Welcome to Last Word on Football’s ‘Families in Football’ series. Over the next few weeks, we take a look at siblings, cousins and even parents and children that have played the beautiful game. Some have played cup finals together while others have been on opposing sides. Today, we look at Lauren and Reece James.
Families in Football: Chelsea’s Brother and Sister Duo – Lauren and Reece James
Lauren James
Chelsea women’s striker Lauren James is the first female footballer to feature in this series. A younger sister to Chelsea defender Reece James, Lauren has played for three of the biggest clubs in the Women’s Super League.
The 20-year-old started out at Chelsea before moving to the Arsenal youth academy. It was during her time with the Gunners that she made her senior debut, coming on as a substitute in a win over Everton – becoming the club’s third youngest ever player in the process.
After just five appearances, she moved to Manchester United. It was a debut season for the club who began life in the FA Women’s Championship.
Her first competitive goals came in a 12-0 win over Aston Villa, with James netting twice. The forward struck 14 times from 18 games as the Red Devils won the Championship.
The following season, James scored just one Super League goal in six matches but reached nine from 18 in all competitions.
She ended her Red Devils tenure with 22 goals from 40 appearances before returning to Chelsea, signing a four-year deal.
Reece James
Older brother Reece also came through the ranks with Chelsea and has become one of the club’s most prized assets.
The defender, who won the U18 FA Youth Cup with the Blues, spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Championship club, Wigan Athletic. During his time at the DW Stadium, James was selected to the 2018/19 Championship Team of the Season before winning three awards at their end of season awards, including Player of the Year
He returned to Chelsea and scored one and provided two assists as the Blues saw off Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. His first Premier League goal came last season in a 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, while his threat in front of goal has increased this season, adding a further five goals and six assists from 21 outings.
Capped ten times by England, James quickly established himself as a key player, under both Frank Lampard and current boss Thomas Tuchel.
The defender has won the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup during his time in West London and picked up a runners up medal as England lost the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Interesting Facts
Reece James become Chelsea’s youngest ever scorer in the Champions League when he netted the fourth goal in the Blues’ 4-4 draw against Ajax. As for Lauren, she struck Manchester United’s first-ever Women’s Super League goal in a 2-0 win over Liverpool.
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