Lauren James insists that England have no control over the circumstances that have led them to this crucial moment and that their immediate focus must be on defeating Greece in the two‑legged play‑off to keep their World Cup hopes alive. The Lionesses will meet Greece both at home and away after finishing second in UEFA qualifying Group 3, trailing Spain only on goal difference. Should they overcome the Greeks, they will then face the winner of the Slovakia‑Ukraine play‑off, with the victor of that tie booking a place at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil. "We can't change what happened and that's where we are now," James told Sky Sports News.
"I think we have to just try to look forward to win these games. That's always our goal at the end of the day, and the position we're in at the moment is, we have to win in order to get somewhere. 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. So, to go there and get another opportunity again, it's obviously something we're all trying to aim for." James, who secured a new contract with Chelsea earlier this year, has been in fine form for her club.
Chelsea sit second in the Women's Super League and have dropped only two points from five league matches this season, a run that has helped her maintain confidence ahead of the international fixtures. Despite being named Chelsea's Player of the Year in 2024, she believes her best performances are still ahead of her. "I'm always looking forward to coming into camp with England and getting another opportunity to play games for the country," she said. "I think it always helps massively when you're doing well with your club, which obviously is why you get called up for your country.
Hopefully I can just build the momentum and keep going. Every time I put on a shirt, whether it's for club or country, I always want to just show what I'm made of. The more you play, the more you have rhythm and I like to just play free.
And I think the best is still yet to come. I'm just trying to enjoy my football and look forward to the things that are coming up." James' optimism is shared by younger teammates such as Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter, who revealed she was "surprised" to receive her first senior England call‑up for the play‑off matches. The 20‑year‑old has enjoyed a bright start to the season, earning a regular place in Sonia Bompastor's side and contributing to all four of Chelsea's league victories so far.
She even found the net in a 2‑0 win over Birmingham last month. Potter described the moment she learned of her selection. "I've been really lucky and grateful for the opportunities I've been given at Chelsea and when I got the call, I was really surprised," she said. "I like to stay focused every day and be the best version of myself and don't like to think too far ahead.
I was at home, I still live at home so I was just in my room watching my phone a bit and then when I got the call I was really happy and went downstairs and told my mum and she was really proud of me." Both James and Potter emphasize the importance of momentum and confidence derived from club success. For James, the recent run with Chelsea provides a platform to "build the momentum" and translate that form into the national team environment.
For Potter, the experience of winning games and scoring at club level reinforces her belief that she belongs on the international stage, even if the call‑up came as a pleasant surprise. The upcoming play‑off fixtures are more than just two matches; they represent a gateway to the sport's most prestigious tournament.
For many players, the chance to compete in Brazil next summer is the culmination of years of dedication, training, and sacrifice. The pressure is immense, but the squad's leadership, particularly from seasoned forwards like James, aims to keep the group focused on the task at hand rather than dwelling on past setbacks. England's path to qualification will require composure over both legs against Greece.
The first leg, played at home, offers an opportunity to set the tone, while the away fixture will test the team's resilience in a hostile environment. If they prevail, the subsequent clash with either Slovakia or Ukraine will be another hurdle, but one that the Lionesses are determined to clear. Beyond the immediate goal of qualification, the broader narrative for England's women's team involves building a legacy of consistency at the highest level.
Success in the play‑offs would not only secure a spot at the World Cup but also reinforce the progress made in recent years, from reaching major finals to nurturing young talent like Potter. It would signal to the next generation that there is a clear pathway from club success to international recognition. In summary, Lauren James urges the squad to keep their eyes on the prize, emphasizing that the only way forward is to win the upcoming games.
Her confidence, bolstered by a strong season with Chelsea, reflects a belief that the team's best moments are still to come. Meanwhile, Lexi Potter's surprise call‑up highlights the depth of talent emerging from the domestic league, underscoring the importance of club performance as a springboard for international opportunity.
Together, they embody the blend of experience and youthful ambition that England will need to navigate the play‑offs and ultimately secure a place at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.