Lionesses star Lauren James has revealed who her footballing idol was growing up – and which position she'd like to try play if she wasn't a forward.

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• Lionesses star James explains unique style
• Points to Barca star she idolised as a girl
• Explains why she'd like to experience goalkeeper

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  James has made a name for herself as the most talented young player in the English women's game, coming to the fore with Manchester United before rejoining Chelsea, whose academy she spent time at as a girl, in the summer of 2021. It took the 23-year-old some time to get going with the Blues, as Emma Hayes took a cautious approach after a flurry of injuries, but she has since played a key role in the club's dominance of the domestic game, winning eight trophies already.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  That has translated onto the international stage now, too. James enjoyed a breakout tournament at the 2023 Women's World Cup, starring as the Lionesses reached the final. Her unique style not only catches the eye but also proves too much for most opponents to handle – and the young forward has now revealed the inspiration behind her dazzling play.

• WHAT JAMES SAID

  Asked how she has developed that style, James, who stars in Pepsi’s latest campaign ‘Refresh the Game’, uniting football legends of the past and present, said: "Growing up, it was always male players I looked up to. Ronaldinho and the other more technical players. I looked to learn from them but also, I always worked on ball control and body position to protect the ball. I’ve also talked before about working on my weaker foot when I was younger, with the blue sock/yellow sock that one of our coaches made us do. Now I don’t feel like I’ve really got a weaker foot."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  James was also asked which position on the pitch she would like to play if she had to swap with a team-mate. "Maybe the goalkeeper?" she replied. "Saving a penalty would feel pretty good."