Featured Image Credit: Getty/ITV Football
Topics: England, Womens World Cup, Chelsea
Jack Kenmare
Lauren James produced a performance that will remembered for years to come as England booked their place in the Women's World Cup last-16 with a resounding 6-1 win over China.
The 21-year-old may not have started in England's opener against Haiti on July 22 but the supremely-talented forward has certainly made up for lost time.
James, who plays her club football for Women's Super League side Chelsea, helped England inch closer to the knockout rounds by scoring a crucial winner in Friday's 1-0 win against Denmark.
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And on Tuesday evening, James became the first England player in history to be directly involved in five or more goals in a World Cup game when she notched two goals and three assists.
After her exploits against Shui Qingxia's side, James now has the most goals and assists of any player this year's Women's World Cup; a feat that will come as no surprise to those who watch her on a regular basis.
James kicked things off at the Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide with a cushioned-header assist for Alessia Russo's opener – a goal that gave Sarina Wiegman's side an early advantage.
Lauren Hemp soon doubled England's lead thanks to a cutting pass from James, who would go on to bag a brace of wonderful goals, including a goal of the tournament contender.
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In the 65th minute, defender Jess Carter whipped in a delicious ball to the Chelsea forward, who adjusted her body before slotting away an exquisite side-foot volley.
One fan commented on the goal saying: "What a perfectly taken volley. So often you see players try and lace that and send it into row Z," while another said: "Marco van Basten eat your heart out."
James, who has picked up back-to-back Player of the Match awards at this summer's tournament, was hailed as "special" by England manager Sarina Wiegman after Tuesday's full-time whistle.
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"[James] feels good, you can tell," Wiegman told ITV. "She did special things today. Unfortunately that one goal was cancelled. She flows over the pitch.
"We expected China to press high because they had to win to go through. But they just stayed in shape. They didn't expect us to play this way and they didn't find a solution."
James also commented on her performance, saying: "It's what dreams are made of. Happy for the team; everyone is buzzing. We are looking forward to the next round.
"I felt free. Whether I'm on the wing or in the middle, I'm happy to be playing and contributing to goals."
Thoughts on Lauren James' performance at the World Cup this summer?
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Let us know in the comments.