Lauren James: 'There is more to come from me'

Lauren James insists there is more to come from her despite a stunning performance during England’s 6-1 win over China.

James scored a brace in Adelaide courtesy of a couple of superb strikes and could have had an exceptional hat-trick had a third not been ruled out for offside.

The Chelsea midfielder also grabbed a trio of assists in the final Group D match but despite producing one of the most impressive individual performances seen at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, James believes she can still get even better.

She said: "For sure there is more to come from me. Each day, each game, I am looking to improve and get better. 

"There are many more years of improvement, and I can always get better so I just need to stay focused and hopefully that can happen.”

Lauren James now has three goals and three assists in as many World Cup games, meaning she is second in the Golden Boot Race behind Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa.

And James added: "Obviously it is what dreams are made of, I am happy for the team and everybody is buzzing. 

"We are looking forward to going into the next round.”

James has often played in one of the wide attacking positions for England but was utilised in a more central role against China.

"I felt free, whether I am on the wing or in the middle. To be fair I am just happy to be on the pitch playing and enjoying my football,” James said.

Two of James’ three goals in the tournament have come via shots from outside the box and James continued: "I think like the last game, I thought why not just hit it and see what happens. 

"It is a bit frustrating [to have a goal disallowed] but those things happen, and I just look forward to the next one.”

Next up for England is Nigeria in the round of 16 on Monday, with kick-off at 8.30am BST and the match being shown live on the BBC and iPlayer.

Nigeria finished second in Group B and remain unbeaten, having drawn 0-0 with Canada and the Republic of Ireland either side of a 3-2 win over hosts Australia.

And James said: "Nigeria is going to be very tough, to be fair every team has been tough, even watching the other games. 

"Teams are catching up with each other and I know that will be another very difficult game."