Lauren James has emerged as one of England's most exciting talents, showcasing remarkable ability both on and off the ball. But for manager Sarina Wiegman, the pressing question remains: how can she get the absolute best out of the Chelsea forward? The answer may have been highlighted in England's recent 1-0 victory over Spain in the 2027 World Cup qualifier, where James displayed her game-changing qualities despite not scoring.
James' Versatility and Her Impact on the Field
James is a football maverick, possessing the kind of creativity and technical ability that sets her apart. Her recent performances for Chelsea, including a spectacular lob in the Women's Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, have reinforced her reputation as a match-winner. At the 2023 Women's World Cup, she was nothing short of outstanding, scoring twice and assisting three times in a dominant 6-1 win over China.
However, her international career with England has had its ups and downs, hindered by injuries and a controversial red card during the Women’s World Cup clash against Nigeria. Despite these challenges, there’s no doubting her potential to shine on the global stage. "When LJ is confident, that’s when she plays her best football," said England teammate Georgia Stanway. "She brings something different, and when we get her firing, we usually win."
Where Is Lauren James’ Best Position for England?
The most pressing tactical issue for Sarina Wiegman is deciding on the best position for James within the England setup. Over the years, James has played in various roles, from the left and right wings to the number 10 position, with varying levels of success. For Chelsea, she has even played as a central forward. But where does Wiegman believe James can have the biggest impact for the Lionesses?
Ahead of their match against Spain, Wiegman addressed the question: “She’s comfortable in several positions, but I think she prefers being on the left side or the right side.” Despite this, the England manager emphasized the importance of flexibility in selecting players based on their strengths, suggesting that James' ability to play in multiple roles is an asset. "It doesn't really matter which side she plays on, as long as the team can use their strengths," Wiegman added.
The Left Wing: James’ Most Effective Role
James' most recent performances have reinforced the idea that the left wing might be her most effective position for England. It was in this role that she excelled during England's 1-0 win over Spain, and it’s where she has had the most success in recent years. James also impressed in England’s Women's Nations League victory over Spain and during the Euro 2025 final against the same opponents, despite having to come off early due to injury.
A key area of improvement for James has been her defensive contributions, something that had previously been a point of criticism. Wiegman highlighted that James' defensive awareness has grown significantly, making her a more rounded player. Regularly playing on the left wing for Chelsea has also helped James hone her skills in this position, leading to stronger performances for both club and country.
Chelsea’s head coach, Sonia Bompastor, echoed the sentiment, stating, “For me, right now, the best position for LJ is the left wing. She performs at a high level there, and when she’s fit, she’s one of the first names on the team sheet.”
As England looks ahead to their World Cup qualification and future tournaments, getting the best out of Lauren James, particularly in the left-wing role, will be critical to their success. With her blend of technical ability, creativity, and growing tactical awareness, James has the potential to be a game-changer for the Lionesses for years to come.
