Since joining Chelsea in 2021, she has twice won the WSL and FA Cup with the club, and was awarded the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year for the 2022–2023 season.

On 29 October 2017, James became the second-youngest player in Arsenal's history to make their debut,[6] coming on in the 67th minute to replace Lisa Evans in a 2–0 win over Everton in the 2017–18 season.

[7] On 13 July 2018, it was announced that James would be part of the first professional Manchester United squad due to compete in the newly restructured 2018–19 FA Women's Championship.

The scholarship programme is to help young girls from minority backgrounds navigate the early stages of their football careers.

[33] James suffered a calf injury prior to Chelsea’s champions league match against FC Twente.

On 14 October 2017, she captained England during a 10–0 win over Latvia as part of 2018 UEFA Under-17 Championship qualification, scoring four goals.

[36] On 17 October, she scored a further two goals against Slovakia in a 6–0 victory,[37] helping the team to qualify for the final tournament, where England finished in fourth place.

[39] In July 2019, James was named in the England squad for the 2019 UEFA Under-19 Championship in Scotland,[40] and played in group stage matches against Germany, Spain, and Belgium.

[41] In November 2020, James received her first senior national team call-up as part of a 29-player training camp at St George's Park.

[42] James made her senior debut on 3 September 2022, coming on as a 79th minute substitute during England's 2023 World Cup qualification match against Austria.

[43] She scored her first international goal on 16 February 2023 during England's 4–0 victory against South Korea in the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup.

I am grateful to my Dad for all the time, effort and love that he has put into my football by coaching me in order that I reach the very best level.