Chelsea attacker Lauren James says that making her first England start was all that she has ever dreamt of.
The 21-year-old was handed her full debut by England boss Sarina Wiegman as the Lionesses took on the Czech Republic in Brighton last night.
James played more than an hour of the contest, hitting the post inside the opening five minutes. She provided some of England’s brighter moments on a disappointing night which saw the Lionesses draw 0-0 with a Czech side who are ranked 28th in the world.
When speaking to the media after the match, James admitted that it was a dream to make her first England start.
“It was amazing, it is what I have dreamt of all of my life,” James said. “Starting the match was a bit surreal at first but after a couple of minutes, I guess I found myself. I was confident, comfortable and I found my feet.
“I am looking forward to going back to club now, continuing to work hard and seeing where it takes me.”
The competition for places in the England forward line has never been higher but James sees that as a positive.
She said “It’s good, every member of the forward line is a great player. It only makes you better training and playing with players who are at the highest level.
“I think it’s healthy competition, it makes you want to be a better player and work harder.”
At club, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes expressed caution towards James’ fitness and development in her first year in South West London and the player feels that the benefits of that strategy are now beginning to show.
“Emma has been great with me, she has given me what I needed which was time,” James said. “I know it has been frustrating for everyone waiting to see what I could offer but it has been frustrating for me as well because I just wanted to be on the pitch.
“This season, the benefits of having that patience and having the support of the staff behind me are starting to show.”
James will now turn her focus towards Chelsea’s next Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Everton on Sunday.