Lauren Elizabet

Lauren Elizabeth James (born 29 September 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Women's Super League club Chelsea and the England women's national team

Full name
Lauren Elizabeth James
Date of birth
29 September 2001 (age 21)
Place of birth
London, England
Height
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Position(s)
Forward

Lauren Elizabeth James was born on 29 September 2001 in London. She is of Grenadian and Dominican descent through her father, and English descent through her mother.

She attended Whitton School in Whitton, London.

James was scouted by Arsenal as a 13-year-old and trained with the boys' team, but within two years she began training with the first team. On 29 October 2017, James made her debut for Arsenal, coming on in the 67th minute, replacing Lisa Evans in a 2–0 win over Everton in the 2017–18 season. In doing so, she became the second-youngest player in Arsenal's history to make their debut.

On 13 July 2018, it was announced that James would be part of the first professional Manchester United squad due to compete in the newly restructured 2018–19 FA Women's Championship. She made her competitive debut for Manchester United in a 1–0 League Cup victory against Liverpool, on 19 August. She scored the opening two goals in United's first game of the 2018–19 Championship season, a 12–0 win away to Aston Villa. James was voted FA Women's Championship player of the month for September following her three goals across Manchester United's unbeaten opening month. On 20 April 2019, James scored four goals in a 7–0 league win against Crystal Palace.

James scored United's first ever WSL goal, netting in the 71st minute in a 2–0 win against Liverpool on 28 September 2019. Two weeks later, James was sent off in United's 3–0 league win away to Tottenham Hotspur after receiving two yellow cards.[14] James signed her first professional contract with the club on 16 December. At the end of the 2019–20 season, James finished as United's top scorer and was named to the four player shortlist for PFA Women's Young Player of the Year.

On 27 March 2021, James opened the scoring in a 2–0 league victory over West Ham United. The match was the first FA WSL match to be played at Old Trafford
James is the younger sister of Chelsea and England defender Reece James. They are the first brother and sister siblings to represent England at senior level in the modern era.

She has cited her father Nigel, a UEFA licensed football coach, as inspiration: "He has helped me every step of the way. I grew up playing football with my brothers and wanted to play like them; I have always loved the game. I am grateful to my Dad for all the time, effort and love that he has put into my football by coaching me in order that I reach the very best level.
Manchester United

FA Women's Championship: 2018–19
Chelsea

FA Women's Super League: 2021–22, 2022–23
Women's FA Cup: 2021–22, 2022–23
England

Women's Finalissima: 2023
Arnold Clark Cup: 2023
Individual

Women's Super League Goal of the Month: February 2023
FA Women's Championship Player of the Month: September 2018
North-West Football Awards Women's Rising Star: 2020
Arnold Clark Cup Player of the Tournament: 2023
Arnold Clark Cup NXGN Player of the Tournament: 2023
London Football Awards Women’s Young Player of the Year: 2023