In 2021, James was a tricky winger whose talent was waiting to be unlocked, but now she is earning comparisons to one of the all-time England greats Kelly Smith.
Former Lioness Karen Carney didn’t hold back in her praise for James on ITV: “She can do things I’ve never seen any player since Kelly Smith do. She’s Ballon d’Or.”
James’ performance in the number 10 role will be giving Wiegman an almighty headache before Saturday’s game against France.
Manchester United’s Ella Toone started the match in the role and bagged herself two goals, but James lit up the King Power Stadium with her ability to glide past players like they aren’t there and pick out passes others didn’t see.
Ex-England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s hard not to get excited [about James]. I think she needs to be managed in the right way and giving her some time, a glimpse of what she can offer this Lionesses midfield and attack is really exciting. It’s mouth-watering stuff.
“For me, she’s a little magician in midfield. Her natural movement, the unpredictability and shooting ability that she has. She looks like she’s going about her own business in the midfield.
“For me, it’s the nonchalance. She picked up some great areas, gets on the ball, takes a shot and it just looks so easy for her.”
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