Chelsea Women: Lauren James lights up the February international window

There was no player on Emma Hayes’ side that shined brighter than Lauren James during a vital February international window ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup this July. 17 different Chelsea Women players represented their respective national teams during an international window featuring a plethora of tournaments to prepare the world’s best for this upcoming summer.

Many of Emma Hayes’ stars were out in full force in the final international break until the middle of April. Three different players helped their respective countries lift some silverware as their teams battled against World Cup level competition.

Some of the standout moments of the last few weeks include Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s goal within the first minute of Sweden’s first contest of the window against China and Sam Kerr’s leadership up top for Australia as the Matildas hoisted the Cup of Nations in their own country. While those deserve recognition, none outdid the display by English international Lauren James in the Arnold Clark Cup. James was simply sublime.

Lauren James of Chelsea Women sparkled for England’s Women National team

Sarina Wiegman missed James during the team’s run to the European championship this past summer. Her creativity and dynamism were on full display in her home country, announcing to the rest of the world that she may be England’s most talented women’s footballer. Whether it was from the bench or in the starting XI, the Chelsea superstar always found a way to impact the Lionesses’ attack. Her directness, and willingness to run at backlines with little to no fear caused almost every defense she went up against a number of issues.

It may be difficult to believe, but her right-footed screamer against South Korea was her first of what will be many international goals throughout her career:

At the conclusion of the tournament, James did not have enough hands to hold all the silverware she managed to collect. At the end of the three matches, James may have only scored one goal, but her dynamic play with the ball at her feet creating chances for her team won her the Arnold Clark Cup Player of the Tournament. She could have found the back of the net more than one time, but it was always evident she was in the right place at the right time.

Right out of the gate, it was evident this was going to be a special tournament for James. The 21-year-old winger sent warning signs to the rest of the opposition in the tournament, firing just wide of the goal within the first three minutes of the opener against South Korea. Her strength with the ball at her feet driving right at the backline was something to marvel at.

She makes a game that requires so much skill look effortless. Lauren James glided past defenders throughout the tournament, knowing they simply could not keep up with her pace and technical skill. Her pinpoint right-footed cross against Italy clinched the match for the Lionesses as Rachel Daly applied the finished touch. It was the coming out party for James on the international stage. Before the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup, James had made just five appearances for England, starting in just two of them.

Lauren James’ darting run right into the teeth of the Belgium defense sees England on its way to back to back Arnold Clark Cups:

For Wiegman to have a world-class talent like James at her disposal after winning the Euros without her has to send a message to the opposition around the world heading into July. If Beth Mead can find her way back onto the pitch, this England squad will be one that has the talent to win two major trophies in consecutive summers. Niamh Charles and Jess Carter showed what they could do on the national stage, but it was James taking the spotlight from the 17 CFCW stars during this short-living hiatus away from club football.

Chelsea fans know how talented James is, but this tournament was time for the world to appreciate what she is able to do. Kerr found the back of the net once for the Matildas while Zecira Musovic collected a clean sheet against Germany, but nobody lit up the international stage like James did with the Lionesses.