Lauren James being hailed as the 'best' after superb opening goal for England

Lauren James has doubled down on her status as one of the world's finest players following her sublime goal for England against Denmark.

The Chelsea star scored the opening goal in the Lionesses' second World Cup game on Friday, following their narrow weekend win against Haiti.

While James started that first game on the bench, Sarina Wiegman started the 21-year-old from the beginning against Denmark - and was rewarded within seven minutes, as she worked herself into space to shoot from 20-yards out.

Women's football oracle Rich Laverty tweeted: 'I think she's here to stay'.

Other fans came forward to say: 'If England go all the way @laurenjamess22 will be the player of the tournament', and: 'Lauren James is just a level above everyone else. Literally has everything to her game.'

James, who joined Chelsea from Manchester United in 2021, has made 13 appearances for the England national side since making her senior debut appearance in September 2022.

Now with that goal on the international stage, the 21-year-old is getting even more plaudits. One said: 'She is some talent- excellent goal', with another noting: 'Placed it perfectly....if she picks up space like that she'll score a few more too'.

One fan even went so far as to say she was 'arguably one of the best players in the world right now'.

James also has a brother who plays elite football, with Reece James a defender for mid-table Premier League side Chelsea, although he was forced to miss the Men's World Cup in 2022 with injury.

One fan wrote: 'Can tell she’s a part of the James family aye… some hit that.'

More to follow...