Lauren and Reece James are set to become the first brother and sister to ever play for the England national team. Uncapped forward Lauren has been called up to Sarina Wiegmanâs latest squad for the Lionessesâ World Cup qualifiers in September. The 20-year-old received her first senior national team call-up back in November 2020 but did not make an appearance. Both Lauren and Reece play for Chelsea, with Reece having come up through the clubâs youth system, while Lauren was signed from Man United last year. Reece, who is two years older than his sister, has 13 caps for Gareth Southgateâs England side and was part of the squad that made the final of Euro 2020. The FA does not have an official womenâs football historian, but the Times reports that the two would be the first siblings of different genders to play for England at senior level.Â
Lauren James finally earns call-up
Lauren has long been considered an impressive talent and a future England star, yet the 20-year-old struggled for game time last season.
The forward was unfortunate with injuries when she first joined the Blues and upon her return, head coach Emma Hayes admitted she had to âmanageâ the ex-United star carefully.
This season, however, James appears to be in Hayesâ plans. The youngster scored an outstanding goal against Lyon in pre-season, leading some to compare the winger to former Chelsea legend Eden Hazard.Â
James is the only uncapped player to be named in Wiegmanâs latest squad, which indicates how highly she is rated.
With the Womenâs World Cup to come next year, the Lionesses' boss is seemingly looking ahead to the future and James could well be a big part of her plans.Â
Reece James bidding for World Cup spot
Meanwhile, Reece also has his eyes on the World Cup, with Southgate set to announce his squad for Qatar in just a couple of months' time.
James spent the majority of last season out injured but has established himself as Chelseaâs first-choice right-back and is a regular starter for Thomas Tuchelâs side.Â
However, James faces a lot of competition to be Englandâs starting right-back as Southgate has a number of talented options to choose from.
Man Cityâs Kyle Walker and Newcastleâs Keiran Trippier are both experienced England internationals, while Liverpoolâs Trent Alexander-Arnold is considered one of the leading full-backs in world football.Â
James is still expected to go to Qatar and could also operate as a centre-back in a back five if Southgate chooses to go down this route.
Either way, the Chelsea star is continuing to get better and better and the James siblings are going to be around for years to come.