Lauren James

Arsenal

James was scouted by Arsenal as a 13-year-old and trained with the boys' team, but within two years she began training with the first team. On 29 October 2017, James became the second-youngest player in Arsenal's history to make their debut, coming on in the 67th minute to replace Lisa Evans in a 2–0 win over Everton in the 2017–18 season.

Manchester United

2018–19

On 13 July 2018, it was announced that James would be part of the first professional Manchester United squad due to compete in the newly restructured 2018–19 FA Women's Championship. She made her competitive debut for Manchester United in a 1–0 League Cup victory against Liverpool, on 19 August. She scored the opening two goals in United's first game of the 2018–19 season, a 12–0 win away to Aston Villa. James was voted FA Women's Championship player of the month for September following her three goals across Manchester United's unbeaten opening month. On 20 April 2019, James scored four goals in a 7–0 league win against Crystal Palace.

2019–21

James scored United's first ever WSL goal, netting in the 71st minute in a 2–0 win against Liverpool on 28 September 2019. Two weeks later, James was sent off in United's 3–0 league win away to Tottenham Hotspur after receiving two yellow cards. James signed her first professional contract with the club on 16 December. At the end of the 2019–20 season, James finished as United's top scorer and was named to the four player…

Youth

In April 2017, James made her under-17 debut in a 2–0 friendly defeat to USA. On 14 October 2017, she captained England during a 10–0 win over Latvia as part of 2018 UEFA Under-17 Championship qualification, scoring four goals. On 17 October, she scored a further two goals against Slovakia in a 6–0 victory, helping the team to qualify for the final tournament, where England finished in fourth place. In January 2019, James received her first call-up to the under-19 squad for the Algarve Tournament. In July 2019, James was named in the England squad for the 2019 UEFA Under-19 Championship in Scotland, and played in group stage matches against Germany, Spain, and Belgium.

Senior

In November 2020, James received her first senior national team call-up as part of a 29-player training camp at St George's Park. James made her senior debut on 3 September 2022, coming on as a 79th minute substitute during England's 2023 World Cup qualification match against Austria. She scored her first international goal on 16 February 2023 during England's 4–0 victory against South Korea in the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup. She was named player of the tournament. On 31 May 2023, James was named to the squad for the 2023 World Cup in July 2023. At 21, she was the second youngest player in the squad after the 20 year old Katie Robinson. She scored the only goal in England's 1–0 victory over Denmark in their second Group D fixture, followed by two goals, three assists, and a player of…

Lauren Elizabeth James was born on 29 September 2001 in London. She is of Grenadian and Dominican descent through her father, and English descent through her mother. Her brother Reece James is also a professional footballer. She attended Twickenham Academy in Whitton, London.

Lauren has an older brother Reece who captains Chelsea and plays for them and England. They are the first brother and sister to represent England at senior level in the modern era. She has cited her father Nigel, a UEFA licensed football coach, as inspiration: "[He] has helped me every step of the way. I grew up playing football with my brothers and wanted to play like them; I have always loved the game. I am grateful to my Dad for all the time, effort and love that he has put into my football by coaching me in order that I reach the very best level."