Lauren James Dazzles on Lionesses Return as Chelsea Star Tipped for Ballon d’Or Glory

Lauren James fuels England optimism with sparkling cameo ahead of Euro 2025 opener

If there were any lingering doubts about Lauren James‘ readiness for Euro 2025, they were erased in the space of a few magical minutes at the King Power Stadium. Making her much-anticipated return to the England Lionesses setup, the Chelsea forward didn’t just impress — she enchanted.

Coming off the bench in the second half of England’s final warm-up clash against Jamaica, James served up a piece of footballing artistry that reignited the buzz surrounding her name ahead of the tournament in Switzerland. Her intelligent turn, gliding past defenders with effortless poise, and the perfectly-weighted cross that landed on Alessia Russo’s head — all executed within moments of her introduction — was a gentle reminder that England’s most dazzling attacking weapon is fully locked and loaded.

Ballon d’Or talk returns as Carney draws legendary comparisons

Lauren James fuels England optimism with sparkling cameo ahead of Euro 2025 opener

If the social media eruption following her assist wasn’t telling enough, former England international Karen Carney summed it up on ITV: “She can do things I’ve never seen any player since Kelly Smith do. She’s Ballon d’Or.”

That’s no throwaway compliment. To be spoken about in the same breath as Kelly Smith, a legend who redefined attacking football in the women’s game for England, is a marker of just how unique Lauren James is — and how high the ceiling might be for her.

Carney’s “Ballon d’Or” tag might seem premature to some, but those who’ve followed James’ rise won’t blink twice. From her jaw-dropping goals at Chelsea to her blistering performances at last year’s World Cup — where she briefly took centre stage before suspension cut her tournament short — she’s already shown flashes of world-best quality. Now, as she re-joins a squad brimming with momentum and unity, her timing couldn’t be more perfect.

England’s attack is overflowing — and James only adds more firepower

Coventry City v Manchester United – Emirates FA Cup Semi Final

The 5-1 win over Jamaica didn’t just confirm England’s attacking fluency; it underlined the depth and variety now available to Sarina Wiegman. Six different names on the scoresheet, fluid movement across the front line, and a hunger that’s been fine-tuned since their World Cup semi-final heartbreak — this is a team that means business.

Lauren James brings something different to the table. Russo might be the reliable finisher, Chloe Kelly the wide sparkplug, and Ella Toone the midfield energiser, but James is the wildcard — the creative genius who can produce a moment of magic when things get tight.

It’s not just about flair. Her physical strength, intelligence in tight spaces, and decision-making in the final third are maturing rapidly. At just 22 years old, her understanding of when to shoot, when to pass, and when to simply hold the ball is elevating her from a raw talent into a game-changer.

Wiegman has a selection headache — and that’s a good thing

When England open their Euro 2025 campaign next Saturday, Wiegman faces a fascinating dilemma: does James start?

Given her impact against Jamaica, and the way she instantly changed the tempo of the match, it’s tempting to hand her a starting role. But Wiegman is also a pragmatist — and she’s blessed with an attack that has both cohesion and experience. With Russo, Kelly, Lauren Hemp, and Beth Mead all in form, the decision might ultimately depend on the opponent and game state.

Still, if there’s one player capable of breaking open a knockout tie, it’s Lauren James. Whether from the start or off the bench, her presence is now non-negotiable.

A new era for the Lionesses, and James is central to it

In her own words, James has described this summer as the beginning of a “new era” for the Lionesses — and she’s not wrong. With Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright now among the more senior figures, and youngsters like Grace Clinton and Katie Robinson establishing themselves, England is evolving.

But evolution doesn’t mean abandoning the stars — it means placing them in a structure that gets the best from them. For James, that might mean more freedom to drift into central pockets, combine with Toone, or take on defenders one-on-one down the left. The system will be built with her gifts in mind.

Off the pitch too, her maturity is shining through. She’s spoken candidly about managing expectations and learning from past mistakes. That growth is evident — and it makes her even more dangerous on the field.

What’s next for Lauren James?

England’s Euro 2025 group fixtures begin with a clash against one of the tournament’s dark horses, and it won’t take long for Wiegman to reveal her attacking blueprint. All signs point to James playing a central role — whether as a starter or the world’s most dangerous substitute.

There’s also the Ballon d’Or narrative, which will only gather momentum if James continues to produce match-defining moments on the biggest stage. With her club form strong, her fitness on track, and a European Championship title to defend, the spotlight is well and truly back on her.

And from what we’ve seen so far? She’s more than ready for it.