Lauren James' hefty wage, relationship with brother Reece and Emma Hayes praise

Lauren James is potentially just one match away from achieving international glory with England in only her second major tournament for the Lionesses.

The Chelsea striker has played a key role in the team's Euro 2025 success, scoring and assisting crucial goals on route to the final. Despite being substituted at half-time against Italy earlier this week due to an ankle problem, supporters will be hoping she can feature against Spain on Sunday evening.

In the Women's Euros so far, the 23-year-old has netted two goals in five appearances, including a spectacular strike against the Netherlands in the group stages. The young forward already boasts numerous accolades, including four WSL league titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and a Finalissima medal following a penalty shootout victory for the Lionesses over Brazil.

James will be aiming to add a European Championship to her impressive trophy haul, as the team aims to become the first England team ever to successfully defend their title. The Blues ace thrives on the big stage, a fact supported by former managers, team-mates and Chelsea captain Reece James, who is her elder brother.

How much does Lauren James earn?

James may be a standout star in the England squad, but she doesn't hold the title of the wealthiest player. That honour goes to captain and Arsenal ace Leah Williamson, who, according to Hello! Magazine, boasts the largest net worth with an estimated £4million fortune.

However, James does outearn the 28-year-old when it comes to annual salary, raking in a hefty £350,000 per year with the reigning WSL champions. Williamson pulls in £150,000 per annum, but she tops up her earnings with numerous brand partnerships that include Gucci, Pepsi and Nike.

The Chelsea sensation, believed to be worth around £1.8m, also has her own sponsorship deals to bolster her income, with brands like Beats by Dre, Sure and Nike backing her.

Should Sunday's Euros final go as planned for England, the value of both James and Williamson is set to soar even higher. A victory would also see them benefit from a performance-related bonus, with a collective £1.75m heading to the Lionesses.

What is Lauren James' relationship with Reece James?

James' rise to fame is particularly interesting given that her brother Reece is one of the Premier League's most recognisable figures. The Chelsea men's star has his own array of trophies, including the Champions League, Club World Cup and Conference League, but he's yet to clinch any silverware with the senior international team.

Lauren has outdone her brother with a Finalissima trophy and the prospect of a European Championship, yet she shares a unique record with him. Reece and Lauren made history as the first brother and sister to earn senior caps for England.

This milestone was achieved after the Blues captain's debut in 2020 and his sister's first cap in 2022, following an initial training camp invitation two years earlier. Reflecting on their historic achievement, Lauren said: "From the outside, it is a bit like 'wow', but from our point of view, it is difficult to take it in. We are just both on our own paths and looking to enjoy our football.

"Both of us are supportive of each other, where I will go to his games and he will go to my games when he can. We kind of leave each other to it though. Anything to do with football, we both know what we need to do so we just leave the other one to it.

"But outside of football, we have a great relationship and we are really close. I think with our age gap that helps, with it only being two years... he is a funny guy."

The 25-year-old also had high praise for his younger sister, as he told England Football's official website: "Me and Lauren played in a number of tournaments together where we would be in the same team. We won a lot of tournaments together and it was great playing with her.

"We played together for Epsom Eagles and we would sometimes just play for a team so we could be part of the tournament, like we played for Kingstonian one time and there were other teams."

Lauren is determined to make her own mark in the world of women's football and doesn't want her legacy to merely be 'Reece James' sister'. With both siblings donning Chelsea and England colours, the 23-year-old is keenly aware of their familial ties but has vowed to establish her individual identity.

In an interview with the BBC ahead of the Women's World Cup in 2023, Lauren said: "Even just, 'That's Lauren James, that's Reece's sister.' But I want to carve out [my own name] and be known as, 'This is Lauren James.'

"At the moment, men's football has a lot bigger profile and I'm sure there are times when I've said, 'Oh, that's so and so's sister,' I think it's just natural. But it doesn't bother me too much because I know I have my own career."

What did Emma Hayes say about Lauren James?

James is undeniably a player of exceptional calibre, celebrated as one of the standout English talents of recent times. Her trophy cabinet is testament to her collective success, yet it's not just the silverware that sets her apart – peers, past team-mates, and former managers alike are full of praise for the young forward's abilities.

Former Chelsea manager and current American national team coach Emma Hayes, a revered figure with seven WSL titles, five FA Cups, and six WSL Manager of the Season awards to her name, has praised the talents of the young star.

In a conversation with Sky Sports back in March, Hayes couldn't hide her admiration as she said: "I've never seen a player like Lauren do the things she does individually. She's so explosive. She's got a left and a right foot. Often players have got strong sides, but I think she can do it on both feet."

"I was impressed with her whole performance... I thought she carried out the game plan and her role in that to perfection." The former Chelsea boss also shared further insight with BBC Sport, as she added: "Human beings are not simple.

"There are a lot of complexities involved with Lauren, but she is a genius footballer. I am happy for her. She wanted to demonstrate to the home fans that she could step forward, that she can do it as a 10, and a nine in the second half. Her hold-up play is unbelievable."