'That's why I don't go up for headers!' - Lauren James shows off 'nasty' black eye after playing starring role for Lionesses in crucial Euro 2025 win over the Netherlands

A lot of expectation has been placed on James' shoulders heading into the European Championship in Switzerland, as the Lionesses went into the tournament with a somewhat new-look side. The Chelsea superstar showed off her mettle with a brace against the Netherlands in their second group stage game of Group D to help Sarina Wiegman's side won 4-0.

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James suffered an unfortunate knock to her head when she went for a header, and after her substitution, she was spotted with an ice pack to her eye as she looked to relieve the swelling. In the post-match interview, she joked about not wanting to 'go up for headers'.

Speaking to the media after the game, James said when asked about her facial injury: "For sure, that is why I don't go up for headers! It's a nasty one."

She added: “The win is massive. As long as I am helping the team in every way I can, whether that is providing or scoring, I just try and do my best each game. Hopefully, as the games keep going on, I keep getting more involved.”

The Lionesses are up against Wales in the final game of Group D in Euro 2025, and James will be a certain starter for the game on Sunday, July 13. A win would very much see England through to the knockout stages.