Learning from the Lionesses

Imagine you are six years old. You’re jumping in delight because Chelsea have picked you for their U10s squad. A few years later, you’re 13 and playing for Arsenal – too young for the women’s team, too good for the girl’s team, they put you in the boy’s team.

At 21, you finally get the dream call to play for the Lionesses. It’s your debut World Cup, you’ve scored your third goal and have won player of the match for the second time. Your team hug you, the stadium roars, and the next day’s newspapers sing your praises.

You’ve just put yourself in the shoes (or football boots) of rising star Lauren James. The forward from London has made a mighty splash in the ninth FIFA Women’s World Cup, which took place in Australia this August.