Lauren James showcased her immense talent in England's crucial 1-0 victory over Spain, but the question remains: how can manager Sarina Wiegman consistently harness the forward's game-changing abilities?
Starting on the left wing in Tuesday's 2027 World Cup qualifier at Wembley, James came close to scoring in the second half while working tirelessly to help maintain England's clean sheet against the reigning world champions. The performance offered glimpses of what could become a blueprint for maximizing one of England's most gifted footballers.
"LJ set the tone. We all just followed," said England midfielder Georgia Stanway after a previous victory. "She's class and she brings something different to what we've got. You give LJ the ball and you know she is going to run through everybody and get her shot off."
James represents a unique tactical challenge for Wiegman. The 24-year-old Chelsea forward possesses match-winning creativity and technical ability that few can match—evidenced by her recent audacious lob in the Women's Champions League and her iconic two-goal, three-assist performance against China in the 2023 World Cup group stage.
Yet her England career has been inconsistent, disrupted by injuries and a high-profile sending off during the 2023 World Cup knockout stages. When James performs at her peak, however, England typically secure victories.
The central tactical question revolves around positioning. James has featured on both wings and in the number 10 role for the Lionesses, with each deployment offering different advantages and challenges. Her performance against Spain suggests the left wing might provide the freedom she needs while maintaining defensive responsibility.
As England build toward future tournaments, finding the optimal system to unleash James's full potential could prove decisive in their quest for silverware.