Man United and England ace Lauren James named among Europe’s young female players to watch

LAUREN JAMES has been named a rising star of the women’s game in Europe following her contribution to Manchester United’s journey to the top.

The Red Devils striker – whose brother Reece plays for Chelsea – is featured on UEFA’s 2021 ‘ten to watch’ female players list.

James, 19, who has made five starts across all competitions this term, began her life as a footballer playing for Arsenal boys Under-13s before crossing over to the club’s Under-15's girls’ team. 

And the London-born player, who joined the Red Devils in 2018, scored her side's first-ever WSL goal when the team beat Liverpool in their top flight debut season in 2019. 

James, who UEFA describe as a ‘flair-forward’, is in the running to be part of a United squad heading to Chelsea on Sunday for a tantalising title clash.

And the ambitious Red Devils striker posted a training picture on Twitter alongside a caption which reads “it’s great to be back’’. 

The last encounter between the league’s two topdogs ended in a 1-1 draw in September.

James, whose club are currently top in the WSL, is part of the only brother-sister duo to have represented England football teams at senior international level. 

The Man United ace received her first Lionesses call-up from Phil Neville in November last year. 

Other starlets included in UEFA’s ‘ten to watch’ LIST include Pernille Harder’s old Wolfsburg team-mate Lena Oberdorf and Lyon wonderkid Vicki Becho. 

The 17-year-old striker is part of the Ligue One Women’s giants who are rivalling Chelsea and Man City for this season’s Champions League crown. 

And the club, who are second in their division, are due to play Stade de Reims next. 

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