England 2-0 Iceland: Returning Lioness proves why every coach in the world should fear her after ‘magical’ display at the City Ground, while Sarina Wiegman’s side shake off Arsenal-style roughhouse tactics to seal another victory

If you’re of the persuasion that there can be too much of a good thing, then perhaps Lauren James will change your mind.

Injury issues have perennially plagued the 24-year-old footballer’s career, including during the Euros, and she revealed last September that it had affected her ability to enjoy the success of lifting a trophy with her country in the summer.

The ankle injury that saw her limp off midway through the final against Spain continued into the new season, and she has appeared in just half of the WSL games so far this term. She has started six of those eight games for Chelsea in the top flight.

And yet, afternoons like this one at a sold-out City Ground showed why every coach holds their breath until James’ name is ticked off by medical staff as fit to play.

‘It’s been a long time since me and LJ played together – we know each other from Arsenal back in the day. I know what she’s capable of,’ said Taylor Hinds, who joined her on a successful day for the left flank.

‘Just give her the ball and let her do her magic.’

After a childhood spent playing the game in the cages of south-west London, James made this World Cup qualifier against a gritty, physical side look as though she was back inside those four-walled pitches having a knockabout with her older brothers.

‘Oh, lovely,’ an enthusiastic fan exclaimed in the crowd after a James step-over and no-look cross bent neatly into the box.

‘Oh, yes,’ another exclaimed a few seconds later as she backheeled her way out of a tight corner to find her neighbour, Taylor Hinds.

Based on the first 10 to 15 minutes of this game, it could have left one despairing that the so-called ‘ugly’ side of the game was creeping into the women’s game too. Iceland looked from the off as though their primary tactical preparation had been learning how to frustrate England.

Stall their momentum, knock them around a bit, buy a throw-in and launch it into the box.

Lauren Hemp was one of the early recipients of Iceland’s aggressive streak, having been sent sprawling to the turf after getting on the wrong side of her defender on the right flank.

In the melee, James picked up the ball for the first time on the left wing, dribbled through the crowd and floated a pass in for Alessia Russo to latch on to.

The Arsenal striker was unable to get enough purchase on the cross to guide it anywhere other than into the goalkeeper’s waiting hands, but it was a sign of what was to come.

Moments later, James repeated the act and aimed for Hemp, who came close, with only the woodwork standing between her header and the back of the net.

Finally, inevitably, James’ efforts paid off. After shrugging off her defender and making a circular, darting run around the back, James hung a looping ball into the area and her Chelsea team-mate Lucy Bronze rose highest, her header sending the Iceland net bulging.

From there, the momentum swung England’s way.

James continued to show flashes of her brilliance in the first half but began to fade midway through the second as she continues a meticulously planned return to full fitness. She came off for Chloe Kelly with 15 minutes of normal time remaining.

Three minutes later, with England needing the game to be put to bed, Georgia Stanway – who has been dazzling this international break – popped up with the second. Bronze was the assister this time, driving a cross into the penalty area which Stanway powered home to record her fourth goal involvement across the opening two World Cup qualifiers, adding to the two goals and assist she registered against Ukraine.

England have now taken a commanding lead in the group but, realistically, the next match will go some way towards deciding whether England or Spain – the world champions or the European champions – will take the automatic qualification spot for next year’s World Cup and who will be left facing two extra rounds of play-offs. 

The Wembley crowd will certainly do their part, as the City Ground did here today, in ensuring Alexia Putellas and Co are sent home with the same result as these teams’ last meeting.

Meanwhile, the only downside that could be argued about the return of James is the overabundance of wingers at Wiegman’s disposal, if such a thing exists. Jess Park moved into centre midfield and struggled to replicate the performances she produces at club level when cutting in from wide to affect the game – displays which have made her the player of the season so far for Manchester United.

How to fit the pair in together will, and should, be a headache for Wiegman based on their respective performances.

‘We’ve got some frightening attacking talent,’ Bronze said. ‘It’s hard to train against them for two weeks. LJ is a pretty special player – it’s nice to have her back in an England shirt.’

It certainly is.