England: Lauren James says Sarina Wiegman’s side must have no regrets as Greece World Cup play-off awaits | Football News
Lauren James says England cannot do anything about the situation they find themselves in and just need to beat Greece in their play-off double-header in an effort to secure their place at next summer’s World Cup.
England face Greece home and away after finishing second in qualifying Group 3 behind Spain on goal difference.
If they progress past Greece, Sarina Wiegman’s side will face the winner of the Slovakia vs Ukraine tie, with the team that comes through that securing qualification for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
“We can’t change what happened and that’s where we are now,” James told Sky Sports News.
“I think we have to just try to look forward to win these games.
“That’s always our goal at the end of the day, and the position we’re in at the moment is, we have to win in order to get to somewhere.
“The World Cup’s a massive tournament that you always want to be a part of and it’s everyone’s dream from a little kid.
“So, to go there and get another opportunity again, it’s obviously something we’re all trying to aim for.”
James, who signed a new contract earlier this year, is in good form at club level, with second-placed Chelsea dropping just two points from five league games this season.
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Take a look at some of Lauren James best goals for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League
But the forward, who was Chelsea’s player of the year in 2024, insists her best is still to come.
“I’m always looking forward to coming into camp with England and getting another opportunity to play games for the country,” said James.
“I think it always helps massively when you’re doing well with your club, which obviously is why you get called up for your country. Hopefully I can just build the momentum and keep going.
Lauren James celebrates after scoring against Manchester United
“Every time I put on a shirt, whether it’s for club or country, I always want to just show what I’m made of.
“The more you play, the more you have rhythm and I like to just play free. And I think the best is still yet to come.
“I’m just trying to enjoy my football and look forward to the things that are coming up.”
Potter was ‘really surprised’ by England call
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Lexi Potter lauded the impact of her Chelsea midfield partner Keira Walsh following her first England call up
Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter admits she was “surprised” to earn her first England call-up ahead for the World Cup play-off fixtures.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to the campaign after being given a run of starts under Blues boss Sonia Bompastor.
Potter has played a part in all four of Chelsea’s victories this season in the Women’s Super League and got herself on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win over Birmingham last month.
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Speaking on Pitch to Pod, Nikita Parris and Jordan Nobbs discuss Lexi Potter’s ‘mature’ WSL performance
The youngster learned of her call-up while in her bedroom at her family home, before sharing her delight with her mother.
“I’ve been really lucky and grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given at Chelsea and when I got the call, I was really surprised,” Potter said.
“I like to stay focused every day and be the best version of myself and don’t like to think too far ahead.
“I was at home, I still live at home so I was just in my room watching my phone a bit and then when I got the call I was really happy and went downstairs and told my mum and she was really proud of me.”
