Chelsea Women: Lauren James extends her stay in west London until 2027

Many CFCW fans had forgotten about her due to the lack of playing time she received. James used her first year at Cobham to adapt to the culture Hayes had built. The Blues’ manager knew just how talented of a player she was, but also how young she was. Hayes thought it was best for James to take all the time she needed before providing her with a much larger role. It was her genius that led to English international’s breakout campaign that began in the fall of 2022.

James netted seven goals across all competitions, appearing in 26 contests in the WSL and the UEFA Women’s Champions League combined. She completed 18 more take-ons than any other CFCW player in the domestic league, continuously using her creativity with the ball at her feet to knife through any oppositions backline. Of the players that attempted over 45 or more take-ons in the women’s top-flight in England this past season, James is the only one who successful completed over 62 percent of them.

As the Chelsea men’s team continue to fail to lock down one of their academy standouts, the women’s team secured one of their brightest young stars long term.

In front of the Kingsmeadow crowd, James had her coming out party in blue, contributing to all three of the west Londoners’ goals en route to a triumph over Aston Villa on the eve of Halloween. Against Paris Saint-Germain, the former Chelsea academy player netted two goals with an eight minute span to put the French side to bed before the 70′.

At only 21, it is frightening how good she can truly become with even more time at the senior club level and on the national stage with England. Her grace, and balance while making runs is something to behold. Combining that with her strength, makes her one of the most feared forward players in the WSL today. Her persistence to go right at the backline when she is making her runs causes hesitation among the opponent.