On a night when England desperately needed a hero, Lauren James delivered, not with noise, but with quiet brilliance. The Lionesses, still stinging from their opening defeat to France, looked a team in need of inspiration. Against the Netherlands, it was James who provided the spark, scoring twice in a performance that reminded Europe of her world-class ability.
From the first whistle, there was a noticeable shift in England’s approach. Sarina Wiegman, often known for her tactical caution, took a bold step by deploying James on the right wing instead of her usual left-sided role. That switch, subtle on paper, unlocked a completely different side of the Chelsea star. Now cutting in onto her stronger right foot, James looked free, fluid, and fearless.
Her opening goal came midway through the first half and was a moment of pure quality. Picking up the ball outside the box, she shifted onto her right and unleashed a thunderous strike that sailed into the top corner, leaving the Dutch goalkeeper clutching at thin air. In that moment, the anxiety of the France defeat seemed to disappear.
But James wasn’t done. After the break, when the Dutch briefly threatened to fight back, she struck again. This time, it was all about movement and awareness. Alessia Russo, who was superb all night with her hold-up play and vision, found James ghosting into the box. A calm, low finish doubled England’s lead and settled any lingering nerves.
Beyond the goals, James’ all-round game was outstanding. She dropped deep to collect possession, drifted wide to stretch the Netherlands' backline, and linked up beautifully with Russo and Ella Toone. Every time she touched the ball, England looked dangerous.
It wasn’t just about individual brilliance though. Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone also found the net, both benefiting from the creative freedom James and Russo provided. Russo, often criticised for her lack of goals, answered back in style with three assists showing the selflessness England needed from their No.9.
Defensively, England were solid. Millie Bright marshalled the backline with composure, and Keira Walsh offered her usual calm presence in midfield. But make no mistake: the night belonged to Lauren James.
She played with joy, intensity, and clarity, something England lacked against France. Even when she came off late in the second half with what appeared to be a minor eye injury, the standing ovation said it all. This was a performance that will be remembered, not just for the goals, but for the leadership and confidence it brought to a side under pressure.
The Bigger Picture
This win keeps England alive in Group D, setting up a decisive clash against Wales. Win that, and the Lionesses will progress to the knockout stages, a place where they’ve so often thrived in recent years.
But more than the three points, this was about belief. Lauren James reminded her teammates and the football world—that England remain a force when they play with freedom and purpose. Her brace wasn’t just about rescuing a tournament campaign; it was about restoring pride.
The journey is far from over, but for now, England can breathe again. And Lauren James, still only 23, has taken one step closer to fulfilling the immense potential we’ve all seen glimpses of.
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