Lauren James on overcoming injury and criticism at Euro 2025

Lauren James: a journey through pain and triumph at Euro 2025

Lauren James, England’s talented forward, has spoken candidly about the physical and emotional challenges she faced during the Euro 2025 tournament. Despite playing a pivotal role in helping the Lionesses retain their European crown, James endured significant injury setbacks and harsh criticism from fans that affected her enjoyment of the historic victory in Switzerland.

Injury woes and playing through pain

Throughout the tournament, James was battling an injury sustained in the quarter-final clash against Sweden. Determined to contribute to her team’s success, she pushed herself to play despite the pain. However, the toll of the injury became apparent as she was substituted at half-time in the semi-final against Italy and again early in the final against Spain.

At just 23 years old, James revealed to BBC Sport at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground that she was still in a protective boot and taking her recovery day by day. She acknowledged the difficulty of balancing her desire to help England with her physical limitations, saying, “No player goes into a game or season thinking I’m not going to try. Even if you have one leg hanging off, you still give it your all.”

Impact on Chelsea and the WSL season

James’ injury not only affected her international campaign but also delayed her return to Chelsea for the 2025-26 Women’s Super League season. Last season, injuries limited her to 17 appearances and four goals, despite the club securing a domestic treble. James’ absence at the start of the campaign poses challenges for Chelsea, especially as they aim to improve on their previous season and push for a first UEFA Women’s Champions League title.

Facing criticism and the pressure of expectations

Despite her obvious commitment, James faced criticism from some fans who questioned her effort during the later stages of the tournament. Comments such as “England are playing with 10 men” and “she’s lazy” were particularly hurtful, especially when she was playing through injury.

James emphasised the importance of empathy from supporters, urging fans to consider what players might be dealing with off the pitch. “Fans are too quick to judge when they don’t know the full story,” she said. This perspective encourages a more supportive environment for women’s football, where players’ wellbeing is valued alongside performance.

Racial abuse fears shadow penalty shootout

One of the most poignant moments in James’ Euro experience came during the quarter-final penalty shootout against Sweden. She missed her spot-kick, an event shadowed by fears of racist abuse, a sadly familiar issue in English football following the Euro 2020 final where England men’s players faced vile online attacks.

James admitted relief that other players also missed penalties, sharing the emotional burden of stepping up under such intense pressure. She highlighted the ongoing problem of racism in football, stating, “It shouldn’t matter what colour you are. You should feel the support from the fans.”

Standing strong despite adversity

Despite these challenges, James remains fiercely proud to represent England, describing it as a lifelong dream connected to her roots. Her resilience and commitment to the national team shine through, as she expressed a strong desire to be part of future tournaments and continue contributing to the Lionesses’ success.

The future of women’s football in England

James’ experience reflects wider trends in English women’s football, which is rapidly growing in both quality and popularity. Arsenal’s recent Champions League triumph has raised the bar for domestic clubs, motivating teams like Chelsea to strive for European glory.

The Women’s Super League continues to develop as a competitive and professional environment, fostering talent like James and encouraging greater fan engagement. With increased media coverage and growing grassroots participation, the future looks bright for the sport across the country.

Building a supportive fan culture

James’ call for empathy highlights a crucial area for improvement: fan culture. Supporting players through injuries, criticism, and social challenges is essential to create a positive atmosphere where players can thrive. By understanding the pressures players face, fans can help nurture the sport’s growth and ensure its continued success.

Conclusion: lessons from Lauren James’ Euro 2025 journey

Lauren James’ story is one of determination, resilience, and the complexities faced by modern female footballers. Battling injury and unfair criticism, she still contributed significantly to England’s back-to-back European titles. Her openness about racial abuse fears also shines a light on ongoing issues in football that require collective action.

As the Women’s Super League season unfolds, James’ recovery and return to Chelsea will be closely watched. Her ambition and talent make her a key figure in English football’s exciting future. Fans and aspiring players alike can draw inspiration from her journey, reminding us all that behind every match-winning moment lies dedication and often unseen struggles.