'That's why I don't go up for headers!' – Lauren James shows off 'nasty' black eye after playing starring role for Lionesses in crucial Euro 2025 win over the Netherlands

Chelsea superstar Lauren James has joked that she doesn't 'go up for headers' as she showed off a black eye. She was also seen with an ice pack on her face on the bench after she made way for Chloe Kelly during England's 4-0 win against the Netherlands in Euro 2025 at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich.

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James scores brace for the LionessesEngland win 4-0 but James picks up knockJokes about her facial injury afterwardsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

A lot of expectation has been placed on James' shoulders heading into the European Championship in Switzerland, as the Lionesses went into the tournament with a somewhat new-look side. The Chelsea superstar showed off her mettle with a brace against the Netherlands in their second group stage game of Group D to help Sarina Wiegman's side won 4-0.

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James suffered an unfortunate knock to her head when she went for a header, and after her substitution, she was spotted with an ice pack to her eye as she looked to relieve the swelling. In the post-match interview, she joked about not wanting to 'go up for headers'.

WHAT JAMES SAID

Speaking to the media after the game, James said when asked about her facial injury: "For sure, that is why I don't go up for headers! It's a nasty one."

She added: “The win is massive. As long as I am helping the team in every way I can, whether that is providing or scoring, I just try and do my best each game. Hopefully, as the games keep going on, I keep getting more involved.”

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JAMES?

The Lionesses are up against Wales in the final game of Group D in Euro 2025, and James will be a certain starter for the game on Sunday, July 13. A win would very much see England through to the knockout stages.