James describes herself as a “laid-back, chilled person” who enjoys the simple things in life like nice food and shopping.
If she wasn’t a footballer, she said she would have liked to have been a 200m runner.
Her playing style perhaps reflects her personality. She glides across the pitch effortlessly and is deceivingly fast.
“I’m always laid-back. Sometimes people say it comes across like I don’t care, but it’s just because of how chilled I am,” said James.
“Those who know me know I care and have passion, but I switch it on during football. It’s nice because when I’m not playing football I can relax and chill out.”
Being able to relax helped James deal with the pressure she experienced following her transfer from Manchester United to Chelsea.
“I try not to let pressure take over me,” she said. “The support network around me is good and [Chelsea manager] Emma Hayes keeps me level-headed as well.
“I’m still young, I still have a lot to learn and a lot to prove.”
At Manchester United, James scored the club’s first ever goal in the Women’s Super League and finished as their top scorer in the 2019-20 season with six goals in 12 appearances.
But after moving to Chelsea, she spent the majority of 2021-22 battling injuries and fighting for minutes on the pitch.
“I had that external noise asking why I wasn’t playing and wasn’t making the team,” said James.
“I knew Chelsea had a plan to get my health back to where it needed to be and they didn’t want to force me.
“It has proven this season that the patience has played a big part. It was obviously not nice to hear those things.
“I tried not to let it affect me but when you’re not on the pitch all you want to do is play. I guess it does take a while to get your rhythm back.
“There were moments last season where I played here and there but didn’t quite feel myself yet. I’m just happy to be back and enjoying my football again this year.”