EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
LAUREN JAMES
She may only be 22 years old, but England football ace Lauren James is already an inspiration to a legion of young girls across the land.
Since playing in last year’s nail-biting Women’s World Cup final against Spain, the Lioness has thrived with her club Chelsea and is regarded as one of the brightest talents to have emerged from the Women’s Super League.
She’s thrilled to be a sporting influence, too. “It’s amazing to be able to be a role model to young girls growing up, and hopefully I can keep doing that for them,” she exclusively tells hello!.
Scouted by Arsenal aged 13, forward Lauren has football in her blood. Although she works hard, saying that her success “comes with training”, she also believes that “some people are born to do things”.
Her father Nigel has been a coach for more than 20 years and her brother Reece, 24, plays as a defender for Chelsea. To top it all off, in 2022, the siblings became the first brother and sister to represent England at senior level in the modern era.
Lauren says they watch each other’s games, and the James clan aren’t averse to brushing up their skills at family get-togethers. “I wouldn’t say it’s competitive; sometimes we kick a ball about,” she says with a laugh.
SPREADING THE WORD
Earlier this month, Lauren added another string to her bow when she was unveiled as an ambassador for McDonald’s Fun Football, a programme delivering free and inclusive coaching across the UK to children aged between five and 11.
“I want to inspire as many girls in football as possible,” she says. “When I was growing up, th
