Lauren James Opens Up on Euro 2025 Pain: “I Could Have One Leg Hanging Off”

Lauren James is no stranger to pressure. At just 23 years old, the Chelsea forward has already become one of the brightest stars in women’s football, a player whose flair and creativity light up the pitch. But behind the dazzling runs and clutch performances lies a grittier story — one of pain, resilience, and determination to deliver for her country.

England’s Euro 2025 triumph in Switzerland was historic, but for James, the tournament was also a personal battle. She revealed that she played through a “ridiculous amount of pain” in the knockout stages, desperate to help the Lionesses bring home another major trophy. Now, in the aftermath of victory, she has spoken candidly about her struggles, the criticism she faced, and why fans should “be mindful” before passing judgment.

Lauren James on Playing Through Pain at Euro 2025

England v Spain – UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Final James

England’s journey to lifting the European Championship was filled with drama, resilience, and no shortage of heroics. For James, however, it was also a test of her body’s limits.

She was forced off at half-time in both the semi-final against Italy and the final against Spain, with her injury visibly restricting her movement. Reflecting on the experience, James admitted she felt she had no choice but to try:

“It was a Euros, they don’t come around often. You could have one leg hanging off, I will still tell you that I’m going to try to play.”

Her determination meant she took to the pitch even when she knew she wasn’t at full strength. Against Sweden in the quarter-final, England had no substitutions left, so she stayed on despite obvious discomfort. Against Italy, she knew she wasn’t right but pushed through until half-time. And in the final, she once again put her body on the line, unwilling to miss the chance to play in the biggest match of her career.

“I didn’t think it was a major injury, so I tried to play,” she said. “Then we’re in the final, I can’t not play, so I tried again. And obviously we won, but I didn’t feel great. I didn’t play how I wanted to play, I couldn’t dribble, I couldn’t run properly.”

Criticism and the Message to Fans

Chelsea FC v Liverpool FC – Barclays Women’s Super League James

In the midst of her struggles, James also faced criticism from some fans who questioned her performances. To many watching on, she didn’t look like her usual self — the explosive forward capable of changing games in an instant. But James insists appearances can be misleading, and players often battle unseen challenges.

“A lot of the time fans don’t know what is going on, they only know what is in front of them,” she told BBC Sport. “They don’t know what someone is dealing with, what is going on in their life. I always say to the fans, be mindful. You don’t know what someone is dealing with out there. You could just be adding on to it.”

Her words are a powerful reminder of the human side of football. Players are often seen as indestructible athletes, expected to deliver no matter the circumstances. But for James, the reality was very different — she was playing through pain severe enough to force her off the field twice in England’s two most important matches.

Lauren James and the Battle with Injuries

James’ fight at Euro 2025 wasn’t an isolated incident. Injuries have dogged her career in recent seasons, limiting her availability for Chelsea. Last season, she managed just 17 appearances across all competitions, a frustrating campaign for someone who thrives on rhythm and consistency.

Her injury history meant even making it to the tournament in Switzerland was a race against time. James was passed fit just in time, only to suffer another setback in the quarter-finals. Still, she pressed on, unwilling to give up her chance to help England make history.

“I was obviously fighting to be fit for the Euros, then suffered another injury in the quarter-finals, and tried to play on. Then people assume you’re not trying, but at the end of the day I’m in a ridiculous amount of pain.”

That willingness to fight through discomfort may have cost her on an individual level — she admits she couldn’t perform at her best — but it symbolises the team-first mentality that defined England’s campaign.

Missing the Start of the WSL Season

Now, with the dust settling on Euro 2025, James is facing another spell on the sidelines. The injury she carried through the tournament will keep her out of the start of the Women’s Super League season, where Chelsea are looking to defend their title.

The Blues open their campaign against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 13, but James will be absent. It is a blow for new coach Enzo Maresca, who will want his best players available as Chelsea aim to continue their domestic dominance. For James, it’s another reminder that pushing through pain comes at a cost.

Still, the long-term priority is clear: ensuring she returns fully fit and ready to recapture her best form for both club and country.

The Bigger Picture: A Player Who Refuses to Hide

Lauren James’ honesty about her pain and her plea for understanding highlight the wider conversation around player welfare. Fans demand performances, managers demand results, but the sacrifices players make often remain hidden.

For James, Euro 2025 was both a triumph and a personal trial. She left Switzerland with a winner’s medal but also with an injury that will impact the months ahead. Yet, what stands out most is her willingness to give everything for her team — even when her body was screaming otherwise.

She may have felt far from her best, unable to glide past defenders or unleash her usual flair, but her presence still mattered. Sometimes, just being there, showing up for your team despite the pain, is as important as the dazzling moments of brilliance.

As James prepares for another spell of recovery, her words will resonate with many: “No player goes into a game or into a season thinking I’m not going to try.”

For a player still so young, with so much still ahead of her, this resilience may be what defines her as much as her talent.