Lauren James Slams Critics for Quick Judgments
England's forward Lauren James received treatment on the pitch during the Euro 2025 quarter-final against Sweden. James expressed that fans were too quick to judge her struggles during the tournament. She mentioned that injury issues and criticism affected her enjoyment of the Lionesses' victory in Switzerland. James also revealed her fear of facing racist abuse and was relieved when other England players missed penalties in the quarter-final match after her own spot-kick was saved.
James emphasized that fans often do not understand players' personal challenges and urged them to be more considerate. She highlighted that players always give their best despite facing difficulties. The 23-year-old player suffered an injury during the Euro 2025 quarter-final against Sweden, which will delay her participation in Chelsea's upcoming season.
Despite starting all six games for England in the European campaign, James struggled with form and injuries in the later stages of the tournament. She disclosed that she tried to play through the pain to support the team. James also mentioned her previous injuries that limited her appearances for Chelsea last season. She is currently uncertain about her return date for the Women's Super League champions.
James admitted that the injury problems and criticism affected her ability to enjoy England's consecutive title wins. She expressed disappointment in not being able to contribute effectively in the last two games and mentioned the negative comments she received from fans and the public. James highlighted the impact of judgmental remarks on her morale and performance.
During the Euro 2025 quarter-final shootout against Sweden, James missed a penalty and shared her fear of experiencing racist abuse. Her England teammate, Jess Carter, revealed facing racism online after the game. Carter expressed concerns about potential abuse towards James if her missed penalty had led to England's defeat. James expressed relief when other players also missed penalties, ensuring England's progression.
Despite the fear of racist abuse, James remains committed to representing her country. She emphasized her pride in playing for England and her determination to continue contributing to the team's success. Looking ahead, James expressed the team's ambition to win the Champions League title following Arsenal's victory in the previous season. Chelsea is set to start their WSL season against Manchester City, aiming to build on their previous successes under manager Sonia Bompastor.