Sarina Wiegman has dubbed Chelsea's Lauren James as a "big, big talent" after the winger played an instrumental role in helping England to retain the Arnold Clark Cup.
The Lionesses thumped Belgium 6-1 at Bristol's Ashton Gate on Wednesday night to make it three wins from three in this year's tournament. A stunning piece of skill from James led to England's opener; Chloe Kelly bundling the ball home before adding to her tally in the second half to claim the competition's Golden Boot.
Captain Leah Williamson also bagged a brace, with Lucy Bronze on target and midfielder Julie Biesmans diverting the ball into her own net to further compound Belgium's misery. While not on the scoresheet, James stole the show with another electrifying display down the right flank and was subsequently named Player of the Tournament, having already impressed against South Korea and Belgium.
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But while Wiegman has been delighted with James' eye-catching form, she also believes there is plenty more to come from the Chelsea star.
"She is getting there," the England boss told ITV Sport. "But I think there is a lot more to come from her. We've said it throughout this week a number of times.
"But she is a big, big talent. She is very powerful on the ball, tight on the ball and she has the speed.
"She needs to get a little fitter so she can keep up her level for 90 minutes, but she is getting there. I just hope she keeps enjoying herself and can keep playing as good as she is now."
Wiegman also heaped praise on the prolific Chloe Kelly. The Manchester City forward had only netted twice for the Lionesses before 2023, one of which was her winning goal in the Euro 2022 final. But Kelly scored three times this week to help fire England to victory.
"She is in good form," Wiegman said. "She is very dangerous in the final third and scored two goals, that is good for the team but good for her.
"She has done very well. You see so much joy in this team and that is what you see with her too."
Wednesday's win means England are now 29 games unbeaten under their Dutch manager. But Wiegman thinks her side can still improve ahead of this summer's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
"I think we're in a good place," she added. The competition in a team is really, really high. You hear us saying it all the time, but it is so true, it is really tight. We still have five months to go but the games were good.
"Moving forward we know we have to step up more because the opponents in the World Cup will be even better."
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