Lauren James' dream week continues

Lauren James has described the last week as a dream come true and hopes this is just the beginning of her and the England players ‘making memories together’.

James was named player of the tournament after impressing during England’s run to retain the Arnold Clark Cup.

The 21-year-old scored her first England senior team goal in the 4-0 win over Korea Republic before helping the Lionesses to 2-1 and 6-1 wins over Italy and Belgium respectively.

James said: “It has been a great week, a week I have dreamt of, I couldn’t have asked for anymore.  

“I have still got work to do but I am finding myself, finding some form, finding confidence and I just need to continue.”

She continued: “[Winning player of the tournament] means a lot. It is an amazing feeling, especially with a great group of people and an amazing atmosphere. 

“I am just happy to be a part of it and hopefully we can keep on making memories together.”

England have played in front of packed crowds in Milton Keynes, Coventry and Bristol in the last week.

And James added: “The fans have been brilliant everywhere we have travelled; the atmosphere has always been good. We appreciate it all and being with a great group and staff, it has been a great week.”

England’s focus will now switch to the first-ever Women’s Finalissima against Brazil and a match versus Australia in April, as the Lionesses build towards this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

That. Winning. Feeling. 🥳 pic.twitter.com/wvHXmSoH3W

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 22, 2023

James may have starred in both of her starts for England during the Arnold Clark Cup and set up the winner in the other match, but the forward is not taking anything for granted ahead of what would be her first major senior tournament for the Lionesses.

“I want to be there, I have to keep working hard at my club and working hard at England,” James said.

“It sets us on a good road, and we just have to keep looking at each game as it comes, keep building and we look forward to hopefully going to the World Cup in the summer.”

The excitement around James has built as the Arnold Clark Cup progressed and head coach Sarina Wiegman was asked how much more can fans expect from James in her post-match television interview.

Wiegman replied: “I think a lot more. We have said throughout the week, she is a big talent, she is very powerful, tight on the ball, has speed and consistency. She needs to get a little fitter so she can keep up the level for 90 minutes but she is getting there and I hope she can keep going.”