star Lauren James is enjoying a stellar for the Lionesses Down Under.
The forward, playing in her first major tournament for the national side, in England’s second group stage fixture against Denmark.
James then bagged a stunning brace in the team’s final group match with China as England booked their place in the Round of 16 with a dominant 6-1 win.
And given her eye catching performances, fans have been left wondering – is she related to ace ?
Here is everything you need to know.
Is Lauren James related to Reece James?
Lauren is the sister of Chelsea right back Reece, with the Lioness two years younger than her brother.
And what’s more, Lauren also plays for Chelsea having joined the club from Manchester United on a four year deal in 2021.
This came after Lauren had originally come through the Chelsea academy before departing for Arsenal in 2014.
Her performances in the 2022/23 season saw her win the Young Player Of The Year Award at the Women’s Football Awards.
Similarly, Reece is a Blues academy graduate having been with the club since he was seven.
Lauren’s attacking play must have rubbed off on Reece, who started out as a striker before eventually finding a home at right back.
The James family have made history with Lauren and Reece the only siblings to have played for England at senior level.
What have they said about each other?
Speaking to the official England website, : ‘From the outside, it is a bit like ‘wow’ [both Lauren and Reece playing for England], but from our point of view, it is difficult to take it in. We are just both on our own paths and looking to enjoy our football.
‘Both of us are supportive of each other, where I will go to his games and he will go to my games when he can.
‘We kind of leave each other to it, though. Anything to do with football, we both know what we need to do, so we just leave the other one to it.
‘But outside of football, we have a great relationship and we are really close. I think with our age gap, that helps, with it only being two years.’
Reece, meanwhile, is a proud older brother having complimented her recent performances on the pitch.
Reece wrote on Twitter: ‘I believe she is the best women’s footballer in the world, and will be for the next ten to 15 years, without doubt. She’s technically better than some Prem [Premier League] players.’
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