By Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Leigh Sports Town
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Teenage footballers Lauren and Reece James took brother or sister rivalry to a brand-new level when they both scored – for Manchester United and Chelsea – within four days of each other.
Lauren, who turns 18 on Sunday, scored United’s first goal in the Women’s Super League on the way to a 2-0 win over competitors Liverpool.
Older sibling Reece, 19, picked up 2 helps and a goal on his Chelsea debut in the Carabao Cup win over Grimsby Town on Wednesday.
” Lauren has had excellent motivation from her bro today,” stated Manchester United Women manager Casey Stoney.
” She can be as good as she wishes to be. She was excellent [on Saturday] and I believe that was one of the hardest working performances I’ve seen from her.
” We need to be patient with her – not put too much pressure on her. Yes, she’s extremely composed, we know what she can do with the ball and I believe she is among the best in her age.”
Chelsea right-back Reece has actually made 12 looks for England Under-20 s and contributed to six objectives during his 45 appearances on loan at Wigan last season.
Supervisor Frank Lampard stated his performance midweek was “simply the start” of a bright future and added he was “going to be a huge gamer” for the club.
Striker Lauren has scored 15 objectives in 21 appearances for United after joining from Arsenal in July 2018.
