Lauren James

helsea is returning in full force. In their first match after the winter break, they maintained the appetite they showed in their cup match against Liverpool. West Ham crushed them 5-0 at home. Lauren James opened the scoring in the 28th minute, her first goal of the season. Due to an injury she sustained at Euro 2025 final, she started the season later than usual. But now she has shown that she is ready for the rest of the season, when Chelsea must make up a six-point deficit to Manchester City.

This match was also special for young academy graduate Lexi Potter. Young midfielder, who spend previous season on loan in Crystal palace, had her first minutes in the Chelsea's senior team.

• In England's 7–0 friendly win over Jamaica, Chelsea forward Lauren James delivered a stunning assist soon after coming off the bench.
• James made an influential comeback after a three-month hamstring layoff, rejoining the squad just in time to fine-tune ahead of Euro 2025.

Find more about the importance of Lauren James as a player here. 

• The Guardian's Donald McRae credits Lauren James' fierce drive and ball mastery to constant park games in Mortlake with her brothers, including England men’s player Reece James. Facing stronger and faster boys forced her to develop superior technique from a young age.
• As a young girl, she dreamed she was Eden Hazard, imitating his creativity and flair—qualities she now brings to Chelsea and the Lionesses on the biggest stage.

Read the full article here.

• UWCL group stage draw made on Friday
• Chelsea get Real Madrid; Man City to face Barca
• Arsenal land in 'group of death'

The draw for this year's group stage was made on Friday and it has thrown up some tantalising fixtures. Reigning European champions Barcelona have been pooled with Man City, as the English side make the group stages for the first time since the competition changed format in 2021, while Chelsea, still chasing a first UWCL title, will take on Real Madrid.

Chelsea forward Lauren James has been named the Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month for January after a scintillating showing in front of goal, which helped the Blues achieve maximum points from our two league fixtures.