Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has backed England starlet Lauren James to return from the Women’s World Cup without any ill-feelings.
James seized headlines at the tournament as she was forced to endure a two-match ban following a moment of madness that earned her a red card in the last-16 clash against Nigeria. The forward was initially booked by Honduran referee Melissa Borjas for standing on opponent Michelle Alozie, but the offence was upgraded to a sending off after VAR intervention.
It was a moment of uncharacteristic petulance and emotion from a young player known for her uncanny poise and maturity on the grandest of stages. Going into the last-16 match, James introduced herself as England’s creative force following a wonder goal against Denmark before starring in the 6-1 rout of .
But she was then banned for two games following the red card. She ultimately returned for the final, which saw the Lionesses defeated by Spain - and Blues boss Hayes has opened up on her private discussion with the player.
“It was just in the moment [that James committed such a pointless act] and so I reminded her that what you do here all season is important,” Hayes told the Guardian. “She [James] said: ‘I knew you’d say that.’”
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Hayes, a vocal proponent of the psychological and emotional role managers play in the modern game, revealed that she often tests James psychologically in training by allowing fouls and decisions to go against the England international.
Lauren James was sent off against Nigeria in England's last-16 clash (FIFA via Getty Images)And Hayes insisted the red card was an “exception rather than the norm” and emphasised the role VAR now plays as players’ ability to indulge in emotions has all but disappeared.
“A former Lioness asked me about Lauren and I said: ‘How many times have you played in the World Cup or Euros and someone on your team did the same thing but didn’t have VAR?’ VAR picked that up,” Hayes said.
“She’s fallen prey to the increased scrutiny. It happens to be her first World Cup but she’s only been red-carded once in her career. Was I surprised by it? A little, but she can get a bit frustrated like any player who’s player-marked. But it’s the exception rather than the norm with Lauren.”
On whether Hayes is worried that James might bring the incident back with her to the Women’s Super League, the 46-year-old pointed to James’ usually unruffled mentality.
“It would be the last thing I’d worry about with her,” she said. “She’s tough in her head. That stuff [controversy], she understands. She comes from a family of footballers.”
She added: “She’s so football-hungry and knows herself. I don’t worry about those things with Lauren. I have high expectations for her but she’s so gifted that sometimes we forget she’s still so young. There’s still a lot to learn.”
Chelsea claimed an unprecedented fourth WSL title on the bounce last season, along with the FA Cup, and will look to accomplish the unthinkable once more as they defend their domestic titles.
The Women’s Champions League remains the biggest elusive prize for the Hayes-Chelsea dynasty, and James is likely to play an instrumental role in any success the Blues relish on the European stage.
In 33 matches across all competitions last season, James registered eight goals and five assists. But after her displays Down Under, James' role this season will undoubtedly increase in influence, particularly with Hayes easing off her protection of the player.
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Chelsea return to WSL action on 1 October as they host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.
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