Is Lauren James related to star Reece James, with the young forward set to play a key role for England and Chelsea in years to come

England star Lauren James looks set to be a star for years to come for both club and country.

The 21-year-old plies her trade with Women's Super League side Chelsea and was a big part of the side that won the league title in 2023.

James scored nine goals in all competitions last season, helping the side finish one point above Arsenal.

The forward has already received 11 caps for England, making her international debut in 2022.

But is Lauren related to Reece James? Mail Sport provides the answers below.

Is Lauren James related to Reece James?

Lauren and Reece James are both brother and sister.

Lauren is the youngest of the two, as she was born in 2001, while Reece was born two years earlier.

The pair both play for Chelsea, but Lauren made her professional debut for Arsenal in 2017.

She would then move to Manchester United in 2018 and would spend three years at the club.

Reece, on the other hand, has spent most of his career at Chelsea. The defender had a brief spell at Wigan Athletic in 2018 before making his senior Blues debut in 2019.

What's been said on their relationship?

Lauren revealed to England's official website that she has a strong relationship with older brother Reece.

'From the outside, it is a bit like 'wow' [having a brother and sister both playing at the highest level], 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,' she said.

'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.'

Reece revealed that he is happy that his sister is playing for the same country and club.

'It is great [to both be playing for Chelsea and in contention for an England place],' he said.

'It is what I want to do and also what she wants to do. We both support Chelsea and I am happy for her.

'She was obviously at Arsenal and Manchester United, so when she had the chance to come home, she wanted it and she is happy to be back home.'