'Maybe goalkeeper?' - Lionesses & Chelsea forward Lauren James reveals Barcelona star she idolised as a young girl and why she'd like to try being a shot-stopper

James has made a name for herself as the most talented young player in the English women's game, coming to the fore with Manchester United before rejoining Chelsea, whose academy she spent time at as a girl, in the summer of 2021. It took the 23-year-old some time to get going with the Blues, as Emma Hayes took a cautious approach after a flurry of injuries, but she has since played a key role in the club's dominance of the domestic game, winning eight trophies already.

That has translated onto the international stage now, too. James enjoyed a breakout tournament at the 2023 Women's World Cup, starring as the Lionesses reached the final. Her unique style not only catches the eye but also proves too much for most opponents to handle - and the young forward has now revealed the inspiration behind her dazzling play.

Asked how she has developed that style, James, who stars in Pepsi’s latest campaign ‘Refresh the Game’, uniting football legends of the past and present, said: "Growing up, it was always male players I looked up to. Ronaldinho and the other more technical players. I looked to learn from them but also, I always worked on ball control and body position to protect the ball. I’ve also talked before about working on my weaker foot when I was younger, with the blue sock/yellow sock that one of our coaches made us do. Now I don’t feel like I’ve really got a weaker foot."

James was also asked which position on the pitch she would like to play if she had to swap with a team-mate. "Maybe the goalkeeper?" she replied. "Saving a penalty would feel pretty good."

James has been out of action since early April due to a hamstring injury, one which forced her to miss the final few games of Chelsea's Women's Super League triumph and the FA Cup final, which the Blues also won. She'll be desperate to get back fit as soon as possible, though, with England set to start their European Championship title defence in Switzerland in early July.