Lauren James insists that England have no control over the circumstances they now face and that the only way forward is to defeat Greece in the two‑legged play‑off in order to clinch a place at next summer’s World Cup. The Lionesses will meet Greece at home and then away after finishing second in Group 3 of the qualification stage, trailing Spain only on goal difference.
Should they overcome the Greeks, Sarina Wiegman’s side will then be drawn against the victor of the Slovakia‑Ukraine tie, with that winner securing the final European berth for the tournament in Brazil. "We can’t change what happened and that’s where we are now," James told Sky Sports News. "We have to look forward and focus on winning these games. Our aim, as always, is to win, and given our current position we must do that to move on.
The World Cup is a massive event that every child dreams of taking part in. To get another chance to go, that’s what we’re all aiming for." James, who renewed her contract with Chelsea earlier in the year, is enjoying a rich spell of form at club level. Chelsea sit second in the Women’s Super League and have dropped just two points from five league matches this season, a run that has helped James earn the club’s Player of the Year award for 2024. Despite the accolades, the forward believes her best performances are still ahead of her.
"I always look forward to joining the England camp and getting another opportunity to represent my country," she said. "When you’re doing well for your club it naturally catches the eye of the national team selectors, so I hope to keep building momentum. Every time I put on a shirt – whether for Chelsea or England – I want to show what I’m made of. The more I play, the more rhythm I find, and I love playing with freedom.
I think the best is still to come. I’m just trying to enjoy my football and stay excited about what lies ahead." Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter also shared her surprise at receiving a first senior call‑up for the World Cup play‑off fixtures. The 20‑year‑old has thrived under manager Sonia Bompastor, featuring in all four of Chelsea’s league victories this season and scoring in a 2‑0 win over Birmingham. Potter revealed she learned of the call‑up while sitting in her bedroom at home and immediately ran downstairs to tell her mother, who was "really proud of me." "I’ve been lucky and grateful for the chances I’ve had at Chelsea, and when the call came I was genuinely surprised," Potter explained.
"I try to stay focused every day, be the best version of myself and not think too far ahead. I was at home, scrolling on my phone, and when the phone rang I was thrilled. I ran downstairs, told my mum and she was over the moon." Both James and Potter underscore a common theme: the importance of momentum, confidence, and the desire to seize every opportunity. For England, the upcoming play‑off against Greece is more than a single tie; it is a pivotal moment that could determine whether the team joins the elite field in Brazil or watches from the sidelines.
The stakes are high, and the players know that a single mistake could end their World Cup dreams, while a single moment of brilliance could secure their place among the world’s best. The play‑off format pits England against Greece in a home‑and‑away series.
The first leg will be played at Wembley, where the Lionesses will look to establish an early advantage. The second leg in Athens offers Greece a chance to overturn any deficit.
Historically, English women’s teams have performed strongly in high‑pressure situations, but the margin for error is slim. A disciplined defensive approach combined with the attacking flair of players like James, who can create chances from anywhere on the pitch, will be crucial.
Beyond the immediate matches, the broader context of women’s football continues to evolve. The sport has seen record attendances, growing broadcast deals, and increasing investment in youth development across Europe. England’s success on the international stage can inspire a new generation of players, just as James herself was inspired as a child dreaming of the World Cup. Her words reflect that universal aspiration: "The World Cup is a massive tournament that you always want to be a part of and it’s everyone’s dream from a little kid." For the coaching staff, preparing the squad involves more than tactics.
Mental resilience, team cohesion, and managing the physical load of a congested season are all part of the equation. Sarina Wiegman, who guided the Dutch women to a World Cup final in 2019, brings a wealth of experience in navigating knockout scenarios. Her emphasis on forward‑looking optimism mirrors James’s own outlook: focus on the next game, not the past results. If England triumphs over Greece, the next hurdle will be the winner of the Slovakia‑Ukraine play‑off.
Both nations have shown quality in recent qualifiers, meaning the eventual opponent will be a tough test. Nonetheless, the Lionesses will head into that encounter with the confidence of having survived one elimination round, a psychological edge that can be decisive in two‑leg ties. In summary, Lauren James and Lexi Potter embody the blend of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned professionalism that England hopes will carry them through the play‑offs.
Their statements reveal a clear message: the team must stay forward‑focused, capitalize on club form, and cherish each chance to wear the national shirt. With the World Cup looming, every training session, every match, and every moment of personal reflection counts toward the ultimate goal – earning a spot in Brazil and continuing the upward trajectory of English women’s football.