by Lauren James in England is one of the best players at Euro 2025 to make “something special” and unlocking a game in an instant, teammate Lucy Bronze said.
James scored the opening goal of England in the 4-0 win over the Netherlands with a powerful left shot in the upper corner and added a second after the break when the lionesses bounced back from their defeat to France.
The 23-year-old had been an injury doubt before the tournament due to a hamstring injury, but was moved to the right wing against the Netherlands and led to the great victory of England with its opening goal.
“We know that we just have to get the ball in dangerous positions and there can be a purpose of all,” said Bronze. “She is probably the best player in this entire tournament for something special.
“There are many special players in this tournament. I also know as [ Spain’s Alexia] Putellas and [Aitana] Bolmati, a huge amount of talented players, but LJ has something special.
“She’s only young, she’s not yet at 100 percent, so hopefully we get through the tournament and she gets better and better.”
“We always see her doing that in training,” said striker Alessia Russo. “If you give her the ball in such areas, you know she can touch it from both feet.
“I want to find LJ as much as possible in those areas. We can all. She is a special player and a great talent.”
England would have been out of the euro if they were to lose from the Netherlands in Zurich, but the holders could reach the quarterfinals with a victory against Wales on Sunday.
