Is Lauren James related to Reece James? Chelsea star set for key role for England at Women’s World Cup

Lauren James is set to play a key role for England at the Women’s World Cup later this month.

The 21-year-old forward enjoyed a strong 2022/23 campaign and is part of Sarina Wiegman’s squad.

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The Chelsea star is one of two players at Stamford Bridge with the surname James but is she related to club-mate Reece?

Is Lauren James related to Reece James?

In short, yes, they are brother and sister.

Lauren is Reece’s younger sibling by two years.

The pair both currently play for Chelsea but have enjoyed different routes to get to this stage.

Lioness star Lauren started in the Blues academy before moving to Arsenal and then Manchester United.

But she couldn’t ignore the chance to return to west London in 2021, signing a four-year deal that has just been extended to 2027.

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She enjoyed a stellar 2022/23 campaign, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Meanwhile, her brother has remained with the Blues since he was seven and made his senior debut in September 2019.

The 23-year-old started his career as a forward, then played in central midfield before finding a home at right-back.

Reece and Lauren also have the unique achievement of being the only brother and sister duo to play at senior level for England.

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Speaking about their relationship to the England national team’s website, she said: “From the outside, it is a bit like ‘wow’ [having a brother and sister both playing at the highest level], but from our point of view, it is difficult to take it in. We are just both on our own paths and looking to enjoy our football.

“Both of us are supportive of each other, where I will go to his games and he will go to my games when he can.

“We kind of leave each other to it, though. Anything to do with football, we both know what we need to do, so we just leave the other one to it. 

“But outside of football, we have a great relationship and we are really close. I think with our age gap, that helps, with it only being two years.”

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And Reece is also very happy for his sister.

He said: “It is great [to both be playing for Chelsea and in contention for an England place].

“It is what I want to do and also what she wants to do. We both support Chelsea and I am happy for her.

“She was obviously at Arsenal and Manchester United, so when she had the chance to come home, she wanted it and she is happy to be back home.”