Sarina Wiegman said Lauren James did “special things” after the forward’s scintillating performance helped the Lionesses secure a last‑16 tie against Nigeria with a 6-1 victory over China. “She flows over the pitch,” the England manager said after the 21-year-old’s two goals and three assists earned a second consecutive player of the match award at her first World Cup.
Chloe Kelly, the scorer of England’s fifth goal, added to the praise of James, who was not selected to start the team’s opening match. “She’s a very special player for us and women’s football in general,” Kelly told the BBC. “She’s a special talent and the future is bright.”
