England and Chelsea star Lauren James is carrying the support of staff and pupils from her Secondary school in Twickenham as she prepares to star in the World Cup.

Praise has been heaped on the player, who was at Twickenham School from 2013-2018, as the Lionesses complete their final preparations ahead of the tournament in Australia.

Lauren is something of a heroine to pupils at the school and there are pictures of her and a signed England shirt on the walls.

At the same time, there are hopes Lauren and her father, Nigel, who she credits for taking her to the top of the women's game and is a UEFA licensed football coach, will pay a visit after the tournament.

Lauren is something of a heroine to pupils at the school and there are pictures of her and a signed England shirt on the walls.

While Lauren, aged 21, now plays for champions Chelsea, she was scouted by Arsenal as a 13-year-old and trained with the boys' team before moving on to the women's first team at just 15.

She arrived at Chelsea - by way of a short period with Manchester United – in July 2021 – joining her older brother, Reece, at the club, who has many England and Champions League honours.

PE Teacher, Julie Johnson, said: "We are just proud she is getting to live out her dreams as she dedicated every inch of her soul to playing football at the highest level. She has earned every moment of her success and wish her luck on the big stage."

Deputy Headteacher, Sarah Bromly, said: "Lauren was a model student, worked hard, always tried her best, and was liked by all her peers. She was quietly unassuming, modest and kind.

"She rarely spoke about her football achievements but when asked, her face lit up the room with a huge smile.

"She was focused and had a dream which she was clearly determined to achieve. We are all immensely proud of Lauren and everything she has achieved.

"We wish her all the very best in the World Cup. Twickenham School will be cheering Lauren and all of the Lionesses on this Summer."

The head of Year 11, Chris Tabron, said: "Lauren was an extremely determined individual taking on board any feedback to improve her preparation and performance for both training and playing.

"Lauren coped extremely well with the demands of a very optimistic Arsenal FC whilst in school and she embraced the opportunity of going away to learn with an older England team knowing she may have no game playing time at all .

"Like any teenage she loved her football training wear and showing off her skills at school."

While Lauren, aged 21, now plays for champions Chelsea, she was scouted by Arsenal as a 13-year-old and trained with the boys' team before moving on to the women's first team at just 15.

Current students were also keen to pass on their best wishes. Dominik Slowiak, aged 13, said: "Lauren has showed me that everything is possible with hard work and application."

Yasmin Camara, 13, said: "Lauren has been an inspiration to us all. We are all very proud of her."

Jayce Arnold, 13, said: "Lauren has made me aspire to be the best I can be."

And Tommy Edghill, 13, sent a message, saying: "You are an inspiration to me and we wish you all the best for the World Cup. We will be cheering you on."

Twelve-year-old said the entire school is backing the player, adding: "Lauren makes us all proud to be Twickenham School students."

The Lionesses spent a lot of time training at The Lensbury, in Teddington, during the successful run to victory in the Euros last year.

The squad arrived in Queensland earlier this week and their first group game in the World Cup will be on Saturday, July 22.