James shortlisted for historic PFA player awards double

Lauren James has been at Chelsea since 2021

Lauren James is in contention to be named PFA women's player of the year as Chelsea and Manchester City players dominate the shortlist.

All six players are from the two Women's Super League sides, with James' selection meaning she could become first woman to win both the PFA Young Player of the Year and PFA Player of the Year awards.

The 22-year-old was on Monday named on the young player of the year shortlist, putting her in contention to win both categories in the same year.

Her team-mates Niamh Charles and Erin Cuthbert are on the six-person senior shortlist, along with the Manchester City trio of Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw.

James scored 13 goals in 16 games to help Chelsea win the Women's Super League.

The award winners will be announced on Tuesday, 20 August.

City's Bunny Shaw makes the shortlist after she finished last season as the league's top scorer with 22 goals - eight more than any other player.

Her team-mate Hemp, a four-time young player of the year, makes the senior shortlist for the first time after scoring 13 goals last term.

The third player on the shortlist, Hasegawa, is included after an impressive season in midfield for City and could become first-ever Japanese winner of the award.

Cuthbert's consistent performances in the Chelsea midfield as they won the title has been recognised by her fellow players as she makes the top six.

Finally, Chelsea captain Charles is included after playing every league game last season to lead the Blues to the title.