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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterLauren James lit up Tuesdays Champions League tie against Arsenal with a goal that left fans and pundits in awe, despite Chelsea's 3-1 loss at the Emirates.Since the 24-year-old missed Englands final camp of 2025 due to injury, James has featured in every match for club and country since and has seen an impressive start to 2026.After England beat Iceland 2-0, former Lioness Karen Carney said it was a matter of when, not if James wins the Ballon d'Or, a sentiment echoed by other pundits and teammates.Article continues below You may like Alex Scott on Chelsea-Arsenal rivalry in Women's Champions League quarter-final Chelsea star Lucy Bronze reveals why she is 'sad' ahead of League Cup final Chloe Kelly becomes Barbie for International Women's Day 'Special player' - Lucy BronzeIn Tuesdays UEFA Womens Champions League match, James scored a stunning goal with her weaker foot, beating goalkeeper Anneke Borbe.Her teammate for club and country Lucy Bronze was full of praise for James post-match."I don't think anyone on the pitch could score a goal like that, and was with her weaker foot," Bronze said. "It was incredible."We know the talent that LJ has. She nearly scored a similar one 10 minutes later as well, she's a great talent.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."We're going to need her to be in top form again next week to turn this fixture around." Stop that, Lauren James #UWCL pic.twitter.com/UzZDIeVcwlMarch 24, 2026James Euro 2025 campaign was hampered by injuries, and she made a slow start to the season following that due to her recovery.But after working her way back to full fitness, the Chelsea forward returned to the Lionesses squad in the most recent camp earlier this month. What to read next Is Reece James injured? Injury update on Chelsea star Alex Scott says Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United's Champions League displays are perfect WSL advert Ranked! The 50 best Premier League players this season In Englands World Cup qualifier against Iceland, she assisted Bronze to open the scoring - a first-half performance that led Karen Carney to put forward this Ballon dOr shout."LJ is a pretty special player," Bronze added. "Coming back into the England team in her first start since the Euro final."It's so nice to have her back in an England shirt. I have the pleasure of seeing her every day at Chelsea and knowing the ability that she has, and she could unlock any team on any day if she wanted to."'The sky's the limit for LJ' - Lauren HempEngland attacker Lauren Hemp also waxed lyrical about her namesake's ability and contribution."She's massive," the Manchester City player said. "She crates something out of nothing and shes crucial to have around the group."She creates so many chances for us - you know whenever she gets the ball its probably going to end up in a chance on goal."She has so much potential, the sky's the limit for that girl."'Lauren James has it all' - Alex ScottChelsea have won a first piece of silverware this season, beating Manchester United 2-0 in the League Cup final - unsurprisingly, James played a crucial part in that game, scoring the first goal and winning Player of the Match for her efforts.Former Lioness Alex Scott also emphasised her importance and gave her take on whether James could win the Ballon d'Or."Lauren James always seems to step up in those big moments," Scott said.If you think about the League Cup final, the difference was Lauren James. When you look at the two teams, there wasnt much in it, but it was her.I think Lauren James has it all. You can have all the talent in the world and it is there on show for us all to see. But LJ needs to do it continuously in a World Cup, in a Euros and for Chelsea.She steps up in moments, but when you look at players that have won the Ballon dOr before, it's not just moments. It's having that consistency and always being that player every single game. And I think as soon as she hits that mark, no doubt she will be the best player in the world.And no more injuries! LJ, we just want to wrap you up so you can stay fit so you can pick up those trophies.TOPICSChelsea WomenAyisha GulatiWomen's Football WriterAyisha Gulati is the women's football writer at FourFourTwo. Fresh from a summer covering the Lionesses triumphant Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland, she brings a passion for all things WSL, UWCL, and international womens football. She has interviewed names including Alessia Russo and Aitana Bonmati and enjoys telling stories that capture the excitement on and off the pitch.
