England defender Lucy Bronze says she can help keep Lauren James’ “feet on the ground” and has formed a strong bond with the Chelsea star.
James, 21, has been one of the standout performers at the Women’s World Cup, producing a stunning performance in the 6-1 win over China on Tuesday.
She has three goals and three assists in as many games and manager Sarina Wiegman said she did “special things”.
“We have formed a bond. We are in similar situations,” said Bronze.
“I was thrust into the limelight in a different way, but I can help give her advice. I can help keep her feet on the ground, but she is good at that anyway.
“She’s someone, like myself, who gets misinterpreted a little bit by other players or the media because she hasn’t always got a smile on her face.
“When she came into her first camp she was already asking me a lot of questions about things that other players didn’t ask.
“She reminds me so much of myself when I was younger. She is shy, but she believes in herself a lot.”