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‘I think it’s a cheat code’: Leah Williamson is stunned by England teammate Lauren James’ excellent performance against South Korea as she insists the Chelsea striker was ‘always going to be this way’ good”.
- James was named man of the match after scoring in the Lionesses’ 4-0 win
- He also won a penalty for Sarina Wiegman’s team in the Arnold Clark Cup match.
- Williamson praised the 21-year-old, calling her an “incredible” talent.
England captain Leah Williamson praised Lauren James after the Chelsea striker starred in the Lionesses’ 4-0 win over South Korea.
James was named player of the match after scoring her first international goal and earning a penalty in Thursday’s Arnold Clark Cup match.
James appears confident of making the 23-man World Cup squad and Williamson was stunned by the 21-year-old’s performance.
“I think it’s a cheat code,” Williamson said.
‘I enjoy being on the same team as her when we come here. We have a team that obviously has standards and non-negotiables and Sarina has mentioned that before about this real English mentality about how we’ve all been brought up to work hard.
England captain Leah Williamson has branded Lauren James (pictured) a cheat code
James starred in the Lionesses’ 4-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday, scoring his fourth
The 21-year-old also earned a penalty as Sarina Wiegman’s side claimed their latest win.
“She’s also trying to bring out the best in us and make sure we bring our best selves to the game, and someone like Lauren is a perfect example of that.” The girl is amazing, so please give her all the support you can.
“Obviously, you would like to think that we have players on the team who show the way. [in terms] of the rules, but other than that, the girl. I’m nobody to talk. I would never try to give the girl advice, I don’t think so.
Williamson briefly played with James in Arsenal’s youth team before the striker left to join Manchester United in 2018.
James moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2021 and after a year of returning to fitness, he now performs regularly for the Blues.
“She was always going to be this good,” Williamson added. ‘It was only a matter of time. Her circumstances right now have just cooked up a storm for her and she’s flying.
England boss Sarina Wiegman also praised James after the match.
Williamson (R) says he always knew James was going to be a special talent
“I think he’s been a talent, of course, for a long time, he just needed to be available and he needed some time at Chelsea,” Wiegman said.
‘She worked very hard at Chelsea. That is what she has seen at Chelsea this season, she can then take the next step to the selection. Now when she starts playing at this level with Chelsea, and also in the Champions League, and at this international level, and get those minutes. You can get better. I hope that now he has consistency, stays in shape and continues to enjoy himself.
‘It’s not the World Cup yet. Last season he didn’t play much and he was still building. This year she is playing more and more. She feels good and it shows. But we have more players who are really good. We have so many attacking players who are really good. We have opportunities.