has already paid off.
With two goals to her name, James will keep her place in the starting line-up bar any injury scares.
And she could be the spark to inspire England to another major title.
The Lionesses face Wales in another must-win game on Sunday. Anything less than three points would put them at risk of a premature exit.
Following her latest five-star performance, James said: “The win is massive. As long as I am helping the team in every way I can, whether that is providing or scoring, I just try and do my best each game.
“Hopefully, as the games keep going on, I keep getting more involved.”
Meanwhile, Wiegman has tipped her to build on her performances, adding: “I think she can do even better. Of course, she has been out for a while but she is really back on it and that looked really good.
“She’s a special player and that’s what you see, and the team supports her and she supports the team and it’s really nice she plays to her strengths because she can change games.”
