Lauren James – sister of Chelsea star Reece – rewarded for fine Manchester United form with first England call-up by Phil Neville ahead of St George’s Park training camp
- Lauren James has been called up to an England training camp by Phil Neville
- Lionesses had been due to play Norway at Bramall Lane on December 1
- But game was called off due to complications around the coronavrius pandemic
- Her brother, Reece, is already a senior England international for the men’s team
Manchester United forward Lauren James has been named in the England Women’s squad for their upcoming training camp.
James, whose brother Reece plays for Chelsea and has already represented the England men’s senior side, has received her first call-up after impressing in the Women’s Super League.
The Lionesses had been due to play Norway at Bramall Lane on December 1, but the game was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lauren James, brother of Chelsea star Reece, has received her first call-up by England
She has been included in Phil Neville’s squad for an upcoming training camp
There is also a return to the group for Manchester City’s Laura Coombs, who last played for her country in 2015.
Boss Phil Neville said: ‘This has been a challenging time for everyone, but it will be good to finish the year with an intensive training camp during which the squad will develop further and in which every player has the chance to prove themselves ahead of our upcoming major tournaments.’
Reece James has earned four caps under Gareth Southgate after making his debut for the England national side earlier this year.
The Chelsea right-back is faced with fierce competition for places in his position, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Aaaron Wan-Bissaka all vying for one spot.
The James siblings, pictured as children, have been making waves in men’s and women’s game
Their father, Nigel (centre), is a UEFA licensed coach and has helped both come through ranks
Lauren James is two years younger than her older brother, and has worked her way up through the ranks from England’s Under 17 to Under 19 side in recent years.
She came through the academy at Arsenal before joining Manchester United’s newly-created women’s team two years ago.
The 19-year-old has 26 goals in 48 appearances for United.
She has previously credited her father, Nigel, a UEFA licensed coach, as her inspiration in the game:'[He] has helped me every step of the way.
‘I grew up playing football with my brothers and wanted to play like them; I have always loved the game.
‘I am grateful to my Dad for all the time, effort and love that he has put into my football by coaching me in order that I reach the very best level.’
