‘Lazy’, ‘aggressive’, ‘dirty’, ‘selfish’ and ‘not committed to the team’ are all insults that get hurled online at Lauren James when she represents England. Whatever the score, whatever part Lauren James played in the game and however well she performed, the player is attacked with abuse. For far too long, the mainstream media has overlooked this issue – and worse still, certain outlets have even amplified it through their portrayal of James.
It’s clear that race plays a role in the way James is represented. History shows that both the media and fans have often scapegoated Black players when things go wrong for England, and some of the hostility directed at James inevitably stems from her being a high-profile Black Lioness.
It’s striking how differently James is spoken about compared to white players like Alessia Russo. A clear example comes from occasions when the two have assisted each other. When Russo set up James’ opener against the Netherlands at the Euros, the focus was largely on Russo’s pass. While it was a smart and well-executed ball, it still left James outside the box, and the goal owed far more to her exceptional ball-striking than to the pass itself. In contrast, when James delivered a brilliant cross to Russo just a couple of yards from goal against Sweden in 2024, Russo’s finish drew much of the praise. Although it was excellent positioning from the Arsenal striker and a solid header, the quality of James’ pinpoint cross deserved far greater recognition.
This is just one example, but it reflects a broader pattern in discussions around the Lionesses, one that reveals the deeper racism embedded in our society. The problem lies in the lack of recognition that racism does not always require intent; it can be present in subtle disparities of treatment and perception. Unlike overt forms of abuse, these differences in feedback often go unacknowledged, making them harder to challenge but no less damaging.
For James, the criticism goes beyond racism. She does not have the social media presence of other England players like Ella Toone or Esme Morgan, prefers to avoid interviews, and speaks minimally when she does appear in them. She also interacts less with fans than some of her teammates. This has often been interpreted as a lack of care or passion for her team and the game, when in fact it reflects a more introverted personality. In women’s football, the relationship between players and fans should never be treated as an expectation or entitlement. A professional’s job is to provide entertainment and joy on the pitch, and that is the standard by which they should be judged.
The way James plays the game can also contribute to misconceptions about her effort. When sprinting to reach the ball, it may not always appear as though she is running at full speed, yet this is simply the way she moves. Her actual pace demonstrates that she exerts as much effort as anyone, as does her ability to dribble inside and out, gliding past opposition with apparent ease. With exceptional natural technical ability, she can control and move the ball precisely while reading the entire pitch, dictating play through her movement. Yet this is often interpreted as selfishness or a lack of defensive effort. While she does frequently carry the ball forward and take shots, this reflects her skill and vision, allowing the team to occupy more threatening positions. Players like Georgia Stanway also attempt long-range shots, sometimes missing, but are rarely labeled selfish for doing so, highlighting a double standard in how James’ style of play is perceived.
The perception of James as an aggressive or ‘dirty’ player is another issue, and one rooted in racial bias. Black players are often stereotyped as being more physical or prone to losing their temper, which can lead to assumptions about recklessness. This stereotype persists in society and is rarely addressed explicitly within football. Media coverage and fan commentary have reinforced this perception: James is still frequently described as frustrated or prone to lashing out, based largely on a single incident in which she stepped on a Nigerian player during the World Cup. Despite no similar behavior occurring since, this moment continues to shape her public image.
Lauren James is one of the most talented footballers in the world. She is also a human being with her own personality, vulnerabilities, and quirks. Her career demonstrates that passion and commitment to a team can take many forms, and this individuality deserves to be recognised and celebrated.
