Lauren James says England must put their qualifying disappointment behind them and beat Greece in their World Cup play-off double-header if they are to reach next summer’s tournament in Brazil.
Sarina Wiegman’s side finished second in Group 3 behind Spain on goal difference, leaving them with a more difficult route to qualification. They will face Greece home and away, with a tie against either Slovakia or Ukraine awaiting them if they progress.
“We can’t change what happened and that’s where we are now,” James said. “I think we have to just try to look forward to win these games.”
The Chelsea forward stressed that there was no value in dwelling on the circumstances that led to the play-offs, with England needing to win in order to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
“The World Cup’s a massive tournament that you always want to be a part of and it’s everyone’s dream from a little kid,” she said. “So, to go there and get another opportunity again, it’s obviously something we’re all trying to aim for.”
James has made a strong start to the season at club level after signing a new contract earlier this year. Chelsea have taken 13 points from their opening five Women’s Super League matches, leaving them second in the table.
The 2024 Chelsea player of the year said she was determined to carry that form into England camp and believes she still has more to offer.
“Every time I put on a shirt, whether it’s for club or country, I always want to just show what I’m made of,” James said. “The more you play, the more you have rhythm and I like to just play free. And I think the best is still yet to come.”
England midfielder Lexi Potter has also been included for the play-off fixtures after impressing during the opening weeks of the campaign. The 20-year-old has started regularly for Chelsea under Sonia Bompastor and has featured in all four of the club’s league victories, scoring in the 2-0 win over Birmingham last month.
Potter admitted she was surprised by her first England call-up. She received the news while at her family home before going downstairs to tell her mother.
“I was really surprised,” Potter said. “I like to stay focused every day and be the best version of myself and don’t like to think too far ahead.”
